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Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum Port Albert
4.7
69 reviewsAbout
From its Gunaikurnai origins to the arrival of European settlers in 1841 establishing a port servicing pastoralists and later the Gippsland goldfields, the rise and fall of the local fishing industry, right up to the OMEGA satellite navigation station at Woodside - all on display at the museum.
The moment you enter and see the restored 1.3-metre-high lens from the Cape Liptrap lighthouse and a cannon used at the Cliffy Island Station, you know you could easily while away hours.
The 1861 bank’s former vault houses a goldfields display in the very room which stored bullion from strikes at places like Omeo and Walhalla awaiting shipment from Port Albert, reputedly 1,000 ounces every week.
One of the key exhibits tells the story of the loss of the CLONMEL, a timber paddle steamer wrecked near the entrance to Port Albert, along with details of 23 other ships lost nearby.
You’ll be intrigued by the display of an original Breeches Buoy Rocket Lifesaving system which went into service in Port Albert in 1871, described by the Smithsonian as one of only a few intact examples to be found anywhere in the world.
Outdoor exhibits include restored work boats, the original Port Albert wharf crane, anchors and the Citadel Island light, Australia’s first automatic acetylene light installed in 1913 on a rocky islet off Wilson’s Promontory.
What's Available
17 featuresAustralian Museums and Galleries Association
Nearby places
Reviews & Ratings
H L
Google review
🌺🌺🌺🌺 Housed in the historic Bank of Victoria building (dating back to 1861), the **Gipplsland Regional Maritime Museum** is a captivating stop for history enthusiasts. While the museum is modest in size, it is incredibly dense with local lore and maritime heritage. * **The Highlights**: The meticulously detailed "Shipwrecks Along the South Gippsland Coast" map is a standout. It offers a sobering and fascinating look at the treacherous waters that shaped this region's history. * **The Vibe**: There is a profound sense of "stepping back in time" as you wander through the exhibits. From early settlement stories to the relics of the sea, the collection is curated with obvious passion and care. * **Traveler’s Insight**: It won't take hours of your day—it’s a perfect "short and sweet" visit. If you have any interest in nautical history or the early days of Victoria’s first established port, it’s absolutely worth a look. A charming, well-preserved window into the past. **Highly recommended for a quick but enriching cultural detour.**
Christian Morcilla
Google review
Kids enjoyed it. Lots of cool maritime trinkets to view and read. Highlight of the visit is probably the orange submarine outside that you can go in and play with. Highly recommended for anyone passing by or visiting port albert.
Graeme Forbes
Google review
A very nice small museum in historic part of Victoria They have an amazing collection of all kinds of artefacts from the earliest period of the history of the state when Port Albert was one of the first ports in Gippsland supplying the surrounding countryside There is also an amazing collection of model ships many of which are radio controlled and can be operated on a suitable body of water
Saad Habib Ahmed
Google review
What a great experience. Combination of history, ship wrecks, marine life, old navigation systems and much more packed in one place. Please check opening days and timing prior to visit. We visited on sunday during school holidays.
Timothy Saunt
Google review
Amazing little museum with an eclectic collection covering local maritime history - the information on local wrecks particularly interesting. Also has displays of local war heroes, model ships and shells.
Price range
From $2 To $10 per person
Get in touch
Where you'll be
78 Tarraville Road
Port Albert VIC 3971