Mawson's Huts Replica Museum

Mawson's Huts Replica Museum

Mawson's Huts Replica Museum
4.5
Speciality MuseumsHistory Museums
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Mawson's Huts Replica Museum was built to raise funds for the ongoing conservation of the historic buildings at Cape Denison, East Antarctica, which were used as the main base for the 1911-14 Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) led by Dr (later Sir) Douglas Mawson. Constructed by heritage architects and builders, the Replica was made possible by a federal government grant and the generosity of many Tasmanian businesses and individuals. Visitors can step back in time to the "Heroic age" of Antarctic exploration and gain a fascinating insight into the life of these Antarctic pioneers. All profits go towards the Foundation's efforts to keep telling the story of Mawson and his men for contemporary audiences and preserving the original huts. The museum is suitable for people of all ages, groups, and individuals. Private tours are available on request. There is also a wonderful gift shop with unique items. We look forward to welcoming you down south!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • inda2
    Young, Australia47 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating. Small footprint but tells amazing story.
    Brilliantly curated. So much information presented in manageable chunks and logical order. Harsh conditions and sometimes tragic events relayed, with a helpful sprinkling of humorous moments and facts. Well worth the visit. Fascinating.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 17 October 2023
  • Lucy M
    Dorset, United Kingdom368 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great historical account
    Loved this, I’m fascinated by Antarctica and the motivations for exploring such an inhospitable place. A great account of Mawson and his team’s journey into an unknown place. A mix of triumphant survival and terrible loss. Documents, photos, film, all added to the experience and the replica hut was brilliant allowing the briefest glimpse of their lives, the things they had with them (some surprising, such as a gramophone!) and the relationships between the team. Also enjoyed speaking to the volunteer who answered questions and gave his own narrative.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 14 March 2024
  • Barbara A
    Adelaide, Australia390 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A place full of Information
    Incredible! It’s quite a small museum but full of fantastic information. Thank you to the volunteers who are full of knowledge regarding Mawson’s Antartica expeditions. A fantastic display and lots to read and short film clips. What these men endured is unbelievable and one can only admire them for their bravery and endurance. There are a number of stories to read …
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 April 2024
  • Stephen H
    Brisbane, Australia3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing public resource plus incredible volunteers
    We visited the Mawsons replica hut on Monday 23 Sept, arriving late in the day around 4:30pm. Another couple had just arrived and one of the team members was finishing up, leaving one person to look after us until closing. This was a memorable experience, and I recommend it to anyone who visits Hobart and in particular has an interest in explorer history, the outdoors and the environment. The resources onsite are excellent, with ample information about the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, the Antarctic environment, the established hut and life at and around the hut. What impressed me most of all was the information and insight given by the assistant. She would be providing information to the other couple, who were in a different part of the hut, and while I was talking to my wife, she would jump in and add answer our questions, some before we asked them, in an almost omnipresent manner. Once we were all in the living quarters of the hut, she then took us through the arrangements, the equipment and living conditions. There was no question she couldn’t answer. Through this combination of pictures, printed words, audio and then Q&A, I felt made this an experience not to be missed. And to think the Hobart City Council was considering knocking down this gem in 2019 (Mawson’s Huts Foundation says it remains in limbo about the future of its Hobart museum - realestate.com.au) Keep up the amazing work! That young lady who looked after us earned a few of her stripes that day. We really appreciated the knowledge, energy and passion and I will be making a donation to the cause.
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 September 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,168 reviews
Excellent
821
Very good
295
Average
39
Poor
11
Terrible
2

Wills70
Blacktown, Australia46 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
What an amazing presentation of an important part of Australia's Antarctic exploration history and record of the men who did it. From the explorer Mawson's own story and that of his discoveries and records, to the stories and tragedies of not only the men who supported him, but the sled dogs who like the humans struggled to survive in unforgiving conditions, the Mawson's Hut replica close to Hobarts shipping docks, is a detailed and enthralling walk through history. From the story of Mawson's golliwog, a gift from Pavlova the famed ballerina, to the story Mukluk, one of over a thousand huskies to serve in the Antarctica, the museum is an entertaining and educational treasure trove. I was fortunate enough that the volunteer guide Micheal Hughes was on duty the day I visited so obtained his autograph in my copy of his little book titled "Zip". Subtitled "The Story of an Inspirational Antarctic Survivor" it tells the story of another of the surviving huskies and recommended for anyone going through tough times because of bullying!
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

M Riley
Perth, Australia15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Solo
Went here with one parent about a year ago. Today I dragged along the other.

