Most reviewed Speciality Museums in South Australia
4.5Old Timers Mine(688 reviews) - Great museum and pricing respectable Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
Relive history and step back in time to 1916 with this original opal mine, historical museum and underground home, designed to give you the ultimate underground experience. Continuous self guided tour and maps available in different languages. Come and see some of the first opal found by Willie Hutchison in 1915. Try your luck and look for opal in our noodling pits. Kids will love it. • Explore an historic 1916 Opal Mine • See the natural seams of opal and fossils • Admire opal with UV lights • Walk through original underground homes • Continuous self-guided tours • Underground gift-shop • Historic museum • Opal jewellery • Noodle in the pits • Large range of souvenirsSee more..
4.5Umoona 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
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 StonesSee more..
4.5Faye's Underground Home(436 reviews) - Amazing, not to be missed! Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
Highlight of our CP trip was Faye’s Underground Home & Mine. It was closed when we arrived, but a phone number was available to organise a tour with Caroline within 10 minutes. It was lovely to meet her, such a wonderful person/tour guide. She was very knowledgeable and knew Faye’s stories very well, we enjoyed learning about how amazing Faye was. Not to be missed & don’t be put off by entrance fee, it’s worth it.See more..
4.5National Motor Museum(369 reviews) - Big motor museum with lots of history Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
What's big and beautiful and goes broom-broom? The National Motor Museum - located less than an hour from the centre of Adelaide, in the picturesque Adelaide Hills. The Museum features over 300 vehicles spanning over 100 years of Australian motoring history,from a steam carriage built in 1899 to modern hybrid cars. A diverse collection including motorcycles, cars, commercial vehicles, motoring curios and even a road train. The Museum is also home to the historic finish event of the famous Bay to Birdwood and holds the annual Rock & Roll Rendezvous every April with great live bands, stalls and hundreds of cars and motorbikes on show. There are lots of fun trails and interactives for families and visitors. The Museum can also cater to group bookings such as schools, car clubs, social groups and other events. It is the must see attraction in the Adelaide Hills.See more..
4.5National 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
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..
the Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre is a museum where people can sit in the historic carriages; enter the driver's cabins of the various locomotives and marvel at the rolling stock in the 1926 built roundhouse and admire the still functioning turntable what has all 3 gauges. Steamtown is ideal for families and is pet friendly also. Stay the night in Peterborough and attend the stunning sound and Light show that tells the story of the creation of Peterborough, about railways in South Australia and the history and personal stories associated with it and the linking of East Australia to West AustraliaSee more..
A lot of time and effort has gone into the displays and planning of the premises. Lots to take in and see. The staff are very informative and friendly, and the quality of the souvenirs was good. Well done whale centre.See more..
4.0Woomera Museum(97 reviews) - A must do and place if traveling in the area. Check opening times! Speciality Museums
The Woomera Museum is great because you can get to understand why the town exits way out in the desert in the middle of nowhere. It has some pretty interesting stuff which you will not see anywhere else. Because the Woomera area is restricted entry the Museum give you the explanations for what may happen in the area in the past and future. Well worth stopping and taking the time to view.See more..
4.5Burra Railway Station(88 reviews) - A Community Triumph and a Joy for the Tourist Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
It is amazing what a community with dedication and drive can achieve. The Burra Railway Station restoration is one such project. From being a very busy mid-north South Australian railway station to being closed in 1988, the station went into decline and disrepair. The station nowadays boasts a B’n’B, a developing railway museum and is home to a Diprotodon display. Also there is Edie, a 1917 Commonwealth Railways kitchen and dining car (number ED22) that is being refurbished trackside. I enjoyed the wander through the museum side of the station recalling my younger days of train travel through similar stations. The volunteer staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the station and the future plans for redevelopment. The Burra Railway Station is a must to visit if in the Burra area. Return? Already added to the bucket list and even contemplating a stay at the B’n’B.See more..
Woomera is an unexpected gem. This place has a solid depth to its scientific heritage and the museums are really interesting. The café out the front of the museum had beaut breakfast options and when I asked for strong coffee that’s exactly what I got. Very welcoming staff.See more..
4.5Mannum Dock Museum(68 reviews) - A fascinating glimpse into our past Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
Mannum Dock Museum of River History. Interactive displays and home of the PS Marion and PW Mayflower.See more..
4.5Axel Stenross Maritime Museum(67 reviews) - See as much or little as you like Thursday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
This is a very interesting museum with lots abut boatmaking, local boating, & the story of Axel himself, who amazingly only died in the 1980s but had been a boy & learned his trade in the old days of sail! There is a lot to look at if you are inclined, but we preferred to just get a feel of each area, & the boats outside. The volunteer guides were available if we wanted to ask questions, but were not overpowering or bombarding with information. A nice start to the visit was a short video. Well worth a visit, and only $10 full adult price. We strolled here along the beach from Pt Lincoln foreshore, about 15mins, & back along the road.See more..
