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James Cameron -
CHALLENGING THE DEEP
Recommended for all ages
About
Immerse yourself in an underwater world in an exhibition that traces explorer and filmmaker James Cameron's passion for deep ocean science, technology and exploration, including material on his record-breaking dive to the bottom of the planet in the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER, the submersible he co-designed and co-engineered.
For the first time in Queensland, experience how James Cameron's passion for understanding and exploring the ocean has shone a light on one of the most important and least explored parts of the Earth. The exhibition immerses you in an underwater environment using cinema-scale projections, artifacts and specimens from his expeditions.
Explore the spectacular and mysterious abyss and discover the shipwrecks of Titanic and the German battleship Bismarck. See artifacts from the design and construction of the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER, which was built to withstand water pressure of 110,000 kPa.
Learn about how technologies pioneered by Cameron for underwater recording, lighting, communication and diving are employed both in his exploration and in his filmmaking. You’ll also see Cameron's underwater director’s helmet from The Abyss, Sam Worthington's Avatar performance capture head-rig, and filming miniatures, hand props and costume from Titanic, including the iconic 'Heart of the Ocean' necklace.
Discover the world of a man driven to explore and meet the challenges of the deep.
James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP is a travelling exhibition produced by the Australian National Maritime Museum, in association with the Avatar Alliance Foundation.
Competition
Dive into adventure with James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP at Queensland Museum Tropics and win a tropical escape to Townsville!
Buy your tickets online before Friday 4 April 2025 to go into the draw for a chance to win a holiday package for two. The prize includes:
- Return airfares flights for you and a friend from your nearest capital city
- Two night’s accommodation and dining voucher at 5 star ARDO Hotel, Townsville
- VIP museum experience including private curator tour of James Cameron - CHALLENGING THE DEEP, as well as the behind-the-scenes of the State Maritime Archaeology and Biodiversity Collections held at Queensland Museum Tropics
- Return Sealink Ferry Tickets and a Magnetic Island adventure activity
This competition runs between Monday 10 March – Friday 4 April 2025.The winner will be drawn Monday 7 April 2025 and notified by phone or email by Wednesday 9 April 2025.
Make sure you book your tickets early, good luck!
Read the competition Terms and Conditions.
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Dive deeper into the James Cameron - Challenging the Deep exhibition with our exciting program of events designed to enhance your museum experience.
Subscribe to stay up to date on when new events and programs are released.
In the Spotlight: Onboard Playpus I
The Platypus I was Australia's very first mini-submarine, designed and made in Sydney. Hear Dr. Terry Done’s story of how this vessel redefined coral science and adventure in the 1980’s.
In the Spotlight: Secrets of SS Yongala
A year before RMS Titanic, disaster struck closer to home with the disappearance of the SS Yongala off the coast of Ayr. Join Maritime Archaeologist Toni Massey as she dives into the secret life of shipwrecks and what they reveal to us.
Collections Uncovered at the Museum
As part of our 25th birthday celebrations, Queensland Museum Tropics, Townsville will be running a series of intimate and exclusive tours of different collections and research areas.
“My problem is I’m curious and I need to go see for myself. I’ve seen some pretty astonishing things in the depths, things that fill your soul with wonder.” – James Cameron
Dive into adventure.
Immerse your class in an underwater world that traces the life-long dream of filmmaker James Cameron exploring the deep ocean. Explore the four subthemes of Pioneer, Innovator, Catalyst and Explorer as your students chart their own journey through cinema-scale projections, artefacts, plans, models, specimens and original movie props and costumes to take them on a unique journey that gives insight not only into Cameron’s dedication, skill and spirit of exploration, but also in the fragile and fascinating world of earth’s oceans.
Explore the dark and mysterious abyss, visit the wreck of RMS Titanic, uncover new evidence about the sinking of the WWII German battleship Bismark, see fascinating specimens from the deep ocean, learn how DEEPSEA CHALLENGER was designed and built to withstand water pressure of 1.2 tonnes per square centimetre, and meet the expert team involved on its journey to the deep.
Resources
James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP created and produced by the USA Programs of the Australian National Maritime Museum in association with Avatar Alliance Foundation, supported by the USA Bicentennial Gift Fund and has an accompanying Teachers Resource Guide available to complement the exhibition and provide suggestions for pre, and post-visit activities.
Download your Teacher Resource Guide Here
Bookings
Bookings are essential for all school and children’s group visits. We recommend you book as far in advance as possible to secure your preferred visit date and time.
