Queensland Maritime Museum, Maritime museum in South Brisbane, Australia
The Queensland Maritime Museum displays ship models, navigation tools, and seafarer belongings across two levels of exhibits. The collection ranges from historic sailing vessels to lighthouse equipment and shows how the region has depended on the sea throughout its history.
The museum was established in 1971 and now occupies a building left over from the 1988 World Expo and a dry dock dating back to the 1870s. This blend of structures reflects how the area has changed from active shipyard to cultural destination.
The museum is run by a dedicated community passionate about keeping maritime stories alive for visitors. You will encounter people who share their knowledge about ships, navigation, and the lives of those who worked at sea.
The museum sits on the riverbank and is easy to reach on foot or by public transport from central South Brisbane. Plan to spend several hours exploring both the indoor exhibits and the historic vessels docked outside.
A coal-fired steam tug still operates and shows visitors how propulsion systems worked on older vessels. This particular boat is one of the last of its kind in the region and remains fully functional.
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