The Maritime Museum of Tasmania

Dedicated to the preservation and presentation of

Tasmania’s rich maritime heritage for all time,

a visit to the Maritime Museum of Tasmania

is not to be missed.

Tasmania’s rich maritime heritage is reflected in the Museum’s collection where historic items, paintings and ships models combine with interesting display panels to unfold a series of fascinating stories.

These include the exploits of early explorers, the whaling industry, stories of trading barges and ferries  in the everyday life of days now gone, and the central role of sailing ships and steam ships in the export of apples, minerals and timber.

Ship building, navigational instruments, shipwrecks, historic dinghies and the proud story of Tasmania’s role in Naval warfare are prominent. 

Operated almost entirely on a voluntary basis, the Museum is keen to attract new members and donors.  Preserving and presenting Tasmania's maritime heritage is a rewarding way to contribute to the community.

Exploring the Southland: Tasmania emerges from Terra Australis Incognita

This excellent new book written by Libby and John McMahon has recently been published by the Maritime Museum of Tasmania and is now available in our bookshop for $29.95.

Exploring the South Land is a celebration of the mapmaker's art - commencing with the 1606 voyage of Captain Willem Janszoon, the first European to chart part of the unknown southern continent. This book documents, by means of a sequence of historical maps, the emergence of knowledge over 400 years from the time that navigators began probing south in search of Terra Australis Incognita until the modern outlines of Australia and Tasmania were determined.  

  Carnegie Building

Corner Davey & Argyle Streets

Hobart, Tasmania