The search may be just beginning for the shipwreck of the World War II hospital ship Centaur, attacked off the coast of North Stradbroke Island, but some of the ship's remains can be found at Australia's newly named, Best Regional Museum in Australia.

North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum in Dunwich beat more than 80 other nominees to the ABC Radio national title last month based on its depth of storytelling, contribution to local tourism and regional development, presentation of the community to visitors and extent of planning for the future.

Museum vice president Barbara Smith said items washed up on the island from the Centaur after it was torpedoed by the Japanese in 1943 formed one of their most prized displays.

"People here on the island heard the explosion and saw a light in the sky," Mrs Smith said.

"Items washed up on the beach for weeks afterwards ? we even have a complete stretcher on display.

"Only recently we found a real hair broom someone had been using all this time that came from the Rufus King, which was shipwrecked here in 1942."

Museum society president Geoffrey Moore said in addition to the Centaur items, the museum had a number of "nationally significant" exhibits.

"We also have the Oodgeroo Collection, containing writings and artworks of the late writer Oodgeroo Noonuccal, also known as Kath Walker, and donated to us by the Walker family," Mr Moore said.

"And a website is being developed at the moment with a Q150 grant based around our Heritage Trail."

The judging panel also commended the museum's six-monthly exhibitions from local community groups on the island, which have in the past included the RSL club, the local school, ambulance service and currently, the island police.

Museum committee member of nine years Elisabeth Gondwe was in Newcastle, NSW for the Museums Australia National Conference, when the award was announced.

"Putting together our application was very similar to our approach to the museum: many voices, vigorous debate and endless editing!" Ms Gondwe said.