Bass Strait Maritime Museum

Bass Strait Maritime Museum A top maritime museum ... with a world-class shipping Simulator!
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Open 7 Days* (10-3pm)
Free Entry for 7310 Residents
Adult: $12 I Concessions: $10 I Child: $5 I Under 5's Free
Family (2 A+6 kids) $25
Discounts for tour groups Discover One of Australia's Most Captivating Maritime Museums! ⚓

🚢 Bass Strait Maritime Centre – home to Australia’s premier ship simulator, relaunched in September 2024!

📍 Located along Devonport’s stunning Mersey River foresh

ore, we bring to life the rich maritime and natural histories of Bass Strait alongside local Devonport heritage.

🌊 Immerse yourself in our superb collection of shipbuilders’ models and gripping tales of daring, resilience, and bravery, housed within the historic Harbour Master’s residence.

🎮 Test your skills as captain! Navigate the challenges of the Mersey River and Bass Strait with Australia’s newest ship simulator – included in your admission fee.

🛍️ Explore our delightful gift shop, featuring Tasmanian gifts, crafts, science toys, maritime books, and jewellery. Come aboard for an unforgettable maritime adventure! 🌊⚓

For on-line museum bookings, please visit: www.bassstraitmaritimecentre.com.au

Open 10-3pm daily. Closed Christmas Day, 25th December and Good Friday.
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For cafe bookings, please contact: MARION STORM CAFE (separate business)
For bookings please call: 0422 284 779 https://www.marionstorm.com.au

Looking to kill some time between games? We are open all weekend (closed Monday) between 10am -3pm. We hope you all have...
04/06/2026

Looking to kill some time between games? We are open all weekend (closed Monday) between 10am -3pm. We hope you all have fun and kick goals🙂

The steamship Orion sailed from Smithton for Melbourne at 7 pm on 6 May 1908 under the command of Captain Arthur Lloyd, ...
31/05/2026

The steamship Orion sailed from Smithton for Melbourne at 7 pm on 6 May 1908 under the command of Captain Arthur Lloyd, with eleven crew, fifteen passengers, and a cargo of general produce totalling an estimated 183 tons. That night a heavy westerly to south-westerly gale developed, which continued until the 8th, and when Orion had not arrived at Melbourne by the 11th, fears were held for her safety. Orion was last positively seen in Robbins Passage by Captain H.J. Emmett of the ketch Ariel, a short time after leaving Smithton. The Lady Loch expedition found nothing, but on her return voyage to Launceston on the 14th the Wybia came across a funnel ladder some 26 miles north-east of Tamar Heads, which was eventually identified as being from the missing Orion. It was concluded that the vessel had sunk off the Hunters or King Island, possibly after collision with a large sailing vessel, the former position being held by the subsequent inquiry despite evidence that she could well have been wrecked elsewhere. If you were after more information, please use the link below
https://environment.gov.au/shipwreck/public/wreck/wreck.do?key=7572

Foster Leek’s Teahouse and MuseumFoster Leek was born in Yorkshire in 1851Foster Leek set up the Mersey Bluff Tea Garden...
30/05/2026

Foster Leek’s Teahouse and Museum

Foster Leek was born in Yorkshire in 1851

Foster Leek set up the Mersey Bluff Tea Gardens and Museum in 1906. He built the tearoom from the wreck of the Amy Moir which was wrecked on the Bluff beach. He planted landscaped gardens, ponds with rare fish, birds in aviaries, and a model English village. Local artists contributed paintings. He had an extensive collection of historical artifacts and photographs.

The museum closed after his death in 1920. He and his wife were buried in the old Mersey Bluff Cemetery.

Lighthouse Mersey RiverThe Mersey Bluff Lighthouse was built in 1889 on the Bluff to the western side of the Mersey Rive...
30/05/2026

Lighthouse Mersey River

The Mersey Bluff Lighthouse was built in 1889 on the Bluff to the western side of the Mersey River mouth. Built of bricks on a stone base. It is 13m high with a distinctive vertical red striped day mark which is unusual in Australia and sets it apart from other lighthouses.

