bass & flinders centre

The Bass and Flinders centre is a wonderful place to visit and is a fitting tribute to these explorers. The replica of the Norfolk and the Tom Thump are fantastic and it was life like to squeeze down under the decks of the Norfolk to experience what it was like for the early explorers. Don't miss this place.

This was our first time visiting George Town and I was pleasantly surprised about what the town had to offer. This Bass and Flinders Museum really surprised me and I found it throughly interesting. We were able to climb in and all over the Norfolk which is the replica boat that Bass and Flinders circumnavigated around Tasmania. Having learnt all about it at school it was good to re-live it. Whilst in George Town, go up the look out that is about 2 km out of town.

Very impressed by the wonderful guide who made our holiday extra special! We were given a personal guided tour around the museum which was very interesting and informative (while trying to keep a tired and Cranky 2 & 3 year old happy & interested is difficult at best of times and a museum is probably not the best place to take them when like that!...) the volunteer guide was amazing, she became like a grandma to them keeping them entertained as well... So much so our kids genuinely did not want to leave her!! Lots of interesting things to see at a complete bargain price... In fact I would easy of paid double! Great value, fantastic atmosphere and very pleased we decided to go in when we weren't going to!! Probably one of the standout times of our holiday!! Thankyou!!

The centre is fabulous and wonderful and interesting information given through a video and through the help of the volunteers. The volunteers were so passionate and informative, they answered all our questions and we were lucky to have a coffee and biscuit while watching the video on Flinders and Bass's journeys. The replica is fascinating, such a great day out.

We chanced upon this in our journey from Launceston to St. Helens via the scenic route & were pleased to find it open on a quiet, wet Sunday. Perhaps the café was closed because we didn't notice it, but we spent a pleasant hour adding to our knowledge of this very important part of our maritime history and admiring the beautiful craftsmanship in the replica vessels.Sisters Ivy & Kerrie were most welcoming & knowledgeable, and the exhibits are beautifully maintained & displayed. An impressive centre.

Purpose built to house the replica of the HMCS Sloop Norfolk, the boat Bass and Flinders sailed round Tasmania in 1798 to prove it was an island. You can go onboard and go down below to the tiny cabins. Also replicas of other small boats from the early days of the colonisation of Australia.

Make time to visit this attraction, well worth it. Very interesting wooden boats collection. A hidden gem and a must see

For some reason, the story of Matthew Flinders is not as well known as other prominent navigator/cartographers such as James Cook. It should be - after all, Flinders was the first to circumnavigate Australia and identify it as a continent, and it was Flinders who suggested the continent be called "Australia". Bass and Flinders circumnavigated Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) and confirmed it is an island, separate from the mainland.The Bass & Flinders Centre should not be missed as it tells the story of Bass and Flinders and their explorations of Bass Strait and there is a great movie about the life and adventures of Mathew Flinders. The staff in the centre are really helpful and will also advise you of the other sites to see in and around George Town.

Wow! How could you fail to be fascinated by this incredible display of Australia's nautical history? The centrepiece is a wonderful full-scale replica of Bass and Flinders' 'Norfolk', but there is also absolutely every kind of water craft imaginable, from 1963-era surfboards, convict whale boats and sabot yachts, maps, charts and videos. We spent nearly two hours there but could have stayed far longer! Don't miss it.

very interesting artifacts and well worth your visit. OUr Tasmanian history and connections are amazing.

I heard about the Bass and Flinders Centre in George Town while on holiday in Tasmania, and immediately added it to my 'must visit' list. George Bass and Matthew Flinders are two of my maritime heroes, and any museum that features them is one I have to see. George Town is only 30 minutes (or so) away from Launceston, and well worth the drive as there are other interesting places in and around George Town to visit. The museum has a number of exhibits, dominated by a full sized replica of the 'Norfolk' which visitors are encouraged to walk all over and climb below decks. I left the below decks experience to my younger and more nimble companion, but we both thoroughly enjoyed the display of early maritime exploration and history of Van Diemen’s Land.Anyone interested in nautical history would enjoy the Bass and Flinders Centre. It is staffed by volunteers, is wheelchair accessible and has easy to read signage. There's a great little restaurant which has full meals as well as coffee and cake.

We had heard of the Bass and Flinders Centre by word of travellers mouth (as you do in Tassie), and were glad we made the effort to go out to George Town to find it. It’s so very well put together, and has a varied catalogue of exhibits (it’s half-filled by a full sized replica of the ship “Norfolk”, which we were welcomed to walk all over and below decks) around the early maritime exploration and history of Van Dieman’s Land, principally throughout the lives and achievements of the famous explorers and navigators, George Bass and Matthew Flinders. I’d day that for those interested in nautical history, and who like to see and feel the original instruments, boats, texts and other memorabilia, this place is a must. Staffed by volunteers, light and uncluttered, with easy to read, professional interpreting signage, it seems to be part of the historic town’s locally-owned fabric. Photography is encouraged, and takeaway literature is abundant. There’s also a neat little easy-access restaurant (the Gunn Deck Cafe… a nod to the big timber company which supported the Centre) which serves home-cooked style meals. We enjoyed the Curried Pork Sausages (just like Gran made), and the genuine old style Pea and Ham soup. Good coffee and feel-at-home service. Ten dollars a head entry to the Museum (seniors card discount was available). We spent three hours there and could probably go back again. Unquestionably worth it.

A well presented Museum, though the music being played in the adjacent cafe was rather off putting. It is a credit to those people who have built an accurate replica of the Norfolk, from Huon Pine, and also a large thank you to the lady who ensured the uniforms she made were as accurate as possible. A movie depicting the life of Matthew Flinders was very interesting, but due to a rear door being opened which allowed in excessive light, the viewing was not all that clear! Loved all the prints of old sailing ships adorning the walls.

This museum is located just off the Main Street in Georgetown. I wouldn't go out of my way to visit this centre but if you are in Georgetown then I suggest you visit. It holds a large amount of information about Bass & Flinders and an impressive replica of the "Norfolk" as we'll as a replica of the "Tom Thumb". The museum is well organised and maintained. Ramps lead up to the "Norfolk" and the museum would be wheelchair or pram/stroller friendly. Toilets are available. It is all under cover.

Hadn't really planned to go here but was recommended by ten tourist bureau and glad we did. Replicas of the boats bass and Flinders sailed in to circumnavigate Tasmania. Beautifully made of Huron pine and are works of art but also replicated the journey by some brave or foolish individuals. Able to full explore these 32 foot sailing boats. A very informative woman talking about the two early explorers most of which I am embarrassed to say I didn't know