Most reviewed History Museums in South Australia


  1. 4.5 South Australian Museum (1.425 reviews)
    - Giant Squid
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Natural History Museums • History Museums
    South Australian Museum image
    The South Australian Museum has been committed to making Australia’s natural and cultural heritage accessible, engaging and fun for over 150 years. It is a place where families can learn and grow together. Today the Museum is one of the most visited museums in Australia and holds collections of national and international significance, including the world's most comprehensive collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural material. It is a leader in remote and regional community engagement, and in Australian Aboriginal heritage and scientific research. See more..
  2. 4.5 Umoona Opal Mine & Museum (545 reviews)
    - Umoona Opal Mine and Museum
    Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Geologic Formations • History Museums
    Umoona Opal Mine & Museum image
    An original old mine on Coober Pedy's main street,Umoona Opal Mine has been converted into the town's largest single underground tourist attraction- A "must see" in Coober Pedy An original Opal Mine with guided tours at 10,2 and 4 pm daily Genuine dug-out home on display Historic opal mining interpretive centre Aboriginal interpretive centre Award-winning documentary video "The Story of Opal" Exclusive Opal Jewellery and Opal Stones See more..
  3. 4.5 Migration Museum (507 reviews)
    - interesting small museum
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums
    Migration Museum image
    Established in 1986 and built on the site of the former Adelaide Destitute Asylum, the Migration Museum was the first museum dedicated to the social history of migration in Australia. The Museum works towards the preservation, understanding and enjoyment of South Australia’s diverse cultures. It is a place to discover the many identities of the people of South Australia through the stories of individuals and communities. Its nine galleries, which include permanent and changing displays, trace the history and culture of Aboriginal peoples in Australia prior to colonisation, the history and impact of immigration from the nineteenth century onward, as well as the history of the site. The Museum is just a short walk down Kintore Avenue from North Terrace and is easily accessible by public transport. All of the Museum's galleries have disabled access. Entry to the Museum is free, with an optional gold coin donation. Tour groups are welcome but must book in advance. Members of the public can book a guided tour of the Migration Museum with a minimum of ten people per booking and a cost of $10 per person, concession rate $5 per person. See more..
  4. 4.5 State Library of South Australia (460 reviews)
    - A More than Extraordinary Library
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Libraries • History Museums
    State Library of South Australia image
    The State Library of South Australia is extraordinary. Before entering the old library there is a large exhibition which is changed regularly (when I visited it was about the 100 years of football). After recruting some help from a very helpful librarian in the new section of the library I was able to find the old library. Upon entering the 2 storey old library it was very overwhelming & beautiful to see so many old books. There are small nooks with tables where you can often see university students studying. Before leaving (at the main enterance) there is a section of the original Sate Library which is off limites to the public, but can be easily seen. The State Library is easily accessable when staying in the city & is a short tram ride. See more..
  5. 4.5 Adelaide Gaol (359 reviews)
    - Lots of interesting history and next to the botanic gardens
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    Adelaide Gaol image
    Experience what life was like behind bars for the prisoners who once called the Adelaide Gaol their home. Ghost tours can only be booked through one of our private Commercial Tour Operators. Please visit our website for details. Adelaide Gaol was open for business from 1841 to 1988, the Gaol was one of Australia's longest continuously operational prison facilities. Over those gruelling 147 years, the Gaol housed some of the state's most notorious and dangerous criminals. Almost 300,000 prisoners whiled away some time at His (or Her) Majesty's pleasure, and 45 unfortunates were executed within its walls - including the only woman to be executed in South Australia. Step back in time and walk the hallways and cells of South Australia's first inmates. See more..
  6. 4.5 National Railway Museum Port Adelaide (311 reviews)
    - Fun Museum With a Lot to See!
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
    National Railway Museum Port Adelaide image
    Explore the history of Australian railways in this engaging museum. You will encounter numerous displays of various railway artifacts and see steam and diesel trains at work. See more..
  7. 4.5 Moonta Mines Museum (126 reviews)
    - Fabulous museum!!!
    Thursday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    Moonta Mines Museum image
    The museum is located in the former Moonta Mines Model School, erected in 1878. The school remained an active and important centre for the Moonta Mines community for ninety years and closed in 1968. The museum has 15 rooms and houses thematic displays on the Cornish miners' lifestyles - mining, lodges and friendly societies, sports and pastimes, death and hardship, extensive displays of costumes, china, silverware, photographs and memorabilia and a classroom furnished c.1900. See more..
