Test your skills as you captain our ship simulator! Included in your ticket price.
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Bass Strait Maritime Centre

4.5
·413 reviews·Devonport, Australia

Explore Tasmania's maritime past with detailed ship models, a thrilling simulator, and rich Aboriginal history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, simulator access

CrowdLow
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Test your skills as you captain our ship simulator! Included in your ticket price.

Bass Strait Maritime Centre

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, simulator access

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Tasmania's maritime past with detailed ship models, a thrilling simulator, and rich Aboriginal history.

4.5
(413 reviews)

"Absolutely brilliant with great displays and amazing historical information!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Simulator Fun for All Ages

The ship simulator is a blast! You might even beat it on the hardest difficulty .

👋 Friendly & Informative Staff

Staff are super welcoming and full of great historical info .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ship Models

Ship Models

Incredibly detailed and wicked ship models showcasing maritime history.

Computerized Sailing Simulator

Computerized Sailing Simulator

A thrilling and interactive simulator that lets you navigate the waters.

Aboriginal Room

Aboriginal Room

Fascinating exhibits on local Aboriginal history and traditional crafts.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Simulator

The ship simulator is a major draw, especially for kids. Arrive early or during off-peak hours to ensure you get a turn without a long wait. Some visitors found they had plenty of time on the simulator when the museum wasn't crowded.Reddit

Don't Miss the Aboriginal Room

Beyond the ship models and simulators, a unique highlight is the Aboriginal room, offering fascinating insights into traditional shell necklace making and local history.Reddit It's a well-regarded part of the museum experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, simulator access
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
More relaxed pace
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I can’t believe I got this on camera #ships #maritimehistory
@roberttolppi
823.6K likes • 11.6M views

🎯 Simulator Fun for All Ages

The ship simulator is a blast! You might even beat it on the hardest difficulty.Reddit

👋 Friendly & Informative Staff

Staff are super welcoming and full of great historical info.Reddit

I’m sorry but this museum was very underwhelming 😭🤣 but anything for my husband LOL
@deeeyumanggg
107.2K likes • 1.8M views
Follow for more inspo 🥰 This is the commuter ferry between downtown Auckland and Devonport ⛴️ Running usually every 30 mins depending on time of day. Check Google for sunset time and head out around then, then back for the city lights 🌅 It’s only $5.40 / adult with the Hop card or less if you’re a child / student etc ✔️ One of my favourite things to do in Auckland! For the best views 😍
@liliaalexander
42.1K likes • 550K views

☕ Remarkable Onsite Cafe

Outstanding and yummy food at the cafe, with welcoming staff too.Reddit

👻 Ghost Tours Available

Ask about the unique ghost/night tours through the Harbour Master's cottage.Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Simulator Fun for All Ages

The ship simulator is a blast! You might even beat it on the hardest difficulty.Reddit

👋 Friendly & Informative Staff

Staff are super welcoming and full of great historical info.Reddit

☕ Remarkable Onsite Cafe

Outstanding and yummy food at the cafe, with welcoming staff too.Reddit

👻 Ghost Tours Available

Ask about the unique ghost/night tours through the Harbour Master's cottage.Reddit

⏳ Allow a Few Hours

Highly recommend setting aside a few hours to explore everything.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(413 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Bass Strait Maritime Centre for its brilliant displays, detailed ship models, and fascinating historical information, especially within the Aboriginal room. The computerized sailing simulator is a major hit for all ages. The friendly and welcoming staff, along with the excellent onsite cafe, contribute to a highly positive and recommended experience.

"It's absolutely brilliant. Has great displays and amazing historical information. The models are wicked. Aboriginal room was awesome. So much info regarding how the shell necklace was made years ago. The simulator was a big hit.
There is nothing negative about this place. Well, we couldn't fault it. The staff are so friendly, warm and welcoming and full of info.
They have ghost/ night tour through the Harbour Master's cottage, which is all a part of the museum.
The Cafe just inside is just as remarkable. Food is outstanding and sooo yummy 😋. Staff are so welcoming.
Just drop on by
It's open 10-3, 7 days a week.

YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!"

Bev

"The museum itself isn’t that big but you still have plenty of room to explore. The staff were really friendly and helpful, gave me interesting information about the whole museum. The ship simulator was really fun, luckily there wasn’t many people around that time so I had plenty of time for myself 😂"

Asadullah Zafar

"very interesting exhibits that expanded what i know about our maritime history. the ship simulator was unexpected yet a blast to play (and beat on the hardest difficulty!)

worth the visit alongside the antique emporium on any trip to devonport!"

Ryan

What People Like

Detailed ship models
Interactive simulator
Informative Aboriginal room

What People Dislike

Museum size (not a negative, but noted)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Bass Strait Maritime Centre is located in Devonport. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's often visited alongside the antique emporium, suggesting it's accessible within the town center.Reddit If arriving by ferry, it's a short journey from the ferry terminal to the museum.

Information on dedicated parking is limited, but as it's a central attraction in Devonport, street parking or nearby public parking facilities are likely available. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The museum is open 7 days a week, typically from 10 AM to 3 PM.Reddit It's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead for any seasonal changes or public holiday hours.

