Tasmania · Attraction
Tiagarra Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Living voice of Palawa culture
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Tiagarra, whose name means 'keep' or 'remember' in the Palawa language, is one of Australia's oldest continuously operated Aboriginal cultural centres, opened in 1976 at Mersey Bluff, a site of profound spiritual significance to the Palawa people of Tasmania. The centre houses a museum of artefacts, artwork, and historical records relating to Tasmania's First Nations peoples. Visits are available for school and tour groups by prior appointment through Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation.
Situated on the same headland as Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, Tiagarra occupies land that has been a meeting and ceremonial place for Palawa people for thousands of years. The museum collection spans stone tools, shell middens, and cultural objects, alongside displays that document both the pre-colonial culture of Tasmania's Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing presence and sovereignty. Rock engravings, some of the most significant Aboriginal petroglyphs in Tasmania, are found on the headland within and around the reserve.
The centre is operated by the Aboriginal community and reflects a community-led approach to cultural sharing. Groups are welcomed by appointment, allowing for an immersive, guided experience rather than a passive museum visit. Schools and tour operators working in the Devonport region regularly include Tiagarra as a highlight of any cultural itinerary. Booking through the Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation website or by phone ensures the experience is tailored and respectful of community protocols.
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