Reference Library

The Queensland Maritime Museum library holds a significant collection of material which could assist in many aspects of research into Queensland, and general, maritime history. Holdings include:

• books

• documents

• charts

• ships' plans, including ships, yachts, pearling luggers

• plans of maritime structures

• crew and passenger lists

These resources have been invaluable to maritime historians, yacht restorers and model makers, amongst others.

On behalf of members of the public the Museum carries out research on all aspects of Queensland ’s and Australia’s maritime history as well as on maritime matters generally. Upon the receipt of a research inquiry a fee is assessed depending on the time estimated for the necessary research and the inquirer is advised accordingly. Simple inquiries may be attended to within one or two weeks, but more detailed requests will take longer. Our research officer is available to assist members of the public in their research enquiries.

The inquiries received most frequently relate to shipwrecks in Queensland and Australian waters and the immigrant ships of the Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries. Local maritime history also features to a significant extent in public inquiries.

Contact the Museum by phone 07 3844 5361, fax 07 3846 1945 or by email to discuss your enquiry.