A discounted ticket price of $10 per student is available for the following Self-Led group bookings:
- School Group (prep – Year 12) – 10+ students
- Children’s Group (children aged 3 – 15 years) – 10+ children
School’s experiencing socio-educational disadvantage (ICSEA below 1000) can book discounted exhibition tickets.
Our team also offers a paid Facilitated Introduction option to enhance your group’s visit to the exhibition. Please reach out to learning.mtq@qm.qld.gov.au to find out more.
Free visit for teachers
We invite teachers, early years educators and group supervisors to preview the museum prior to your visit to plan and prepare for your group’s learning experiences. As this exhibition is ticketed, entry fees apply for family members and accompanying guests. Email learning.mtq@qm.qld.gov.au to arrange your free visit.
Bundle Tickets
Deep Dive Trio Pass
Make a day of it! Purchase a ticket to a talk, a tour experience, and the exhibition for only $60 per adult!
- Choose an In the Spotlight talk series ticket. Deep dive into the fascinating world of deep-sea exploration with this unique series of talks highlighting science, research and technology. Talks released: In the Spotlight: Onboard Platypus I and, In the Spotlight: Secrets of SS Yongala.
- Book in for an exclusive Collections Uncovered tour! These small-group tours are expertly guided by our Collections and Research team, and each will explore a different specialty of the Queensland Museum Tropics collection.
- Secure your exhibition ticket
All for only $60 per adult
Your Deep Dive day at the Museum could look like this!
| 11am | Be inspired on the exclusive Collections Uncovered tour experience |
| 12noon | Enjoy a lovely lunch at the Galley Café |
| 1pm | Grab a seat at the In the Spotlight Talk |
| 2pm – 3:30pm | Explore James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP exhibition |
| 3:30pm – 4pm | Check out the Museum Shop |
Want even more?
Double Talk and Discovery PassPurchase tickets to 2 In the Spotlight series talks and receive a discounted exhibition ticket*.
All for only $40 per adult
Double Tour and Treasure Pass
Purchase tickets to 2 unique back-of-house Collections Uncovered tour experiences and receive a discounted exhibition ticket*.
All for only $85 per adult
Infinite Ocean Adventure
Give me everything you've got! Purchase a ticket to 2 talks and 2 tours and receive your exhibition ticket for FREE*.
Just $110 per adult
James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP Season Passes
Season Passes are strictly limited, get yours before they sell out!
Inclusions:
- Unlimited entry to James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP
Season Pass holders do not need to book specific entry times – simply visit the museum with your Season Pass ready to show at the exhibition entry.
Please note, during peak periods, there may be a short queue and wait times before entry.
Season Passes do not include entry to special events including In the Spotlight or Collections Uncovered experiences. Tickets for these events must be purchased separately.
Season Passes are not transferrable and are strictly available to be used by the purchaser and nominated family members.
Book your Bundle or Season Pass
Season Pass Prices
| Season Pass Adult | $41 |
| Season Pass Concession | $31 |
| Season Pass Child | $31 |
| Season Pass Family of 4 | $119 |
James Cameron is an acclaimed film-maker and explorer. As director, writer and producer he is responsible for some of the most memorable films of the past three decades: THE TERMINATOR, ALIENS, THE ABYSS, TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY, TRUE LIES, TITANIC, and AVATAR.
Cameron has been an avid scuba diver since 1969, logging over 3000 hours underwater. In 1995, Cameron made 12 manned-submersible dives to the Titanic wreck in preparation for his feature film, using new camera and lighting technology designed for that expedition. The expedition fueled his desire to turn to documentary filmmaking, and he formed Earthship Productions to develop films about ocean exploration and conservation.
In 2012, Cameron led his eighth deep ocean expedition. His engineering team had previously spent seven years building a unique manned submersible, the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER, which he co-designed with Ron Allum. During sea trials in the New Britain Trench off Papua New Guinea Cameron dove solo to 5 miles (8 km) depth, imaging and sampling new organisms in the previously unexplored trench. On March 26 Cameron made a record-breaking solo dive to the earth’s deepest point, piloting the sub 7 miles (11 kilometers) to the bottom of the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench. The expedition included biologists and geologists, and the samples and images collected are shedding unprecedented light on the virtually unknown habitats of the New Britain Trench, Challenger Deep and Sirena Deep. 68 new species were discovered, including the world’s deepest bacterial mats living off of serpentinization at 35,500’ depth in the Sirena Deep.
He is also passionately involved in sustainability issues, having founded the Avatar Alliance Foundation. He and his wife, Suzy Amis Cameron, also founded the Plant Power Task Force to promote awareness of the impact of animal agriculture on the environment.1 of 3
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