Maritime Museum of Tasmania

The Maritime Museum of Tasmania offers insight into Tasmania’s long and rich maritime history. From the early explorers and whalers to the development of modern shipbuilding and fishing industries, the museum traces the many ways in which the sea has shaped the island’s culture, economy and identity. It provides an in-depth look at the role of the sea in Tasmanian life, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in understanding the state’s past.

Established in 1974, the museum is dedicated to preserving Tasmania’s maritime heritage, showcasing the stories of those who sailed its waters and built ships along its shores. From the earliest days of European exploration, Tasmania’s position as an island made maritime skills essential for survival and trade.

The museum’s collection reflects the many layers of Tasmania’s maritime past, from the perilous journeys of explorers like Abel Tasman, who first sighted the island in 1642, to the convict ships that transported thousands of prisoners to Van Diemen’s Land. There are also exhibits about the whaling and sealing industries that once thrived in the region. These industries were key economic drivers in the 19th century but had significant impacts on Tasmania’s environment and indigenous communities.

Tasmania’s maritime history is also tied to the migration of people from all corners of the world. Ships brought new settlers, goods and ideas, helping shape the island’s modern identity. The museum captures this transformation, highlighting the way seafaring has been a thread running through every chapter of Tasmania’s story.

What to see at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania

The Maritime Museum offers a range of exhibits designed to inform and engage visitors. On display are artefacts that span centuries, including ship models, navigational instruments and personal items belonging to sailors. The museum offers visitors a chance to see both large and small objects, each telling a part of Tasmania’s maritime tale.

One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of ship models, which range from large-scale representations of historic vessels to intricate models of Hobart’s fishing and whaling boats. These models give visitors a sense of the different types of vessels that have plied Tasmanian waters over the years.

The museum also houses a fascinating exhibit on Tasmania’s whaling history. In the 19th century, whaling was a major industry for the island, though it came at a great environmental cost. This section of the museum examines the rise and fall of the industry, offering insights into the techniques used by whalers and the lives of those who worked in the trade.

Another key exhibit focuses on the convict transport ships. The museum provides a window into the conditions on these ships, explaining how convicts endured long, difficult voyages and what awaited them upon arrival in Hobart.

The museum also highlights Tasmania’s shipbuilding history. Shipbuilding was an important industry in Tasmania during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and visitors can learn about the craftsmanship that went into constructing wooden ships. Tools and techniques from the time are on display, along with information about the various shipyards that dotted the island.

Finally, the museum has a collection of maritime paintings, charts and photographs that give a visual representation of Tasmania’s relationship with the sea. These works, combined with interactive displays and films, help bring the maritime history of Tasmania to life for visitors of all ages.

Visiting the Maritime Museum of Tasmania

The Maritime Museum of Tasmania is on Argyle Street near the waterfront. It is directly across the road from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and the Mawson Huts Replica Museum is just a two-minute walk away. The central location is also handy to other points of interest including Salamanca Place and Constitution Dock.

The museum is open daily and admission is $15.

Allow 1–1½ for your visit to the Maritime Museum of Tasmania.

We may earn a small commission if you book after clicking the links below.

16 Argyle Street, Hobart TAS 7000
Website www.maritimetas.org
Admission $15, concessions $12, students $6, children (under 12) free
Open 9am–5pm daily