“A porthole from a ship you say?” I hear you ask. Yes indeed. Right here at the Redcliffe Museum we hold a piece of maritime history a porthole from the HMS Gayundah.
Welcome to the Redcliffe Museum a treasure trove of stories about this remarkable seaside town. More than just a museum it’s a portal to the past. Here we uncover the layers of Redcliffe’s history from its Indigenous heritage to its role as Queensland’s first European settlement.
Did you know that Redcliffe was chosen in 1824 as the site for Queensland’s first European settlement? John Oxley a former Navy lieutenant saw its strategic location. Every ship entering the Brisbane River had to pass Redcliffe. It was a perfect spot for a naval base. The museum holds a fascinating serviette ring made by an unknown convict for Oxley himself a tangible link to those early days.
Explore our exhibits. Discover the multi-media displays and object-based exhibitions. They illuminate the peninsula’s past and present. We showcase domestic and farming technology business equipment and war memorabilia. Our photographic collection is complemented by an impressive array of postcards. A highlight is our collection of Japanese artifacts from Redcliffe’s sister city Onoda in Japan. See the ancient octopus pots dating back to around 600 AD. These are the oldest items in our collection a testament to the enduring connection between Redcliffe and Japan.
Imagine the stories held within each object. That souvenir cup and saucer from around 1930 depicts Sutton’s Beach and Scott’s Point popular spots for early 20th-century beachgoers. Or consider the Lucinda table. This unassuming table from the paddle steamer Lucinda might have been used to draft the first Australian Constitution.
The Redcliffe Museum isn’t just about artifacts. It’s about the people who shaped this town. The convicts the settlers the families who built lives here. The museum’s interactive displays and events bring these stories to life. It’s a vibrant and ever-evolving space a community hub for locals and visitors. A dedicated space for exhibitions is set up with the help of local historical groups and touring exhibitions from state and national museums.
So take your time. Explore the exhibits. Let the stories of Redcliffe unfold before you. Remember the museum is much more than just objects. They are fragments of lives memories dreams and aspirations. All woven into the rich tapestry of Redcliffe’s history. Discover it here at the Redcliffe Museum.