  8. 5.0 Koppio Smithy Museum (64 reviews)
    - Loved Eveything
    Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
    Koppio Smithy Museum image
    After travelling for about 12ks on a good but unsealed road, we were beginning to wonder what we were going to find. However we were not disappointed - we spent over two hours wandering around the very interesting and well laid out exhibits. A lot of work has been done by the Caretaker to improve both the exhibits and the garden and it shows. I fully recommend this museum and believe there is something for everyone, even children, which for them is a cute and unusual playground. Snacks can be purchased as well. See more..
  9. 4.5 Penong Windmill Museum (62 reviews)
    - Great place to stop for a break from the road
    Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
    Penong Windmill Museum image
    This quirky museum has a multitude of different windmills that have been an important part of Australia's farming heritage. In particular the large 35ft windmill has a fabulous history from the Commonwealth Railways and it is very impressive as one of the largest windmills ever built. This is a very worthwhile stop at Penong. The kids will enjoy pumping water on the swing too. See more..
  10. 4.5 Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum (55 reviews)
    - Local history on display
    History Museums
    Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum image
    The SA National Trust runs the Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum. The museum is bigger than it looks from the outside. The main museum building is supplemented with additional buildings holing the nautical and train displays. Their volunteers are very friendly and helpful. At $6 (or free for National Trust members) it is good value. The shop had some interesting books including one on the jetties that abound on the Yorke Peninsula. The museum abounds in local community history and enriched by personal collections and so provides an eclectic mix with the sad story of a poor immigrant who slew a magistrate, a mother who kept the tea set of her young daughter who died, sea shell constructions and a preserved squid intermixed with old telephone equipment, nautical and war displays. It is a bit overcrowded or jam packed (depending on your perspective) so one visit will probably just scratch the surface. See more..
  11. 5.0 The Farm Shed Museum (43 reviews)
    - Surprisingly Interesting
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    The Farm Shed Museum image
    The Farm Shed Museum brings together some of the fascinating developments and practices of dry land farming. You will discover; the way of rural life; a magnificent collection of vintage tractors; a delightful display highlighting women's contribution to farming; fascinating stories about local characters; an impressive display of farming machinery; more than a century of Australia farming history and one of cereal farmings greatest innovations, the stump-jump plough. Visitors will also be delighted by Matta House, a mine manger's residence from the 1860's refurbished in its original location and memories of school days gone by will come alive when you enter the 1950's school house. You will leave with a renewed appreciation of how far farming and society has come. See more..
  12. 5.0 Donald & Sheila Feast's Classic Car Collection & memorabilia (36 reviews)
    - Not Just your Average Museum, and a visit is a Must!
    Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
    Donald & Sheila Feast's Classic Car Collection & memorabilia image
    One just cannot believe what can be seen in this Museum and with Donald the owner being our guide, it was a very exhilarating and a wonderful experience. Here is a man who with his right hand helper being his wife Sheila have amassed an outstanding collection of full size motor vehicles, of which many like the Valiants are now collectable items. The Variety of goods on display which included hundreds of Matchbox type cars presented behind glass is unbelievable The work that has been undertaken by this couple in presenting a wide variety of Memorabilia representing, household products, toys, dolls, bicycles, and protypes etc was certainly a step back in time! Donald has created his own inventions along the way and it is a credit to them both of what they have achieved! See more..
  13. 4.5 Town Carriage Museum (36 reviews)
    - Train enthusiasts holiday
    Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
    Town Carriage Museum image
    Peterborough and steam. Well worth it. This 1 carriage free museum is just a taste of the area. Filled with artifacts and info it gives a glimpse into the lives of our past of the great steam age. Inside the end are still cabins as comfy the day they were made to show off how travel was like in the early 20th century. Have we lost it now. I think so. Visit here even if you go to steamtown. Locayed mainstreet right next to town hall. On the otherside is an old locomotive to climb aboard See more..
  14. 4.5 Port Pirie National Trust Museum (35 reviews)
    - A trip down memory lane.
