Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum - Australian Antarctic ice breaker, Aurora Australis, dockside in Hobart, Tasmania.
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Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum

4.6
·1k reviews·Galveston, United States

Explore a retired offshore drilling rig, now a museum with 3 floors of interactive exhibits on petroleum extraction.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum - Australian Antarctic ice breaker, Aurora Australis, dockside in Hobart, Tasmania.

Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a retired offshore drilling rig, now a museum with 3 floors of interactive exhibits on petroleum extraction.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"A great experience for anyone that wants to learn now about how petroleum is extracted out at sea."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be exploring multiple levels of the rig, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:

🕵️ Ask for the Scavenger Hunt

Make your visit more interactive by grabbing a scavenger hunt paper at the entrance. :clipboard:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Explore the Rig Floors

Explore the Rig Floors

Multiple levels of the rig

Wander through three floors of exhibits, models, and interactive displays detailing offshore drilling.

Interactive Scavenger Hunt

Interactive Scavenger Hunt

Throughout the rig

Engage with the exhibits by participating in a fun scavenger hunt, perfect for all ages.

Worker Experience Locker

Worker Experience Locker

Third floor

Step into the shoes of a rig worker by trying on gear and experiencing a simulated locker room.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekday mornings. Weekends and afternoons can get busy, especially with families. Check for special events or school group visits that might impact your experience.

Navigating the Rig

The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum is spread across multiple floors. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring. Keep a close eye on children, especially on higher levels like the third-floor catwalk.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Families and school groups
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Peak visitor times
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

What it’s like to live on a offshore oil rig in the middle of the ocean 🌊⛈️💰 How to get on board 👇 Our website in the bio can help you secure a role Follow @fifocareer for more info
fifocareer
3.3K likes • 88.8K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be exploring multiple levels of the rig, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:

🕵️ Ask for the Scavenger Hunt

Make your visit more interactive by grabbing a scavenger hunt paper at the entrance. :clipboard:

How to join + the benefits 👇🌊💰 1. High Salary: Oil rig jobs often come with competitive pay due to the demanding nature of the work. 2. Career Growth: Working on a rig provides unique skills and experience, opening doors for advancement in the energy industry. 3. Work-Life Balance: Many rigs operate on rotational schedules (e.g., two weeks on, two weeks off), allowing extended time off between ...
fifoaustraliajobs
6.4K likes • 112.3K views

👨‍👩‍👧 Supervise Children

Keep a close eye on kids, especially on the third-floor catwalk. :eyes:

💰 Cheaper Parking

Avoid expensive parking right by the rig; walk a block or two for cheaper metered street parking. :moneywithwings:

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be exploring multiple levels of the rig, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:

🕵️ Ask for the Scavenger Hunt

Make your visit more interactive by grabbing a scavenger hunt paper at the entrance. :clipboard:

👨‍👩‍👧 Supervise Children

Keep a close eye on kids, especially on the third-floor catwalk. :eyes:

💰 Cheaper Parking

Avoid expensive parking right by the rig; walk a block or two for cheaper metered street parking. :moneywithwings:

💡 Informative Exhibits

The displays are engaging and educational, even for those new to offshore drilling. :bulb:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum for its unique concept, informative exhibits, and engaging experience for all ages. It's considered a highly recommended attraction, especially for its educational value and the opportunity to explore a retired rig. Some minor points of consideration include parking costs and the need for supervision on higher levels.

"Great museum! Worth seeing. The kids really enjoyed getting to see the ins and outs of the rig. Very informative, reasonably priced. There is a gift shop in the entrance building with items for all ages. The rig is multiple stories with an open concept to explore the permitted areas at your own speed and leisure. Very cool! Highly recommend. The staff was very nice."

Melissa Donaldson

"A great experience for anyone that wants to learn now about how petroleum is extracted out at sea.

My son read almost every single exhibit which is something he doesn't normally do in museums.

There is a scavenger hunt if you want a challenge. Be sure to ask for the paper when you first ever the rig. 👍

They request that you keep an eye on your children because there are some areas especially the catwalk on the third floor that young children should not be left alone on. It's not unsafe, but it is high up.

Check out the locker on the third floor for an experience of being a rig worker and grab some gear for dress up!"

Chris Corney

"Last week I was actually thinking about how I know nothing of the offshore drilling process, and then we randomly came across this museum when getting off the cruise ship! Large enough to explain it all, displays are done right, very informational and exactly what I was looking for. Not boring. Good videos. Fascinating process."

Jodi Gardner

What People Like

Unique rig exploration
Informative exhibits
Engaging for kids

What People Dislike

Expensive parking
Need for supervision

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is conveniently located and accessible. Many visitors arrive via cruise ship and find it a short walk from the port. If driving, be mindful of parking options and costs nearby. Reddit

While there is parking near the building, reviews suggest it's not owned by the museum and can be expensive. Consider walking a block or two for more affordable metered street parking. Reddit

Information on specific public transport routes is limited, but its central location suggests it may be accessible via local bus services. It's best to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.

Many visitors find it easy to access after disembarking from a cruise ship, as it's within walking distance. If arriving by car, research parking options in advance to save money. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a perfect addition to a day trip, especially if you're arriving by cruise ship. It offers a unique and educational experience that can be easily incorporated into a short visit. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The museum is described as reasonably priced, offering good value for the experience. Specific pricing details are best confirmed on their official website or by contacting them directly. Reddit

While advance booking might not always be necessary, it's a good idea to check their website, especially during peak seasons or if you're part of a group. This ensures you secure your spot and avoid potential disappointment. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum website for the most current information before your visit. This will help you plan your day effectively.

