Queensland Maritime Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 1971 |
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| Location | Brisbane, Australia |
| Type | Queensland history, Maritime history, Maritime archaeology |
| Visitors | 35,000 visitors per annum |
The Queensland Maritime Museum is a fantastic place to learn about ships and the ocean! It is located right on the Brisbane River in Brisbane, Australia. You can find it near the South Bank Parklands and the Goodwill Bridge.
The museum first opened its doors in 1971. It has lots of amazing things to see. You can explore a two-level building filled with exhibits. These exhibits show models of old sailing ships. They also feature modern cargo ships, tankers, and even cruise liners.
The museum building was once part of World Expo 88. It was called the "Pavilion of Promise." The museum also includes the South Brisbane Dry Dock. This dock was built in the 1870s. It was used to repair ships. The dock was originally 313 feet (95 meters) long and 60 feet (18 meters) wide. It was made longer in 1887 to fit bigger ships.
The museum also has a special library. This library is full of old documents, pictures, and other items. They all tell stories about maritime history. You can even see old maps. These maps show how early sailors created accurate charts of the seas. The museum also shares information about shipwrecks. More than 1,500 ships have sunk along the Queensland coast. This includes the famous Great Barrier Reef area.
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Explore Historic Vessels
The museum is home to several interesting ships. You can even go aboard some of them!
The Steam Tug Forceful
The Forceful is a 121-foot (37-meter) long steam tugboat. It is the only working coal-fired steam tug left in Queensland. This tugboat was built in 1925 in Glasgow, Scotland. It is usually docked at the museum wharf. Sometimes, it even takes visitors on trips down the Brisbane River.
During World War II, the Forceful was used by the Royal Australian Navy. It was known as HMAS Forceful. It was armed with machine guns to help protect it. Currently, the Forceful is undergoing repairs.
HMAS Diamantina
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The HMAS Diamantina is a River Class frigate. It is docked in the South Brisbane Dry Dock. Visitors can go on board this ship. Inside, you can see a collection of items from the Australian Navy. These items tell stories about Australia's naval history.
Other Unique Boats
The museum also has other special boats from World War II. One is a Torres Strait type of pearling lugger called "Penguin." This boat was used by Americans during the war. You can also see the dinghy (a small boat) from General Douglas MacArthur's motor yacht, "Shangri-La." Another interesting vessel on display is the Light Ship Carpentaria.
Discover Lighthouses
The museum has a special exhibit about lighthouses. You can learn how lighthouse technology has changed over time. It shows how they went from using oil lamps to modern equipment.
The former Bulwer Island Light is on display outside the museum. This lighthouse helped guide ships at the mouth of the Brisbane River. It operated from 1912 to 1983. It is a white, eight-sided wooden tower. Its roof is red.
You can also see other parts of famous lighthouses. These include the original lens from the Archer Point Light. There is also the base and gears from the Bustard Head Light. Plus, you can see the lens and equipment from the Cape Don Light in the Northern Territory.
Gallery
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Pearling Lugger "Penguin"
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Steam tug "Forceful"
