Separated from mainland Australia by the tumultuous waters of Bass Strait, and with absolutely nothing between Cockle Creek and Antarctica, Tasmania is inextricably linked to Australia’s maritime history.
We don’t even give a thought to navigation these days, with Google Maps and other online resources at our fingertips – yet in Australia’s earliest days of colonial discovery, Van Diemen’s Land and its surrounding waters were a place of intriguing mystery.
The circumnavigation of Tasmania in 1798 by George Bass and Matthew Flinders was one of many pivotal moment in our maritime history, and a visit to the Bass & Flinders Maritime Museum is an absolute must for your Tassie road trip!
Located on the banks of the Tamar Valley in historic George Town, this laid-back museum brings tales-of-the-sea to life with one of the state’s richest maritime collections.
Explore life on the sea through iconic vessels such as the replica sloop Norfolk – sailed by Bass and Flinders on that iconic journey – James Kelly’s whaleboat Elizabeth used to chart Tasmania’s rugged west coast back in 1815, and The Admiral, a stunning Huon Pine eight-oared ferry from 1856 – plus fascinating maps, logbooks, paintings, photos and journals that chart Tasmania’s seafaring past.
A self-guided experience is a great option, but just about every Lapper I speak with who has visited the museum tells me the same thing, “You’ve got to do a guided tour!”
Special Offer for Lappers!
Lappers SAVE 15% on guided tours of the Bass & Flinders Maritime Museum – just mention the Lap of Tasmania when making your booking online, or upon arrival at the museum to claim this special offer.
Their local guides are incredibly friendly, passionate and knowledgeable, and they love sharing tales of how these boats came to George Town and their place in Tasmania’s fascinating history.
The museum is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 4 pm, so you can easily squeeze it into your road trip itinerary.
Tickets are very affordable and family-friendly, with concessions for kids and students, making it a great stop for families, couples and solo adventurers alike!
“Just brilliant! If you like history, boats and all things maritime – don’t miss this place. Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and go out of their way to help in anyway they can.”
– Julie M
“The museum is a credit to everyone involved and the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable.
The replica of the sloop Norfolk is just an amazing piece of craftsmanship!”
– Andy M
“Our kids loved this place and our guide was very patient and knowledgeable.”
– Vivian Y
It is the friendly staff and volunteers who really make your day though, and you’ll be pleased to hear there is plenty more on offer nearby to make a full day of it, including Low Head and its sunset penguin tours, the world-class wineries of Pipers Brook, and the gorgeous sandy shores of East Beach and beyond.
Bass & Flinders Maritime Museum is an absolute gem of an attraction that flies under the radar for so many visitors to Tasmania. Even those who don’t know a lot about boats or sailing will come away with a newfound appreciation for the explorers of yesteryear, and the historic voyages that made Tasmania what it is today.
Drop by their website to learn more about this fun attraction in the Tamar Valley, and to book your guided tour!
Special Offer: SAVE 15% on guided tours
How to Claim: Mention the Lap of Tasmania