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..
4.5Penong Windmill Museum(62 reviews) - Great place to stop for a break from the road Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
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..
4.5The Village Historic Loxton(59 reviews) - A must see Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
What a great experience. The Village was very well presented, extremely well maintained and clean. The audio that you here at every exhibit was so informative. The friendly volunteer staff made you fell welcome. A huge credit to this little town.See more..
5.0Millicent National Trust Museum(55 reviews) - This is one Australian regional museum that must be visited! Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
The Millicent National Trust Museum is one of the most outstanding regional historical museums I have visited. Accessed through the Information centre, the museum utilizes multiple historical buildings and links them together in focusing on local life. Information pamphlet indicates a walking path that takes in all exhibits in sequence. Highlights for me were the Shipwreck Room, The Helen Hughes Collection of fashion and the biggest display of varying horse carriages that I have ever seen – from buggies, street cabs to hearses. I still have a question – “Who was Helen Hughes?” The one thing that you need if visiting is time! There is so much to see that it is a dis-service to rush it – allow at least 2 hours – longer if you are able to. Compliments to the staff who maintain the museum and to the Information Centre staff for their friendly assistance. Return? Most definitely on the bucket list when back in Millicent.See more..
Spent a good hour stepping back in time learning about days gone by and a little more of the history around Kingscote. There is much to see in the rooms of this cottage and in the surrounding grounds. Hope Cottage is one of 3 original cottages, Faith, Hope and Charity. Charity is still next door but is a private residence. The National Trust has restored and maintains this Cottage and Museum and the Volunteer staff were only too happy to explain things to us.See more..
This is really quite a remarkable museum for anyone with even a passing interest in motorcycles. You'll find mainly European bikes, but some incredibly rare machines as well. Even if you're not so interested in the bikes, there is a sizeable and well-curated collection of antiques and kitchenalia.See more..
4.5Goolwa Motor Museum(40 reviews) - A museum that’s built on one man’s passion! Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Speciality Museums
Michael Finnis is passionate about cars. Former racing car driver, his passion is very infectious as he will happily spin stories of years past and his experiences. At the end of a visit, it becomes difficult to decide which was better – the cars or Michael’s reminiscing! The wide variety of vintage and restored cars are on display in a large shed with a mezzanine floor. Michael gives a personal introduction about the museum as you enter the museum, and then you are free to explore. Information about each vehicle is on display on front of the relevant car. For the young at heart, there is also a wide collection of Matchbox model cars. With a very nominal entrance fee, the time spent sharing Michael’s passion is well worth it. Whether an avid car fanatic or just someone who can appreciate past cars, you will find the time spent well worth it. Photos are permitted. Return? It is on the ever growing list and look forward to being mesmerized again by Michael’s yarns!See more..
The Museum is wholly owned by its members for the benefit of the community, and to preserve the history of its people for the generations to come. We are open every day from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm (except Good Friday and Christmas Day). Come and have a wander and spend quality time reflecting on the past. You will probably find things with which you can identify, and remember. Just ask your children what a wringer washer is, chances are they won't know, and here's your chance to show them! Guided tours are available for groups by appointment.See more..
In this little nice museum you can see a huge white shark which was caught by a boy 30 years ago. It is impressive to see how tiny we are. It's an interesting story and worth to stop for a look and to combine with buying refreshing cold beverages and Australian ice cream.See more..
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..
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..
The Wellington Courthouse and Police Station Museum was first occupied in 1864 and was the site of the first ferry crossing of the mighty Murray River. This heritage National Trust building, now privately owned, has lots of artifacts housed there, a licensed café / restaurant on site, 6 Deluxe Room B&B accommodation, and an added upstairs area for small functions. Great location riverside. Plenty of parking, great food, with super friendly caretakers.See more..
5.0Peterborough Printing Works(33 reviews) - Closed since the business ceased, here is history being opened up Thursday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
No newspapers, posters or invitations are printed here now. The owner just walked out. With a few machined now working and others waiting restoration, we could see how all of it was done. Decades of company records of orders, job instructions and accounts have been found and are being digitised. Most importantly, the volunteers form the local history club provide a warm welcome and an insightful tour (Wed - Fri). One of the many things to see in Peterborough.See more..
The museum is open to the public with free admission but with very limited days and times so plan ahead if you would like to take a look, sadly we missed looking inside but on the outside it looks great. It is also in such a great location with lovely views. “Jonique Life” Follow our journey around Australia on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube as we highlight wonderful experiences and magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.See more..
