Bass Strait Maritime Centre

Top choice in Tasmania


Housed in the former harbour master’s residence (c 1920), this small but impressive museum is home to displays about the maritime history of Bass Strait and Devonport. Its large collection of ship and ferry models is impressive, but the knockout exhibit is the interactive simulator ($2) that allows museum-goers to steer (or crash) a steamer into the Mersey River docks.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tasmania attractions

1. Mersey Bluff Beach

0.37 MILES

The town's main beach is patrolled during summer. Public toilets, change rooms, electric BBQs and an excellent children's playground are close by.

2. Mersey Bluff

0.63 MILES

Lighthouse-topped Mersey Bluff is Devonport's most striking natural feature. The Tiagarra Centre (Australia’s second-oldest Aboriginal keeping place) atop…

3. Back Beach

0.7 MILES

Accessed via Coles Beach Road, located to the west of Bluff Beach, this beach is quieter than nearby Mersey Bluff Beach but it isn't patrolled.

4. Devonport Regional Gallery

0.74 MILES

Spread over two levels in the Paranaple Arts Centre, this gallery houses changing exhibits of local work as well as the excellent biannual (odd-numbered…

5. Coles Beach

1.15 MILES

A popular – though not patrolled – swimming beach. There are public toilets, an electric BBQ, picnic shelters and an outdoor shower nearby.

6. Home Hill

2 MILES

This relatively modest house set in a pretty garden was the residence of Joseph Lyons, Australia's only Tasmanian prime minister, and his wife Dame Enid…

7. Don River Railway

2.58 MILES

You don’t have to be a trainspotter to love this collection of locomotives and brightly painted rolling stock. The entry price includes a half-hour train…

8. House of Anvers

4.62 MILES

Fudge and truffle, milk and dark – every taste is catered for at this chocolate factory just out of town. Visitors can watch chocolates being made …