Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum Port Albert

The Museum is located in Port Albert, Gippsland`s first port discovered in 1841 by the survivors of the wreck of the steamer `Clonmel` on the Ninety Mile Beach. Explorer Angus McMillan arrived at almost the same time.


The Museum has an extensive collection of historic artefacts, photos and documents housed in the heritage listed Bank of Victoria built in 1861 to store gold from the Gippsland Gold Rush.


The collection includes:


* Intact Boxer Rescue Rocket which may be the only surviving one of its type.

* A Heritage Victoria exhibit of historic shipwreck relics salvaged from the `Clonmel` including a 4lb cannon.

* Navigation beacons and lamps, mantles and prisms from Bass Strait lighthouses.

* Navigation equipment including a monitor and tuning relay from the only Australian Omega Station.

* Russell`s sketches of the Port Albert of 1843.

* Display on the Port Albert Sharkers.

* The bank vault which stored tonnes of gold from Walhalla and other Gippsland Gold Fields.


The Museum houses an extensive library and archive which is available for research and there is a comprehensive education kit of student activities.


The landscaped grounds contain the fishing boat `Morning Star`, `Suzy` and the Cliffy Island workboat. There is a Trotman`s anchor from the steam tug and trawler `Wybia`, 2 large sailing ship anchors, the restored Citadel Light, channel markers and beacons, a WW2 mine and an offshore oil/gas drill bit.


There are details of the Gippsland Gold Trail, tourist information for the Port Albert Heritage Stroll, nearby Tarra-Bulga National Park, Nooramunga Marine Park ,the Ninety Mile Beach and White Woman`s Waterhole.


Bus tours and school groups are catered for and there are activities for children who visit individually.

 

Category: Galleries, Museums and Collections