Maritime Museum Tasmania

02/06/2026

On Friday night we welcomed a full house for the launch of John Burgess's book about his father Captain RJ 'Dick' Burgess: 'Reflections on a Timeless Sea'.

Drawing on a lifetime spent on and around the water, the book shares stories, memories and reflections from a live lived on the sea. Guests enjoyed hearing John speak about the inspiration behind the book before staying on to chat, purchase copies and have them signed.

We are grateful to John for choosing the Maritime Museum as the venue for his launch, and to everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success.

Copies of 'Reflections on a Timeless Sea' are available in our Museum bookshop.

📸 Tom Dawkins Photography

01/06/2026

The latest issue of Maritime Times Tasmania is now available!

In this winter issue, we look at some fascinating new acquisitions, including a migrant voyage travel case linked to the Orient Line steamer Orontes, a personal collection from master mariner Captain Digby Longhurst, and a CSIRO Argo robotic float now on display in the Museum’s new Hobart: Port City exhibition.

This issue also features the story of the small silver tinderbox that gave Tinderbox Bay its name, Raymond Arnold’s powerful etchings of the Cataraqui shipwreck, and a detailed account of the wartime sinking of Japanese submarine I-124 off Darwin.

Closer to home, we share updates from the St Helens History Room, Westward’s ANZAC Day commemorative sail, Mission to Seafarers Australia's work in Hobart, and TasPorts have given us the latest on the Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment, including a new home berth for RSV Nuyina.

Read online here: https://publuu.com/flip-book/820923/2487640

01/06/2026

We've still got a few seats left for Rex Cox's free Lunchtime Talk tomorrow at noon, snap them up before they're gone!

Join us for our June Lunchtime Talk as we welcome maritime photographer and long-time Museum volunteer, Rex Cox.

29/05/2026

We’re looking forward to welcoming a full house tonight for the sold-out book launch of John Burgess’s ‘Reflections on a Timeless Sea’ at the Maritime Museum.

Drawing on family diaries, memories and artwork, the book captures a remarkable chapter of Bass Strait maritime life through the experiences of master mariner Captain RJ “Dick” Burgess and artist Deda Burgess aboard the ketch Julie Burgess.

Thank you to everyone who booked tickets. It’s shaping up to be a very special evening celebrating Tasmania’s maritime history and the stories carried across generations.

Copies of ‘Reflections on a Timeless Sea’ will be available for sale in our Museum bookstore from tomorrow.

28/05/2026

Install day! We’ve dug some hidden treasures out of the archives - some of these pieces have never been on display 🖼️ 👀

25/05/2026

Some traditions are worth preserving. In Tasmania, wooden boat building is one of them.

Since the earliest days of European settlement, this island has been at the heart of Australian boat building, shaped by one remarkable timber: Huon Pine.

Our new display brings that story to life. At its centre sits a beautifully crafted dinghy built in 2014 by Ned Trewartha to a design by renowned Battery Point shipwright Bill Foster. Alongside it, a seven-planked Piners Punt model and a painting of the tall ship Alma Doepel, whose bulkheads and deckhouse were built from 2,000-year-old Huon Pine recovered from fallen trees along the Gordon River.

It's a display about craftsmanship, endurance and Tasmania's deep connection to the water. Come in and have a look.

20/05/2026

Limited tickets are still available for the launch of 'Reflections on a Timeless Sea' at Maritime Museum Tasmania.

Written and edited by Professor John Burgess, this new book draws on family history, personal diaries and artwork to tell the story of Captain RJ “Dick” Burgess, a Bass Strait Master Mariner whose working life carried him through the island communities and seafaring world of Tasmania’s north.

The launch will explore a significant part of Tasmania’s maritime history, from working vessels and shipwrecks to island life, family memory and the realities of making a living in the Roaring Forties.

Friday 29 May 2026
5:30pm to 7:30pm
Maritime Museum Tasmania, 16 Argyle Street, Hobart
Tickets $10

Book now via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1987802355355?aff=oddtdtcreator

19/05/2026

Could this be your year to volunteer?

This National Volunteer Week, we're celebrating the wonderful people who give their time, skills and energy to the Maritime Museum, and we'd love to welcome more aboard.

Our volunteers make a real difference in all kinds of ways, from greeting visitors and supporting events to caring for historic vessels, assisting with research and sharing Tasmania's maritime stories.

If you've ever thought about getting involved, maybe 2026 is your year!⚓

18/05/2026

On Friday evening we welcomed Alexandria Burnham to the Maritime Museum for a sold-out author event celebrating her novel, 'Swallow'.

It was a full house, with Ally and her husband Nate sharing the research, real events and maritime history behind the book. Their acting background helped the audience become fully immersed in the readings, bringing the characters and story sharply into the room.

After the talk, the book signing queue made it clear just how strongly the evening had resonated with the audience!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a fun evening, and to our Museum volunteers who helped make the night run smoothly. Thanks also to Tom Dawkins for the event photography.