Maritime Museum Hobart

The Maritime Museum’s mission is to promote an understanding of the maritime heritage of Tasmania and its importance to people’s lives through conservation, interpretation and presentation of our maritime history to the community.

As an island state, the sea is significant to all Tasmanians. The Museum explores the influence of the sea on the lives of Tasmanians and the strong maritime heritage of the island.

The museum’s exhibitions are informative displays about aboriginal watercraft, early European explorers and whalers, and learn about how important sailing and steam ships were for developing Tasmanian industries. 

Discover these stories and more today on a voyage of discovery through Tasmania’s maritime past. 

Maritime Museum Tasmania History

Maritime Museum of Tasmania - Hobart and Beyond

As an island State, lutruwita/Tasmania has a rich maritime history. Nipaluna/Hobart, with one of the best harbours in the world, was Australia’s second port and from the early nineteenth century became a port of call for whaling and sealing ships and a centre for shipbuilding.

The Maritime Museum opened in December 1974 behind St George’s Church in Battery Point. It was known as the Mariner’s Church. Later, around 1983, the collection moved to Secheron House in Battery Point, which is a larger building.

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 centre and close to Constitution Dock and Sullivans Cove, the heart of maritime Hobart.

Exploring Tasmania’s Maritime Heritage

Visitors can discover stories of renowned explorers, admire the intricate workmanship of model ships, and explore the tales of courageous sailors who braved the elements. The exhibitions feature an array of artefacts, photographs, and artwork, vividly illustrating Tasmania’s maritime history.

Plan Your Visit

The Maritime Museum Tasmania is open from 9am to 5pm every day (except Christmas). This Hobart maritime museum is open to group visits. Visitors have the option to organise their own group visit or request a guide from them to assist in understanding the displays.

The museum’s knowledgeable volunteer guides are ready to uncover Tasmania’s maritime history, bringing the stories behind the fascinating objects and vessels to life.

For guided tours, it’s recommended to keep groups to around 20 people due to space limitations in the galleries. Larger groups can still be accommodated by dividing them.

Accessibility

Maritime Museum Tasmania is wheelchair accessible and is only a short distance from most city centre accommodation, Salamanca Place and Battery Point.  

  • Fully wheelchair accessible with ramps to the ground floor and a lift to the first floor Carnegie Gallery
  • Friendly volunteers available for assistance
  • Mobility vehicles and assistance dogs welcome
  • Accessible bathroom in the entrance foyer
  • Special assistance available for groups upon request
  • Complimentary access for carers with valid cards
  • There is coach parking available on Argyle Street

Address

16 Argyle Street, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia

Phone Number

Trending Posts