BASS STRAIT MARITIME CENTRE

Explore the rich maritime history of Devonport and the Mersey River at the Bass Strait Maritime Centre. The Centre is located in the 1920s Harbour Master’s residence, as well as the modern extension that was opened in 2013.

The Centre has exhibitions about the early exploration of Bass Strait and the northern Tasmanian coast, the hundreds of shipwrecks in the strait and Devonport’s long role in providing a vital sea link to the Australian mainland. The Navy Room commemorates four heroic RAN sailors and the local impact of World War II.

A highlight of a visit is the life size steamer bridge where visitors can take the helm and attempt to enter the Mersey.

The Julie Burgess ketch is owned and sailed by the Centre. Visitors can book to join two hour voyages on Wednesday and Sunday. The ketch is moored at Reg Hope Park, East Devonport. The Julie Burgess was a crayfish boat built in Launceston and launched in 1936 that worked Bass Strait and transported the catch to market in Victoria.