It replaced the Don River light. In 1910 the original kerosene lamp was converted to acetylene gas, and in 1920 it was de-manned and converted to DC electric operation. It was connected to mains power in 1978.

The establishment of the lighthouse ended a history of wrecks in this area.

Predating the formation of Devonport as a city, the lighthouse has stood for 135 years overseeing maritime development, the conversion from colonial rule to federation. It has withstood the test of time in fair weather and Bass Strait gales.

The original buildings at Mersey Bluff consisted of the tower, lightkeepers quarters, flagpole, signal shed and a tide house.

📢 Museum Closure NoticePlease note that the museum will be closed on Monday, 8th June, for the King's Birthday Public Ho...
30/05/2026

📢 Museum Closure Notice

Please note that the museum will be closed on Monday, 8th June, for the King's Birthday Public Holiday.

We will reopen during our regular operating hours on the following day. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable long weekend and look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Thank you for your understanding.

🚨 Back in stock now! 🚨 Ten Rogues book by Peter Grose has finally returned — but be quick, it’s already selling fast! 📚🔥...
17/05/2026

🚨 Back in stock now! 🚨

Ten Rogues book by Peter Grose has finally returned — but be quick, it’s already selling fast! 📚🔥

Don’t miss your chance to grab a copy before it disappears again.

17/05/2026

Sunday Read 📖

A boat built more than 200 years ago, uncovered beneath one of Sydney’s newest transport projects — and brought back to life by maritime archaeologists.
Discovered during construction at Barangaroo, this colonial‑era vessel is now being carefully restored by the Australian National Maritime Museum’s archaeology team, piece by piece offering a rare glimpse into the earliest days of life, trade and survival in the colony.

From preserved artefacts to bite‑marked bones, the site reveals everyday stories hidden beneath the harbour city we know today.

As National Archaeology Week begins, it’s a powerful reminder of how the past is never far beneath our feet — and the vital work our own museum archaeologists do to uncover and share it.
Read more : www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-15/archaeologists-restore-colonial-era-boat-found-in-barangaroo/106671290

Image: The remnants of a colonial-era boat were discovered during construction of the Barangaroo metro station in Sydney. (Supplied: NSW government)

🛡️ Military Bunkers in Devonport 🛡️Did you know Devonport holds a fascinating piece of Tasmania’s wartime history?During...
11/05/2026

🛡️ Military Bunkers in Devonport 🛡️

Did you know Devonport holds a fascinating piece of Tasmania’s wartime history?

During World War II, Civil Defence Force volunteers worked tirelessly to dig Air Raid Shelters across Devonport, helping protect residents from possible enemy attacks. These shelters could be found in backyards, schools, and public parks throughout Tasmania — a powerful reminder of the resilience, courage, and community spirit shown during uncertain times.

🌸 Mother’s Day at the Bass Strait Maritime Museum 🌸Looking for something different to do with Mum this Sunday?The Bass S...
09/05/2026

🌸 Mother’s Day at the Bass Strait Maritime Museum 🌸
Looking for something different to do with Mum this Sunday?
The Bass Strait Maritime Museum is OPEN on Mother’s Day from 10am–3pm.
Enjoy fascinating local maritime history, interactive displays, the ship simulator, and a relaxing visit by the waterfront. ⚓💙

Open 7 days • Devonport residents free entry with ID

Victoria Bridge Collapse Jan 31st 1924On Jan 31, 1924 the Victoria Bridge across the Mersey finally gave way after month...
09/05/2026

Victoria Bridge Collapse Jan 31st 1924

On Jan 31, 1924 the Victoria Bridge across the Mersey finally gave way after months of the Devonport residents claiming it was weak.
Townsfolk had to travel an extra 12 miles to cross the river in Latrobe until a new bridge was built.

The blame for the collapse? Teredo Worms, the 'termites of the sea' had eaten through the piles!

Address

6 Gloucester Avenue
Devonport, TAS
7310

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+61364202790

Website

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