Polynesian wayfinding is alive in the Solomon Islands

“We are the crew of Lata, the Polynesian culture-hero who built the first vaka (oceanic voyaging canoe) and navigated across the Pacific.
We use only the ancient designs, materials, and methods of Lata, and from Lataʻs story we learn how to avoid making big mistakes. We invite everyone to reconnect with ancestors and sustainable lifeways. Join us in the real Moana!”

Films & Screening Times
Sunday 12 February 2023 @ 4:00pm (57 minutes)

Free Event

Launched in 1864, the City of Adelaide is the older of only two surviving composite clipper ships. The other is the world famous Cutty Sark.

The derelict vessel faced being broken up in Scotland when in 2000 an Adelaide group of volunteers started a campaign to save it.

This film showcases the engineering task of designing how to lift the ship, its actual move from Scottish soil and its relocation to Port Adelaide.

Films & Screening Times
Sunday 12 February 2023 @ 3:00pm (35 minutes)

Free Event

A triple feature by Australia’s premier maritime history documentarian, Gary Kerr.

Watch just one film or stay for all three!
Enjoy a 10 minute Q&A with Garry Kerr after each film.

Films & Screening Times
Sunday 12 February 2023
10:00am : Trading Out of Hobart (67mins)
11:30am : The Last Cape Horners (73mins)
1:00pm : Two Men in a Punt (96mins)

Free Event

Image courtesy of Garry Kerr
Image courtesy of Garry Kerr
Image courtesy of Garry Kerr

Saturday 11 February 2023, 10:00am – 11:00am
Duration : 60 Minutes | No Interval

Join women sailors from WWSA — Women Who Sail Australia — for a fun and informative hour sharing practical knowledge, stories, and friendship about sailing.

If you’re already a member of WWSA you will know how inclusive and supportive this group is … if you’re not a member yet come along to learn about our great group.

WWSA is a mix of skippers, cruisers, racers, and women just starting out enjoying wooden boats as well as modern production boats. Two accomplished Tasmanian skippers will share some of their tips and experiences on the day. They will also share some of the special places here in Tasmania to take your boat, accompanied by lots of great photos. 

In addition, there will be hands-on advice and demonstrations of rope handling and shorthanded berthing.

Artists across Tasmania present their own interpretation of the broad theme of water in any medium.

As an island we are surrounded by water so there is ample opportunity to capture its mood and beauty.

The Water Ways exhibition has artwork across all styles and media including painting, sculptures and photography. The works range from representational and abstraction to environmental commentary.

Art is for everyone.  All artists create in an individual way and viewers will connect with a work for a very personal reason. Reflecting this unique but valid bond the major prize of $2000 will be decided not by judges, but by people’s choice vote. We invite visitors to engage with the art by voting for their favourite art work.

Prominent members of our community are asked to select their favourite artwork and give a reason for their choice. The diversity of choices is interesting to see.

Diane Casimaty. Spring Bay
Maggie Rees. Clydes and Shells
Rick Crossland. Blunnies on the Beach

Friday 10 February 2023, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Saturday 11 February 2023, 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Doors Open 15 minutes prior to performance
Duration : 60 Minutes | No Interval

A Sea Voyage | A Tragedy | A Love Story

Michael Veitch (of The Full Monty, D-Generation and Fast Forward fame) plays the hero of one of the most dramatic, yet now forgotten, true chapters from Australia’s maritime history. Based on Michael’s book of the same name, Hell Ship is a tale of hardship and heroism; of survival and love; of disaster and redemption. 

In the spring of 1852, the magnificent sailing ship Ticonderoga set course from Liverpool to Victoria filled with mainly Scots Highlander families, all hoping to find a new life in a new land. However, on the voyage, disaster struck when a deadly typhus epidemic erupted throughout her decks, taking scores of her passengers. On the high seas, an epic struggle of life and death played out. 

Michael is accompanied live on stage by the exquisite musical talents of Tom Veitch, his talented cellist and composer son. 

This is an hour of drama and music not to be missed. 

“…a stylish, well-produced solo show; a lively and meticulously researched act of historical imagination” 
– Cameron Woodhead

Image courtesy of Michael Veitch.
Image courtesy of Michael Veitch.
Image courtesy of Michael Veitch.