Ships Ahoy: Jervis Bay Maritime Museum Wharf restored

The NSW Government has partnered with Shoalhaven City Council and Jervis Bay Maritime Museum to restore the museum’s historic wharf, allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoors and events while taking in the site’s world-renowned collection of maritime artefacts.

Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure provided $80,300 for the wharf upgrade via its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, while Shoalhaven City Council contributed $103,989 and the museum a further $77,148.

The $261,437 project ensured the wharf was restored to its original design and is now structurally sound.

This included replacing the piles that had deteriorated at the wharf’s base and repairing its balustrades which had become dilapidated over time. The funding also replaced the wharf’s rotted hardwood timber decking and repaired major cracking in its concrete strip footing.

External power and lighting were installed allowing the wharf to be used as an outdoor theatrical and music venue, showcasing local talents, and bringing the community closer together through numerous festivals and events that are hosted onsite.

The wharf was built in 1988 as part of the original Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. The museum houses numerous important maritime artefacts, including navigational equipment, photographs, ceremonial swords, miniatures, paintings, and drawings. It also houses historical vessels, most notably the timber-hulled Lady Denman ferry, which was built in 1911 and operated out of Sydney Harbour for 67 years.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Local museums like the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum are an invaluable cultural resource that add to our shared history and cultural knowledge and also support regional tourism.

“The NSW Government’s statewide investments in Crown reserves help ensure they can continue to serve their communities for many years to come, while building stronger and resilient communities.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“The Jervis Bay Maritime Museum is one of the gems of our region. It not only contains an invaluable collection of maritime history but also a gallery that depicts the story of Jervis Bay from pre-European settlement to modern times.

“I am very pleased the wharf has been repaired so many more generations can visit and enjoy all the varied activities the museum has to offer.”

Jervis Bay Maritime Museum Director Diana Lorentz said:

“The Jervis Bay Maritime Museum is located on picturesque Currambene Creek, and many visitors like to spend time on the wharf to enjoy the ambiance and feed the fish that swim nearby.

“Thanks to a joint effort by our museum, Shoalhaven City Council and Crown Lands, the wharf is now not just safe again to use but has been transformed into an outdoor venue that hosts music events, weddings, plays, markets, and festivals.”