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums
    Port Pirie National Trust Museum image
    Totally run by enthusiastic volunteers, this comprehensive museum is beautifully laid out and a delight to wander through. There is a full size locomotive on display and many olden day objects such as the old bread cart wagon. We would certainly visit here again when we are up that way! See more..
  15. 4.5 Olivewood Historic Homestead and Museum (33 reviews)
    - Must see in Renmark SA
    History Museums
    Olivewood Historic Homestead and Museum image
    I dropped in to ask if they still sold olive oil but I was astounded by the size and quality of the museum. So much wonderful history of the Riverland in a very large shed plus the historic original homestead. A credit to all the volunteers particularly Ann Ryan who have done a terrific job setting everything up for visitors to learn and admire. So many generous donations from the community you will be in awe. A Model T Ford is about to arrive too. It will sit next to the Rolls Royce snd original vehicles. They even have the old river barge, the Argo. I would consider it a world class museum. A must see! See more..
  16. 4.5 Ardrossan Museum And Information Centre (25 reviews)
    - History
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers • Speciality Museums • History Museums
    Ardrossan Museum And Information Centre image
    A Museum of the stump jump plough in the building which originally housed the power plant for the factory where the ploughs were made and a local Information outlet with souvenirs, local art and craft for sale. This outlet is run by friendly local volunteers and is open seven days a week. See more..
  17. 5.0 Melrose Heritage Museum (25 reviews)
    - Fantastic local museum
    Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
    Melrose Heritage Museum image
    I have seen a lot of small local museums over the years and the Melrose Museum must be the best. It has been sell set up and we came away feeling that we had learnt a lot. Particularly liked the Federation Building displays. Full marks to the enthusiastic local people who have set it up and who look after it. See more..
  18. 5.0 Kapunda Historical Society Museum (23 reviews)
    - Gem in SA
    Spent 2-3 hours History Museums
    Kapunda Historical Society Museum image
    Ok, this is one of those unexpected gems you find. It doesn’t open until 1pm but the lady let us in a little early. There are a few buildings to check out and you’ll easily while away 2-3 hours. Run by volunteers who deserve awards! See more..
  19. 4.5 Burra Town Hall (22 reviews)
    - Unexpected delight
    Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • History Museums
    Burra Town Hall image
    Lovely old heritage building. We had a very accommodating guide who took photos after we dressed in olden day costumes. See more..
  20. 4.5 Tom Kruse Museum (16 reviews)
    - The Real Tom Kruse
    Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
    Tom Kruse Museum image
    If you go to Marree you are likely to want to know more about Outback mailman and dam sinker E.G (Tom) Kruse MBE. The Back of Beyond film released in 1954 made Tom Kruse and his driving partner Henry Butler famous around the world. The Tom Kruse Museum tells the life story of the Birdsville Track legend and includes photographs, objects from the Kruse home and the front grill of the 1936 Leyland Badger. Don't miss it. See more..
  21. 5.0 Yankalilla District Historical Museum (14 reviews)
    - Great museum
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums
    Yankalilla District Historical Museum image
    One of the most diverse and extensive collections of memorabilia relating to early country life in South Australia. See more..
  22. 5.0 Clayton Farm Heritage Museum (10 reviews)
    - Excellent example of farming history
    History Museums
    Clayton Farm Heritage Museum image
    A job well done by volunteers to keep this site in viewing condition after they lost a lot of it to fires. Rebuilt from donations from farmers all over Australia. Some of the machines have been restored with a lot in original condition. The old chaff shed was of interest with its unusual floor. The thatched roof shearing shed was an eye opener. At $7 per head for a tour that can last up to 2 hrs it is good value for money. Thank you to the guides. See more..
  23. 4.5 Wilmington toy museum (10 reviews)
    - Must visit for collectors or lovers of Defenders
    History Museums
    Wilmington toy museum image
    It's a $5 entry and worth every cent. David, the owner, has been collecting toys for 50+ years and it's impressive. Amazing collection of matchbox cars, board games, mechano, and other bits and pieces. The most impressive part of his collection is the Land Rover Defender both real size (out the front) and over a 1000 matchbox size, remote control and Lego..... So cool. See more..
  24. 4.5 The Burg (9 reviews)
    - Bob with a story
    Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums
    The Burg image
    Iconic legend with a great story, Bob traveled the trains so regularly to become a mascot and legend. The monument erected to ensure he’s never forgotten. See more..
