Founded in 1804, George Town is described as Australia’s third-oldest European settlement. The town’s maritime history can be found in its collections, historic sites and sculptures. There is also a walking trail from George Town to Low Head and mountain biking networks. This destination combines specific cultural themes with different ways to explore the surrounding area.
Maritime history and early George Town
The Bass & Flinders Maritime Museum covers the voyage of Bass and Flinders as well as Tasmania’s maritime history. Its extensive collection includes maps and nautical charts, photographs, paintings, logbooks, films, diaries and journals. A replica of the sloop Norfolk adds to these exhibits. The collection offers a range of insights into seafaring and its historical record.
The Watch House is the historic former prison site in George Town. A model village illustrates life in early 19th-century George Town. The “Departures and Arrivals” exhibition explores Female Factories and the history of convicts. Together, the two buildings offer different focuses: the Maritime Museum centres on seafaring and Tasmania’s maritime history, while the Watch House focuses on local history and convicts.
Windmill Point and Low Head
In 1891, telegraph operations at Windmill Point moved to the new Cable Station. The Windmill Point Tree Sculptures depict workers landing a telegraph cable, as well as Matthew Flinders, George Bass and Colonel William Paterson. The sculptures thus address both the telegraph cable and the history of the explorers and the colonial administrator. There is also a barbecue area and a playground with a wooden boat named after HMS Buffalo.
The historic site of Low Head lies north of George Town and includes the Low Head Pilot Station and the Low Head Light Station. Visitor tours are offered at the Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum, which is open daily. Opening hours may change, so check them before your visit.
On foot, by bike and on the water
The kanamaluka Trail runs for six kilometres from George Town to Low Head and is used for walking. George Town has two mountain bike trail networks with more than 100 kilometres of riding. The trails are purpose-built, and uplift service options are also available. The routes differ considerably in scale: a single six-kilometre walking route is complemented by two networks with a total of more than 100 kilometres of riding.
For those wishing to include water-based activities in their trip, Tamar River & Bass Strait Charters offers fishing and diving. Operator details can change, so check the latest information before making plans. Along with the museums and trails, this gives you a choice of different ways to spend your time, without requiring every activity to fit into the same day’s itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Geeveston, Ross, Wattle Hill, Woodbridge, National Park, Launceston, Sisters Beach, Tullah.
For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.