This museum is a wonderful view into a really underexplored part of Australian history. Growing up, I only ever really learnt about Mawson as some guy who explored Antarctica in the distant past. Some sort of quaint eccentric who just happened to do something (I wasn't sure what) on an iceberg in the middle of nowhere.

The remarkably well curated exhibit dissuaded me of that notion. The volunteers there are clearly passionate about preserving this chapter of Australian history, and the story of their expedition is quite something.

Might not be great for non-English speakers (because some of the information slides are quite dense) - but overall a really well balanced museum that is easily one of the best value for money tourist experiences in Tasmania.
Written 20 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

50Gunners1
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia60 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
On Our Stay In Hobart Our Friends Suggested A Trip To See And Wander Around This Exhibit, I Just Recently Read A Book On Scott's Ill Fated Voyage To The Antarctic And Was Keen To See This As To Understand The Conditions That These Intrepid Explorers Encountered. Run By Volunteers, A Small Admission Fee Was Paid And Then Was Given A Brief Overview By A Friendly Staff Member Of Mawson's Expedition. We Entered The Museum Which Is An Exact Replica Of the Original Still Located In Antarctica. There Was Plenty Of Displays And Informative Notes, Many Items Had Been Donated By Relatives/Families Of The Men Who Accompanied Mawson On This Journey And You Could Feel A Sense of What It Must Have Been Like Being There. We All Thoroughly Enjoyed This Experience And If You Have a Couple Of Hours Recommend A Visit.
Written 27 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bruce F
Dapto, Australia240 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Mawson's Hut replica is a fabulous way to see just what our Antarctic explorers experienced. Not only is it built from the same type of timbers, but the layout, size etc. are absolutely authentic. For much of our time in the Hut we were the only visitors, and had exclusive time with one of the volunteer guides, which made it a very interesting and personalised experience. This is a must-see for all visitors to Hobart, and it is acknowledged that the City council allocated suitable harbour land for it, so it was accessible to all.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ginges_revenge
Brisbane, Australia5,859 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2021
In looking at it from the outside, I thought, how good would it be and would it be worth it. I didn't think it would be any good. When we got there, it was being locked up. The man who worked there said we would need 30 mins to look at it.
We came back the next day to have a look. It cost $10 each for adults.
The lady working behind the counter was really good and informative. Again, due to Covid restrictions, it was empty. This was good as being the exact same size as the real Mawson's hut, it was quite cozy.
To my surprise, I really enjoyed the museum. It had some really great exhibits in it and really interesting facts about Mawson's expedition's. When we got into the main room, there was another volunteer (a lady) who was amazing and gave us some really great stories / insights into life at the station and the conditions the team faced. This really made the tour as it bought life to the exhibits.
Hopefully when you visit, you will have the same people we had and get the same information we got.
A really great museum, well worth the money and time.
Written 7 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TWal1
Canberra, Australia2,942 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021 • Couples
This replica of Manson’s Hut is an impressive setting for an enthralling museum about our exploration of Antarctica. The museum presents a good mix of history, exploration and human stories. This brings to life the hardships, challenges and courage in living and working in a polar region. Allow yourself about an hour to visit to appreciate the endeavours.
Thanks for your vote.
Written 13 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cardinal Points
16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021
As a member of Mawson's Huts Foundation I decided to visit the replica museum during a quick overnighter in Hobart. I was completely impressed with the level of detail, and the work which has gone in to this museum, including some of the most incredible artifacts from the golden age of Antarctic exploration. In the main cabin you can experience the living conditions of Mawson's tough men, and learn about what is often an overlooked piece of modern Australian history and exploration. I highly recommend the visit.

The staff and volunteer of the day were a wealth of knowledge, passionate and gave incredible insights from their own Antarctic experience, and from what was obviously well read and researched information.
Written 10 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

rosh817
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021
The Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum is well worth a visit if you are in the Constitution Dock area. The experience of being inside the hut makes tangible the experience of expedition leader Douglas Mawson, photographer Frank Hurley, and 16 other men, some of whom who spent two winters in such a shelter in Antarctica. Look at the artefacts, read the history and ponder about human resilience.
Written 18 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

danielkayelene
The Summit, Australia758 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022
An interesting little museum where it is easy to spend an hour or two. An audio track is playing to mimic a blizzard which adds to the experience and makes you feel cold (no matter what the weather is like outside). A wonderful insight into how these heroic explorers conquered the harshest of environments. A special mention must also go to the volunteers who staff the museum and are available to answer any questions you might have.
Written 14 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rhianna B
Canberra, Australia51 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021
This little museum is housed in a replica hut from Antarctica. There is a great deal of information and preserved memorabilia. The museum is run by a group of dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers who are only too happy to discuss the ventures to discuss all things expeditions to ice.
Written 14 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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