  25. 4.5 Encounter Coast Discovery Centre (9 reviews)
    - Great local museum
    Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    Encounter Coast Discovery Centre image
    This National Trust Museum is a great place to see local history preserved. Great displays in respect of the whaling industry, the Tabernacle Bell replica, old photographs, the High Society Room and then through to the Old Customs House and Stationmasters Residence where we enjoyed looking at past rooms full of pioneering memorabilia. Nice sampler by Charlotte Simpson from 1866 a feature on one wall. Interestingly, the bed was similar to the one located in my parents room when I was a youngster in Ireland. At the rear of the building the first toilet in Victor Harbor, C1867, still stands, although not in use today. Nice gardens and a section of the former Granite Island chairlift. Lovely souvenir shop with a great range. Friendly staff. See more..
  26. 5.0 National Trust of S.A Museum (8 reviews)
    - Preserving local people's lives!
    Spent More than 3 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
    National Trust of S.A Museum image
    This is an extremely well organised history of local individuals.All the locals are computerised, and they can let you know everywhere they feature in the museum. It is fascinating to research local friends so quickly, and especially as the dedicated few who man this facility bend over backwards to help, and have a good local knowledge. See more..
  27. 5.0 Stansbury Museum (8 reviews)
    - Local history, well preserved.
    History Museums
    Stansbury Museum image
    This place is amazing. So full of history from local and a little further inland. Loved walking freely around the museum being trusted to explore and read. Some great items available to peruse. Well set out in floor plan, set up in the schools old head masters house and further more out the back. Lovely lady assisting with local history questions, very happy to chat further and ask questions. All run by volunteers so be sure to check opening times as they do change throughout school holidays. See more..
  28. 3.5 Morgan Visitor Information Centre (7 reviews)
    - The visitor centre down by the railway station
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Visitor Centers • History Museums
    Morgan Visitor Information Centre image
    The visitor centre wasn't open but there were pamphlets available to take. The craft shop nearby was open and the volunteer was more that happy to help with any queries that we had and the display of local made produce and arts and crafts were well displayed and varied. See more..
  29. 4.5 Rocky's Hall of Fame and Pioneer Museum (7 reviews)
    - Donation well spent.
    Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
    Rocky's Hall of Fame and Pioneer Museum image
    Visited in 2016. What a great place. Keeping memories alive with a very informative tour to boot. Well done to the team keeping this gem going See more..
  30. 5.0 Kimba Museum (7 reviews)
    - Wow just amazing
    History Museums
    Kimba Museum image
    If you are passing through Kimba make sure you are there on a Wed, Thurs or Friday so you can visit the museum. We spent 3.5 fascinating hours there, our guide Robyn was very informative and the amount of exhibits is astounding. All the volunteers we spoke to are so enthusiastic and motivated to keep improving the museum Please make sure you remember to donate as the money all goes back to improving the museum. This is not the usual small town museum. See more..
  31. 4.5 Mount Laura Homestead Museum (7 reviews)
    - Australian history
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    Mount Laura Homestead Museum image
    If you want to show the younger generation or a overseas visitor what Australia was like in a bygone era than this would be a great place to start. Absolutely fascinating See more..
  32. 5.0 Edithburgh Museum (5 reviews)
    - Worth a look
    History Museums
    Edithburgh Museum image
    Great tour. Very informative and detailed and friendly. Enjoyed the display of old wedding dresses and the war display See more..
  33. 4.5 Renmark Paringa Community Museum (5 reviews)
    - Interesting insight into local istory
    Thursday: History Museums
    Renmark Paringa Community Museum image
    located on the eastern end of the Paringa Bridge, this museum has lots of old machinery collected over the years from farms & fruit blocks in the area. It is a very interesting display. They have space for caravan parking & shaded car parks. There is a covered BBQ & picnic area plus a rear entrance leading to the River Murray for views of the Paringa Bridge & to the Bert Dix Park on the opposite side of the bridge. The various trucks, pumps, threshers & other implements give a good insight into the life of the early pioneers. Plan on spending about 1 hour here. The Paringa Bridge opens at 09:30 & 14:30 hrs daily so you can view river traffic passing under the bridge. See more..
  34. 4.5 Homestead Gardens (5 reviews)
    - Woderful
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries • Gardens • History Museums
    Homestead Gardens image
    Friendly people and healthy plants. Different variety of plants. Bought two plants, the price was fair. See more..
