Strahan

Strahan Galleries and Museums

Galleries, Museums and Historical Venues in and around Strahan, Tasmania

Strahan is a quaint town located on the west coast of Tasmania, Australia. This town, despite its size, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. Consequently, museums, galleries and historical attractions are quite popular in Strahan. If you are planning to take a trip to Strahan, consider visiting the following galleries, museums and historical venues.

1. Strahan Visitor Centre and Museum (The Esplanade, Strahan)
The Strahan Visitor Centre and Museum is located in the heart of the town, and it is one of the best starting points to learn about the history of Strahan. The museum showcases an extensive collection of artefacts and exhibits that depict the early days of Strahan - the port, railways, mining and the ruins of the Sarah Island penal settlement. The museum is open daily, and guided tours are available.

2. West Coast Reflections (27 Harvey St, Strahan)
West Coast Reflections is a museum that showcases the history of Strahan and the West Coast of Tasmania. The museum has interactive exhibits and displays that include mining equipment, historical photographs, and artefacts from the coast's shipwrecks. The museum offers guided tours, and it is open every day of the week except for Christmas Day.

3. Eric Thomas Galley Museum (11 Reid St, Strahan)
Eric Thomas Gallery Museum is a unique art gallery and museum that displays the works of Eric Thomas, a famous Tasmanian artist. The gallery showcases different collections of paintings, sketches and sculptures, dating back to the 1930s. In addition to the works of Eric Thomas, the museum has several other pieces by notable Australian artists. The museum is open to the public every day, and admission is free.

4. King River Cafe and Heritage Museum (2 Driffield St, Strahan)
The King River Cafe and Heritage Museum is a unique venue in Strahan, Tasmania. It is a cafe that exhibits a vast collection of vintage cars and engines, mining equipment, old photographs, and antique furniture. The cafe serves fine coffee and small bites, while you browse through this diverse range of historical artefacts. The cafe and museum are open from Wednesday to Monday.

5. The Ship That Never Was (6 Innes St, Strahan)
The Ship That Never Was is a live comedy performance that tells the story of the last Great Escape from Sarah Island in 1834. The performance, set in the local theatre, is regarded as one of Australia's longest-running plays. The show is equally entertaining, educational and delightfully hilarious. Performances run daily, but bookings are essential.

6. Sarah Island Historic Site (Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area)
Sarah Island is a historic site that served as a penal settlement between 1822 and 1833. It is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Tasmania. Sarah Island is accessible by ferry ride from Strahan, and it offers guided tours to explore the ruins of the original structures.

Strahan is a town filled with galleries, museums and historical attractions. The town's history and colourful past are evident in the several sites to visit and capture memories. These venues are must-see for anyone who wants to learn about the history of Strahan, Tasmania's West Coast and Australia in general.