Maritime Museum Tasmania

23/06/2026

The Wooden Boat Centre in Franklin are doing fantastic work keeping traditional boatbuilding skills alive 🩵

23/06/2026

How did the area Tinderbox get its name?

One possible clue is small enough to sit in the palm of your hand.

In the Museum collection is a tiny silver tinderbox found on the beach there by Captain Joshua Fergusson after his arrival in Van Diemen’s Land in 1817. Fergusson later named his house, farm and the bay where he found it “Tinderbox”.

For years, the story passed down through the family linked the object to French voyages of discovery. But research into the box’s markings, materials and local whaling activity suggests the real story may be more complicated.

Learn more in the latest issue of the Maritime Times, here: https://www.maritimetas.org/heritage/maritime-times

21/06/2026

This August, Maritime Museum Tasmania presents 'Antarctica is Melting', a powerful exhibition of black and white photography by Australian wilderness photographer David Neilson.

Drawn from six journeys to Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic between 1990 and 2009, Neilson’s photographs capture ice, rock, sea and sky in one of the world’s most remote regions.

For Hobart, Antarctica isn’t simply a distant continent. It’s part of the city’s maritime identity, connected through vessels, research, institutions and the working waterfront.

The exhibition invites visitors to spend time with the beauty of the Antarctic landscape, while also reflecting on the urgency of climate change in a region often imagined as untouched.

Antarctica is Melting is on display from August 7, 2026.

image: Emperor penguins and chick © David Neilson

19/06/2026

For World Albatross Day, we’re sharing this wonderfully odd photograph of an albatross specimen onboard the Barque Kassa, helpfully marked '12 ft' so no one could miss the main point: albatrosses are very, very large birds with an enormous wingspan.

Albatrosses have always loomed large in maritime life, both in sailors’ stories and in the real, windy world of long ocean passages. Today, they’re also a reminder of the wildlife that shares our seas, and how important it is to protect it.

18/06/2026

We’re proud to stock Big Fish, a Tasmanian-made card game that brings together local science, creativity and a love of the water.

Developed by a team from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania, Big Fish is all about fishing, marine life and looking after the places we fish. Players catch fish, release fish, respond to events and make choices about how to keep their fishing spot healthy.

The game was led by Matt Testoni, Asta Audzijonyte and Amy Coghlan, with input from researchers, naturalists, students, anglers, divers and game enthusiasts. It also features photography and design by Matt Testoni, original artwork by Amy Coghlan, and design by Stacey McCormack from Visual Knowledge.

For anyone interested in fishing, the ocean, games, science, or a good gift with a local flavour, Big Fish is well worth a look!

15/06/2026

As Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC concludes her service as Governor of Tasmania today, the Maritime Museum of Tasmania extends our sincere thanks for her support as our Patron.

These photos were taken during Her Excellency’s visit to the Museum in August 2023, a visit we remember with great appreciation.

We wish Her Excellency and Professor Chalmers all the very best, and look forward to welcoming Tasmania’s new Governor, Caroline Wells.

12/06/2026

Drop into our giftshop to discover the range of Malano Australia we're now stocking!

11/06/2026

What a treat to see a chilly Hobart port come alive during Dark M**o.

Adding to the atmosphere this year is the new Spirit of Tasmania, opening tonight as a unique floating exhibition space as part of Dark Park.

Hobart’s historic waterfront is a living, changing place that continues to bring people together, we love to see it!

Will you be heading down to the docks to take part in the festivities?

09/06/2026

Did you miss Rex Cox's talk on wartime photography last week? Don't worry, we recorded it, and you can watch it on YouTube here:

Please enjoy this Lunchtime Talk with Rex Cox, exploring Hobart’s w...