Discounts may be available for certain groups such as children, seniors, or military personnel. It's advisable to inquire directly with the museum or check their website for any applicable offers. Reddit

Refund policies typically vary. It's best to review the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact the museum directly to understand their cancellation and refund procedures. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll explore three floors of the retired rig, featuring models, interactive displays, and educational programs about offshore petroleum extraction. There's also a gift shop and a scavenger hunt. Reddit

Yes, children often enjoy the museum, especially the scavenger hunt and the opportunity to explore the rig. However, adult supervision is recommended, particularly on higher levels. Reddit

Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the rig at their own pace. The scavenger hunt can add to the engagement time. Reddit

The museum is designed for self-guided exploration, allowing you to move at your own leisure. Staff are available to answer questions and provide information. Reddit

The third-floor catwalk offers a unique perspective but is high up. While not unsafe, it requires careful supervision of young children. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not appear to have a full-service restaurant. However, there is a gift shop that may offer snacks or drinks. You'll find numerous dining options in the surrounding area. Reddit

It's generally recommended to check the museum's specific policy on outside food and beverages. Many attractions prefer that food be consumed in designated areas or outside the exhibit spaces. Reddit

Given its location, you'll likely find a variety of restaurants catering to tourists and locals, ranging from casual eateries to more formal dining establishments. Exploring the nearby waterfront or city center will offer many choices. Reddit

While the rig is an impressive structure, it primarily functions as a museum. Any food service would likely be limited to a small gift shop area, if available. Reddit

Yes, the area surrounding the museum typically offers a range of family-friendly restaurants, making it easy to grab a meal before or after your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted inside the museum. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits. Reddit

The exterior of the rig itself offers striking photographic opportunities. Inside, the multi-level layout, detailed models, and interactive displays provide unique angles. The third-floor catwalk also offers a different perspective. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in most public attractions and urban areas due to safety and privacy regulations. It's highly unlikely that drone photography would be permitted. Reddit

Commercial photography or videography usually requires special permission and may involve fees. If you plan to use images for commercial purposes, contact the museum directly in advance. Reddit

Visitors often share photos of the massive rig structure from the outside, interior shots of the engine rooms and control centers, close-ups of scale models, and images of themselves interacting with exhibits. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum is a fantastic choice for families. Kids often find the sheer scale of the rig exciting, and the interactive elements like the scavenger hunt keep them engaged. It's a hands-on way to learn about a fascinating industry. Reddit

Remember to wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of ground to cover across the rig's multiple levels. Keep a close eye on younger children, especially on the higher decks, as advised by museum staff. The 'Worker Experience Locker' is a fun highlight for kids to try on gear. Reddit

🚢 Cruise Ship Visitors

If you're arriving by cruise ship, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum is an incredibly convenient and unique attraction. It's often within easy walking distance of the port, making it a perfect addition to your shore excursion. Reddit

It offers a departure from typical tourist activities, providing a deep dive into industrial history and engineering. You can easily spend a couple of hours here before heading back to your ship, making it an efficient and memorable use of your port time. Reddit

⚙️ Engineering & Industry Enthusiasts

For those with an interest in engineering, maritime history, or the oil and gas industry, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum is a must-visit. The detailed exhibits and the opportunity to walk through a real drilling rig provide unparalleled insight into the complexities of offshore operations. Reddit

You'll appreciate the technical details, the scale of the machinery, and the historical context provided. It’s a chance to connect with the practical application of engineering principles in a challenging and vital industry. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the Ocean Star Rig

The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum is a retired jack-up drilling rig that has been transformed into a unique educational attraction. Originally built in 1969, this rig has a significant history in the offshore oil and gas industry, having operated in various locations and contributed to energy exploration. Its decommissioning and subsequent preservation as a museum offer a tangible link to a crucial era of industrial development.

By preserving this massive piece of engineering, the museum provides invaluable insights into the complexities of offshore drilling. Visitors can learn about the technology, the challenges faced by workers, and the evolution of the industry. The rig's transformation from an active industrial site to a public museum highlights the importance of preserving industrial heritage for future generations.

This unique approach to museum curation allows visitors to experience history firsthand by walking through the actual environment where critical work was performed. It’s a powerful way to understand the scale and ingenuity involved in extracting resources from beneath the ocean floor. Reddit

Experiencing Life on an Offshore Rig

Visiting the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum offers a glimpse into what life might have been like for the crew working on such a platform. The museum's layout across multiple floors allows you to explore various sections of the rig, from operational areas to living quarters, giving a sense of the daily routines and challenges.

Interactive displays and exhibits are designed to educate visitors about the daily life of rig workers. You can learn about their schedules, the types of tasks they performed, and the living conditions. The 'Worker Experience Locker' on the third floor, where you can try on gear, adds a fun, hands-on element to this immersive experience. TikTokInstagramReddit

While the rig is no longer operational, the museum strives to convey the demanding yet unique lifestyle associated with offshore work. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the dedication and skill required to operate these complex facilities in challenging environments. TikTokInstagram

Educational Value and Family Fun

The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum is highly praised for its educational value, making complex topics accessible and engaging for all ages. The exhibits are designed to be informative without being overwhelming, appealing to both curious adults and children. Many reviewers note how their children were captivated and learned a great deal, often reading every exhibit. Reddit

For families, the museum offers a unique blend of learning and adventure. The scavenger hunt is a particularly popular feature, encouraging active participation and deeper engagement with the displays. It transforms the visit into a fun challenge, ensuring that kids remain entertained and curious throughout their exploration. Reddit

Parents are advised to supervise children closely, especially on higher levels like the third-floor catwalk, due to the height. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, allowing families to make the most of this distinctive educational outing. Reddit

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