Being a coastal community, Brisbane has had a long history of ties with the sea. So, it seems logical that there would be a Maritime Museum here. Founded in 1971, the Queensland Maritime Museum is situated on the south bank of the Brisbane River , on the site of the original 1880's dry dock that serviced over five thousand ships during its operational life ( 1881 to 1972) - nearly one hundred forty during World War II alone. While it was fun to follow the history of Queensland's relationship with maritime shipping, the most amazing part of this visit was the opportunity to explore, up close, the many actual historical vessels on display in the shipyard. One such "floating" exhibit is the 1928 tug - "Forceful" - the only remaining, working, coal-fired steam-tug. Also on display here is "Ella's Pink Lady", the thirty-four foot yacht in which Jessica Watson, at age 16, became the youngest person to sail solo around the world (2009-2010). The one exhibit that, perhaps, attracts the most attention is the HMAS Diamantina, the only remaining River Class Frigate in the world. Restored to its 1945 condition, visitors can climb aboard and fully explore this World War II warship. For a brief time, while exploring different interests on the Diamantina, Lorraine and I got separated. It became an "interesting" experience trying to re-find each other. We could hear each other calling out, but because of echoing effects, it was hard to tell what direction the calls came from. We had a good laugh once we reunited. This maritime museum was an amazing experience! If you visit Brisbane, try to find the time to explore this attraction.
Queensland's Maritime Museum is situated at the southern end of the South Bank recreational area of Brisbane (a short ten minute walk from Victoria Bridge and the Wheel of Brisbane).
The main building contains static displays of the many historical events tieing Brisbane to the sea...
...including re-creation of second-class accommodations aboard passenger ships...
...examples of ship's radio transmitters-receivers (circa 1922) ...
...and a few smaller size water crafts. During my formative years, my father had boats and belonged to a yacht club in Winthrop, Massachusetts. A similar boat to this one was moored just a few yards from my father's boat. So this brought back a lot of memories.
The Bulwer Island Lighthouse was moved to the museum's location in 1983 following the lighthouse's deactivation
Jessica Watson, at the age of sixteen, became the youngest person to sail solo around the world in this yacht, "Ella's Pink Lady."
Built in 1928, the "Forceful" is the last remaining coal-fired tugboat in Queenland. Because of maintenance issues trying to keep the tug seaworthy, the "Forceful" no longer ties visitors on excursions up and down the river. However, the engines still work.
The 438 foot long, 60 foot wide, dry dock serviced over 5000 ships during its 91 year operational life...
...today, the dry dock is home for this light ship...
...and the HMAS Diamantina, the only remaining River Class Firgate in the world.
Part of the Diamantina's historical significance is exemplified by this plaque on the Quarterdeck.
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