Our Collections

The history of Devonport is closely connected to Bass Strait and has played an important part in Tasmania’s development. Since colonisation the Tasmanian population has been reliant on the sea as a point of connection between the island and the outside world.  The Bass Strait Maritime Museum’s Collection and Archive reflect this connection through several key collection themes: 

• Local History: Our region’s earliest stories originate from the puniller panner people. We are proud to share their history and culture at the Bass Strait Maritime Museum, alongside early settlement histories from Torquay and Formby, the two towns that amalgamated to become Devonport in 1890.  
• Maritime Heritage: Devonport rose to prominence as a hub of maritime activity between 1880 and 1930, a transformative era when steamships replaced traditional sailing vessels. During this time, Devonport’s shipbuilders crafted some of the largest steamships in Tasmania, solidifying the region’s reputation for maritime innovation and excellence. Families such as the Wood, Holyman, Griffiths, and Burgess played pivotal roles in establishing Devonport as a leading centre of maritime achievement. 
• Bass Strait Transport: From the age of sail to the era of steam, and onwards to modern roll-on/roll-off ferries, each evolution in transport has left an indelible mark on Devonport’s maritime history. The advent of shipping containers revolutionized cargo handling, streamlining operations and transforming ports. Moreover, the journey across Bass Strait evolved from a rudimentary passage for travelers to one of sophistication and comfort, propelled in no small part by the pioneering vision of Devonport’s Holyman family. 
• Bass Strait Fishing: Reflecting our region’s earliest First Nation fishing practices, through to sealing and whaling and our current fishing industry innovations.  
• Maritime Communication: Traversing the advancements in communication technology, we are proud of the early signal station and mast located in the grounds of the museum, which are connected to our exceptional collection of early flags and signals. We also collect lanterns, beacons and lamps, as well as bells and exhibits related to semaphore, Morse code and the Bass Strait Cable.  
• Shipwrecks: The maritime history of Bass Strait includes the wreck of the Sydney Cove, a vessel transporting rum to Sydney. Matthew Flinders first visited the Strait on a salvage mission. As maritime activity increased, shipwrecks became more frequent leading to the Strait’s notoriety as a Ship’s Graveyard. Between 1796-900 463 vessels met their end here.
• Naval History: The remarkable bravery of VC recipient Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheean, a young farm laborer from nearby Barrington, stands as a cornerstone of the Navy History room. His heroism during World War II aboard HMAS Armidale is immortalised through an inspiring collection of naval stories and memorabilia. 

• Geography: Spanning from the early 19^th Century, we hold artefacts, personal accounts, charts and early maps for the regions extending from the township of Don in the West to Port Sorell in the East and Latrobe in the South, spanning from the early 1800s to the present day.