Maritime Museum Tasmania — Attraction in Hobart

How we have managed to visit Hobart regularly for decades and not know about this incredible museum is beyond me! When in Hobart, do yourself a favour and visit this great place. I'm so glad we have finally found this museum. The Maritime Museum of Tasmania has been carefully thought out and the displays both upstairs and downstairs are nothing less than impressive. I think my favourite part of the museum was the Captain's quarter's in the corner upstairs - complete with vintage television and other furnishings and fittings of the era. The staff are particularly friendly and knowledgeable. They are more than happy to provide further information about the maritime history of Tasmania and beyond. Helping make sense and learning more about the Tasman Bridge disaster, for example, was just one of the ways they helped us navigate and fully appreciate this museum. You could easily spend half a day here. Don't miss the chance to visit when you are in Hobart. I also like the way in which you can be in the museum yet look out the window and see the world of modern maritime playing out in Constitution Dock. A very special place that should probably be visited and appreciated more than it currently is. Thanks so much for an exceptional and...

The Shiplovers' Society of Tasmania first began lobbying for a nautical room at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery as long ago as 1931. But it was not until 1972 that a group of six enthusiasts established an independent maritime museum. They pooled their private collections and these, along with donations from the Shiplovers’ Society, form the core of our collection today. Public contributions and donations allow us to continue to add to these original displays.

The first museum opened in 1974 in two rooms at the back of St George's Church in Battery Point. During 1983, the museum moved into historic Secheron House (1831), close to former Battery Point shipyards where many vessels have been built over the last two hundred years.

In 1999, the museum took its first steps towards becoming a major community resource and attraction for the twenty-first century, moving to the Carnegie Building, nearer to the city’s business centre and close to Constitution Dock and Sullivans Cove, the heart of maritime Hobart.

Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the redeveloped museum...

Disappointing and tiny for the entry price. As a Maritime history enthusiast I was looking forward to seeing the state and capitals own museum knowing full well the state was founded, and steeped, in maritime events. Yet, only the bottom level is available and, whilst informative with plenty of books and a few models, it is bare and could do with a lot more artifacts and features. One entire room is full of neat sketches but again, very barren and empty. I did read they are still completing exhibitions upstairs and figured it would be up and running by now, but it has been over a year in the making. The curators (I think?) looked bored and disinterested. When I asked about going upstairs one fellow informed me that it is a work in progress and that was the entire museum. I'll be honest. If you're heading to up to St Helens and love your naval history, call in to see Brian at Mainly Marine. For the same entry fee ($8) it is chock full of his own collections, models, maps, and memorabilia. And he is a very gracious host indeed. It really does put Tasmania's capital...