Shipping and Ports, Published 20 January 2026
If you have ever passed the Queensland Maritime Museum at South Bank and noticed the sleek grey warship resting confidently in the dry dock, you have encountered HMAS Diamantina - a remarkable…
If you have ever passed the Queensland Maritime Museum at South Bank and noticed the sleek grey warship resting confidently in the dry dock, you have encountered HMAS Diamantina - a remarkable vessel that serves as one of Brisbane’s most significant historical artefacts.
Built by Walkers Limited in Maryborough, Queensland and launched in 1944, Diamantina played an active role in the final stages of the Second World War, participated in the formal surrender of Japanese forces in Bougainville, and later continued her service into the Cold War era with equal distinction.
Today, rather than navigating hostile waters or undertaking scientific expeditions, Diamantina resides in the historic South Brisbane Dry Dock, an impressive stone‑lined structure dating back to the 1880s. The setting is fitting for a ship of her stature: imposing walls, sweeping river views, and an atmosphere that reflects her former importance. Visitors are welcome to step aboard, explore her engine rooms and decks, and gain a sense of what life was like for the crew who once sailed her across the Pacific.
From her wartime achievements to her oceanographic missions and now her role as a museum centrepiece, HMAS Diamantina has enjoyed an extraordinary and multifaceted career. She stands today as a resilient, historically significant, and visually striking reminder of Australia’s naval heritage - proof that vessels of her era were built with a level of craftsmanship and character.
More info: https://maritimemuseum.com.au/
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