Restoration work has begun on a historic cottage at the Low Head Pilot Station near George Town after a fire caused an estimated $500,000 in damage late last year.
The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service said the cottage site would remain closed to the public while restoration work was carried out.
The project will be delivered in two stages, with the first stage involving the reconstruction of the cottage roof.
Stage one is expected to be completed in September.
The fire broke out on the afternoon of November 20, 2025, tearing through the roof of the heritage cottage.
Four fire trucks responded to the blaze, which took about three hours to bring under control.
The Tasmania Fire Service deemed the fire accidental. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters said the building’s age made the blaze difficult to extinguish, particularly because of its shingles and weatherboards.
The cottage had been home for many years to the late Wayne Shipp, who served as coxswain and was the Maritime Museum’s first curator.
After the fire, the damaged roof was removed and the building was secured against the elements.
Pilotage was first established at Low Head in 1805, making it one of Australia’s oldest continuously operating pilot stations.
The wider precinct includes heritage cottages, a maritime museum, a lighthouse and a cafe.
The Low Head Pilot Station and Museum will remain open to the public seven days a week during the restoration.
Parks and Wildlife has asked visitors to follow directions from staff and signage while the work is underway.
