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When it comes to memorable ways to see Tasmania a trip on board the Julie Burgess makes for an unmissable adventure.
Taking to the sea aboard this fully restored historic ketch, visitors can sit back and watch as the captain navigates the calm waters at the mouth of the Mersey River before heading into the wild expanse of Bass Strait.
Built by the local Burgess family, and once used for cray fishing in Bass Strait's treacherous waters, this iconic vessel is the largest, and last surviving example of this type of working vessel that was once ubiquitous to Tasmanian industry.
With sailings passing the dramatic dolerite cliffs at the Mersey Bluff before heading towards the lush pastureland that tumbles right to the sea around Don Heads, this is the best way to view this beautiful stretch of Tasmanian coastline.
Back on shore don't miss the chance to call into the Bass Strait Maritime Centre located in the old harbour master's house on the western bank of the Mersey River.
Boasting a range of displays and interactive exhibits that are sure to occupy even the youngest visitors, this is the perfect place to learn about the ways Bass Strait has impacted northern Tasmania and its rich nautical history.
Devonport Convention and Arts Centre Director Geoff Dobson said this centre was an ideal place for people to soak up the beauty one of Devonport's best locations while discovering about its past.
"It's a great place to step back in time and learn about this wonderful, rich history with Bass Strait, while discovering the Julie Burgess," Mr Dobson said.
"This wasn't a leisure craft, it had a hardworking history that would see it spending up to two weeks fishing before porting in Melbourne, and they'd never dock until the ketch was full," he said.
"It's a fascinating history and the Maritime Centre is an ideal place to learn while overlooking the water at one of Devonport's best pieces of real estate."
The Julie Burgess offers twice daily sailings each Sunday, weather dependent.
Each sailing can take up to 20 passengers and should be booked ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
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