Bass Strait Maritime Centre Unveils Upgraded Shipping Simulator

Devonport City Council Tasmania

Devonport’s Bass Strait Maritime Centre (BSMC) is excited to announce the official launch of its newly upgraded SS Woniora shipping simulator, set for Wednesday, 11 September 2024, at 10:00 AM. This milestone event offers attendees an exclusive opportunity to experience the state-of-the-art simulator, marking a new chapter for one of the Museum’s most beloved and interactive attractions.

For over 13 years, the SS Woniora shipping simulator has captivated visitors with its immersive maritime experience. Thanks to a generous $220,000 investment from Devonport City Council, this much-anticipated upgrade introduces innovative technology that promises to elevate the visitor experience like never before.

The newly enhanced simulator combines advanced game design, software, and hardware to create a hyper-realistic environment that transports users into the heart of Bass Strait. Visitors will feel as though they are captaining a ship through Devonport’s rich maritime history, navigating the treacherous waters, and reliving the golden age of steam and sail.

“We’ve taken a huge leap forward,” said Joanna Gair, Museum Coordinator at BSMC.

“Our new simulator will blow your mind! We have left behind Devonport in the 1890s and entered the 1920s, immersing visitors in a brand-new maritime universe. It’s a thrilling, hands-on journey through time.”

The new SS Woniora simulator features new games, heightened interactivity, and enhanced realism, creating a dynamic educational tool that ties directly to BSMC’s collection and exhibits. With this upgrade, visitors can connect their virtual experiences with real-life historical artifacts, deepening their understanding of Devonport’s maritime heritage.”The addition of local content makes the simulator an exceptional resource for education, particularly for school groups and families,” added Mrs. Gair.

“This upgrade isn’t just an investment in technology-it’s an investment in our community and in preserving Devonport’s maritime legacy for future generations.”

The official launch event will provide a firsthand look at the modernised simulator, featuring live demonstrations and an in-depth exploration of its new capabilities. Attendees will have the chance to see how this cutting-edge upgrade transforms the Museum’s offerings, providing an unforgettable adventure into Devonport’s maritime past.

This event promises to be a memorable occasion, solidifying the SS Woniora simulator as a centrepiece of cultural and historical learning, and further establishing Devonport as a hub of maritime education.

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