Specific ticket prices are not detailed in the provided information. However, reviews suggest it's a worthwhile visit, implying reasonable admission fees. It's best to inquire directly or check their website for current pricing.

Information on online ticket purchasing is not readily available. Given the operating hours, purchasing tickets upon arrival is likely the standard method.

Yes, the museum offers a unique ghost/night tour through the Harbour Master's cottage, which is part of the museum experience.Reddit Inquire at the museum for details on scheduling and availability.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The center features brilliant displays of ship models, a computerized sailing simulator, and a notable Aboriginal room detailing local history and crafts like shell necklace making.Reddit+1

Absolutely! The ship simulator is a big hit with kids and offers an engaging experience for all ages.Reddit+1 Arriving early can help ensure shorter wait times.

Most visitors recommend setting aside a few hours to fully explore the exhibits and enjoy the simulator.Reddit The museum isn't overly large, but the content is rich.

While specific accessibility details are not provided, the museum is generally described as having plenty of room to explore.Reddit It's advisable to contact the center directly for detailed accessibility information.

The Aboriginal room is described as awesome and provides a lot of information, particularly on how shell necklaces were made years ago.Reddit It's a unique and highly appreciated part of the museum.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe located just inside the museum that is described as remarkable. Visitors rave about the outstanding and yummy food.Reddit

The cafe is praised for its outstanding food, suggesting a good variety of appealing options. The staff are also noted as being very welcoming.Reddit

Typically, museum cafes are accessible to the public, but it's best to confirm this with the Bass Strait Maritime Centre directly.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted in many museums, but it's wise to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.

The detailed ship models and the interactive sailing simulator offer great photographic opportunities. The Aboriginal room's unique displays also make for interesting shots.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Bass Strait Maritime Centre is a fantastic outing for families. The computerized sailing simulator is a huge hit, offering hours of fun and engagement for children.Reddit The museum also features plenty of other activities designed to keep younger visitors entertained and learning. The Aboriginal room provides an educational element that can spark curiosity about local culture and history.Reddit

With friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere, families can expect a relaxed and enjoyable visit. The onsite cafe also offers delicious food, making it easy to spend a good portion of the day here without any hassle. It's a great way to combine fun with learning about Tasmania's rich maritime heritage.

🚢 History Buffs

For those passionate about maritime history, the Bass Strait Maritime Centre offers a wealth of information and meticulously crafted displays. The detailed ship models are a particular highlight, showcasing the evolution of vessels that navigated these challenging waters.Reddit The historical information provided throughout the museum offers deep insights into the Bass Strait's significance and the stories of those who sailed it.Reddit

Beyond the ships, the Aboriginal room adds a crucial layer of historical context, exploring the long-standing human connection to the region. The Harbour Master's cottage and potential ghost tours also offer a unique glimpse into the past, appealing to those interested in local lore and historical residences.

✈️ Day-Trippers

If you're visiting Devonport for the day, the Bass Strait Maritime Centre is an excellent addition to your itinerary. It's easily accessible and offers a concentrated dose of local history and interactive fun.Reddit You can comfortably spend a couple of hours here, enjoying the detailed exhibits and the popular sailing simulator.Reddit

Combine your visit with a stop at the onsite cafe for a delightful lunch or coffee break.Reddit The museum's central location also makes it convenient to pair with other nearby attractions, ensuring a fulfilling day of exploration without feeling rushed.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thrill of the Sailing Simulator

One of the standout features at the Bass Strait Maritime Centre is its computerized sailing simulator. This interactive experience allows visitors to get a feel for navigating the waters, offering a dynamic and engaging way to connect with maritime history.Reddit It's particularly popular with younger visitors, but adults have also reported having a blast, with some even claiming to have beaten the simulator on its hardest difficulty.Reddit

To make the most of this attraction, it's recommended to visit during less crowded times, such as weekday mornings. This increases your chances of getting ample time on the simulator without a long wait. The simulator provides a unique blend of education and entertainment, making it a memorable part of the museum visit.Reddit

Beyond the Ships: Cultural Insights

While the Bass Strait Maritime Centre is renowned for its ship models and maritime artifacts, it also offers a significant cultural dimension. The Aboriginal room is a highlight, providing deep insights into the local Indigenous heritage. Visitors have specifically praised this section for its detailed information, particularly on traditional practices like the intricate art of shell necklace making.Reddit

This focus on Aboriginal culture adds a rich layer to the museum's narrative, moving beyond just seafaring history to encompass the broader human story of the region. It's a testament to the center's commitment to presenting a comprehensive picture of local heritage, making it a truly well-rounded and enriching experience for all visitors.Reddit

A Welcoming Atmosphere and Amenities

The Bass Strait Maritime Centre is consistently praised for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, largely attributed to its friendly and knowledgeable staff. Visitors frequently mention how helpful and informative the team is, enhancing the overall experience.Reddit+1 This personal touch makes exploring the exhibits even more enjoyable.

Adding to the positive experience is the onsite cafe, described as 'remarkable' with 'outstanding and yummy' food.Reddit It provides a perfect spot to relax and refuel after exploring the museum. The combination of engaging exhibits, a welcoming staff, and quality amenities like the cafe makes the Bass Strait Maritime Centre a highly recommended destination.Reddit

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