  35. 4.5 Mill Cottage Museum (5 reviews)
    - Just an interesting place to visit
    Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
    Mill Cottage Museum image
    After a long walk it was a n interesting place to visit with spectacular views. The whole area is lovely to walk See more..
  36. 4.5 Jamestown Railway Station Museum (4 reviews)
    - Educational
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    Jamestown Railway Station Museum image
    Very interesting, the caretaker was a very lovely and helpful person. Everything had been layed out very well See more..
  37. 4.5 Pioneer Park (3 reviews)
    - Informative
    History Museums
    Pioneer Park image
    A fascinating display of historical items and buildings of the mallee area, much improved since last visit there 3 years ago, it would appear there is some good work being done by locals to restore and improve this attraction See more..
  38. 5.0 Eudunda Family Heritage Gallery (2 reviews)
    - History captured beautifully
    Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    Eudunda Family Heritage Gallery image
    Great friendly town with a wonderful museum, gallery to walk through and see. Lovely ladies that were very welcoming and happy to see us come through thank you See more..
  39. 5.0 Nangwarry Forestry and Logging Museum (2 reviews)
    - A great history of the area forestry
    History Museums
    Nangwarry Forestry and Logging Museum image
    This Timber Museum is run by Volunteers. The do a excellent job & take the time to explain the exhibits. This museum goes back to the early days of forestry & the difference of today. It is well worth your time to visit. See more..
  40. 5.0 Mallee Tourist and Heritage Centre (1 review)
    - Historical printing & farm machinery, household items & craftwork
    Thursday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    Really worth a visit, with a mini guided tour of printing equipment included, lots of memorable household items & farm machinery. In addition, its just across the road from a fantastic bakery, where you can enjoy a break before continuing to another optional historical display ! See more..
  41. 5.0 Port Broughton Historical Museum (1 review)
    - Highlight of our trip
    History Museums
    Well done to the volunteers running this magnificent attraction. A real trip back to yesteryear though household goods and furniture, schooling, medical, dolls, farm equipment and much, much more! Thank you See more..
  42. 4.0 Port Wakefield Heritage Museum (1 review)
    - Old Courthouse and Police Station
    History Museums
    Port Wakefield Heritage Museum image
    Lovely historic town with much to see. Features a heritage trail with information boards throughout town. See more..
  43. 5.0 Social History Museum (1 review)
    - brilliant museum
    History Museums
    An interesting museum full of the history and life in Peterborough. Well set out displays with each room set up with focus on different parts of past life in the Peterborough area. A brilliant display and entry by donation. See more..
  44. 5.0 Morphett's Engine House Museum (1 review)
    - Cornish stone enginehouse
    Architectural Buildings • History Museums
    Morphett's Engine House Museum image
    One of the stand out historical buildings at the Burra Mine Open Air Musuem was the three storey stone Cornish enginehouse, known as Morphett's Enginehouse. Built in 1858, damaged by fire in 1926, it was fully restored in 1986, the enginehouse can be accessed with the Burra Heritage Passport key, ask at the Tourist Information Office in the centre of Burra. It was fascinating to explore inside the enginehouse, architecturally interesting, lots of information boards and photographs to help understand the purpose of the building. From the top floor there was access out to a small wooden terrace which provides marvelous views over the mine site. See more..
  45. Scholz Park Museum (0 review)
    History Museums
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  46. Mallala Museum (0 review)
    History Museums
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  47. Excell Blacksmith And Engineering Museum (0 review)
    History Museums
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  48. Strathalbyn National Trust Museum (0 review)
    Thursday: 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM History Museums
    Strathalbyn National Trust Museum image
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  49. Captain's Cottage Museum (0 review)
    Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 1, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
    Captain's Cottage Museum image
    The Captain’s Cottage Museum captures the history of Murray Bridge and the surrounding areas with a focus on agriculture and transport. The site contains an eclectic collection of historic engines, farm machinery, carriages and a significant photographic collection. The Cottage was built by Captain Adam Johnstone for his wife and their nine children in 1890. Captain Adam Johnstone was one of South Australia’s first river Captains operating paddle steamers on the Murray before the Murray Bridge was built. See more..
  50. Lucindale Agricultural and Folk Museum (0 review)
    History Museums
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