Bass Strait Maritime Centre

The Bass Strait Maritime Centre in Devonport, Tasmania, has a rich history that dates back to the 1970s, when a group of enthusiasts were inspired by an exhibition of maritime memorabilia. The group, which included members of the Devon Historical Society, began the process of establishing a maritime museum in the town.

The first incarnation of the museum was the Tasmanian Maritime and Folk Museum, which was located at 26 Esplanade in East Devonport and officially opened in 1973 by then-Premier Eric Reece. However, the site proved to be unsuitable, and in 1980, the old Harbour Master’s House in Gloucester Avenue became available. The house, which had been built in the 1920s as a permanent residence for the Harbour Master, was a double brick “villa” built on a slight rise in a park about 200 metres from the shoreline and at the entrance to the Mersey River.

The Devonport Maritime Museum, as it was renamed, underwent a major renovation in 1996/97, and the Devonport Council’s engineer’s residence next to the museum was acquired to house historical records and materials. The renovations facilitated the better display of models and exhibits, the creation of the Naval Room, renovation of the Signal Station and Mast, and relocation to the grounds of the museum, as well as the establishment of the History Room to house the Devon Historical Society’s local history collection and extensive records.

In 1999, the Devonport Maritime Museum and Historical Society Inc. was formed following an amalgamation of the Devonport Maritime Museum and the Devon Historical Society. The new body became the custodian of the museum’s collections and continued to manage and develop the site.

In 2010, the Devonport Maritime Museum and Historical Society was wound up, and the collections passed to the Devonport City Council. The following year, the Devonport Maritime and Heritage Authority was established to oversee the development of the Bass Strait Maritime Centre. The Authority was made up of many of the volunteers who had given so much time and effort to the Devonport Maritime Museum and Historical Society.

The Bass Strait Maritime Centre opened in 2013, following a major extension to the existing Maritime Museum to accommodate the new gallery spaces. The former Harbour Master’s House was entirely renovated, and six new exhibition areas were created. The new building was designed to tell the stories of Bass Strait and Devonport, providing context for the collection of objects, models, and photographs from the former Devonport Maritime Museum.

Today, the Bass Strait Maritime Centre is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, providing a fascinating insight into the maritime history of Tasmania and the Bass Strait region. With its impressive collection of exhibits and engaging educational programs, the centre continues to be an important part of the community, managed by a dedicated group of volunteers and overseen by the Devonport City Council.

Location:

6 Gloucester Avenue, Devonport, TAS, 7310