Very interesting museum, spent alot of time in here just looking at all exhibits. This museum is a credit to all the volunteers of Beachport.See more..
4.0Tailem Info Station(26 reviews) - Old Tailen Bend Railway Station Speciality Museums
Tailem info Station incorporates the railway heritage museum that has memorabilia on show dating back to the 1800's and a full working signal box, all this has been bought about by retired railway employees that have worked hard to preserve this railway station icon. Tailem info Station also has all the maps and brochures you require to help you on your journey, speak to our lovely volunteers who are on duty to serve you.See more..
4.5Ardrossan Museum And Information Centre(25 reviews) - History Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers • Speciality Museums • History Museums
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..
5.0Melrose Heritage Museum(25 reviews) - Fantastic local museum Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
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..
Morgan is a perfect little town on the Murray River. I had a chance to visit the Morgan Museum and had a conversation with some of the volunteers that keep it all going. Volunteers are always passionate about giving their time to what they love and Morgan's volunteers are no different. Such nice people that are willing to talk anything about what's in the museum and their experiences. Put Morgan on your must see list!See more..
4.5Tom Kruse Museum(16 reviews) - The Real Tom Kruse Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
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..
We've visited a few country town museums - they're usually little gems. But Ceduna's museum stands out way ahead of the crowd. Don't stint yourself on time there's so much to see. Fantastic displays of anything you can imagine from life in the past. Run by friendly volunteers, you won't be disappointed if you visit.See more..
A railway museum located on the shores of Lake Alexandrina in the heart of Milang. A family friendly venue full of interactive displays including a full size diesel locomotive driving simulator. Adjacent community craft shop, Devonshire Teas and other light refreshments. Open at weekends from noon to 4pm. Free train rides are available on every Sunday during school holidays and the last Sunday of the month at other times.See more..
The staff are locals, very informed and happy to pass the time chatting about the history of the area. It's a good couple of hours to see everything, adults will probably find it more interesting than the kids but there's still lots to see. Some of the exhibits are a bit tired, but it's all volunteer staff so they have their work cut out just keeping up with it. Personal favorite was the shark and fishing exhibits, but it's all good, especially some of the farm machinery and old cars. Don't miss it if you're in Streaky, but note it's only open two or three days per week.See more..
Gilbert's Garage was open for 116 years on this location. So when it closed it's history was too good to throw away. Volunteers, working under the Strathalbyn Tourism Association came together to create a truely remarkable museum. Unique exhibits, combine with more common memories. Our Patron, Glen Dix OAM, has donated a large portion of his personal collection of memorabilia, much much more.See more..
5.0Glencoe Woolshed(10 reviews) - Enjoy the History Speciality Museums
Very pleased we detoured to visit this amazing old stone woolshed and read the history of the Leake family while we were there. Free to National Trust members, a small charge for others. Collect the key from the Glencoe store and take your time to explore.See more..
Excellent place to stop to look at the bottle house, go in to the opal showroom and the shop. There is so much lovely jewellery and the underground showroom is great showing the tools used for opals and a range of different opals from around Australia. “Jonique Life” Follow our journey around Australia on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube as we highlight wonderful experiences and magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.See more..
5.0National Trust of S.A Museum(8 reviews) - Preserving local people's lives! Spent More than 3 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
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..
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..
4.5Port Lincoln Railway Museum(7 reviews) - What a train spotters delight Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
Not expecting to enjoy but feeling like we needed to support this worthy enterprise, we ended up spending close to 2 hours pottering around. Lots of quirky information and memorabilia. The two gents at front of house were a joy. Make sure to watch the two short films- the one about grain bagging and handling was a revelation (young fit blokes doing amazing physical and mental things nonstop occasionally with a cigarette in hand). Also the back shed is a must-Bob told very long stories and clearly loved his ‘job’ and this place. See more..
I recently moved to Victor Harbor South Australia, and was advised to visit the Southern Fleurieu Historical Museum. It is operated by the Southern Agricultural Society and open Thursdays and Sundays from 10.00am till 3.00pm. For anyone who has an interest in farm machinery and household artifacts prior to 1960, this museum offers a great experience. I have visited on several occasions. On Thursday's you will always find volunteers busy restoring old tractors, farm implements ect. who are happy to discuss what they are doing. Its only five dollars for adults and two dollars for children.See more..
If you are going to Mount Gambier, then it is only a 30 min drive to Port MacDonnell, where you will find Dingley Dell, former home of Robert Lindsay Gordon, a well known world wide writer. What a beautiful location. Part of local History. Read about the man that jumped the Blue Lake on a horse, and have funSee more..
5.0Elvis Museum(6 reviews) - Five Stars is not enough Speciality Museums
From the moment we pulled up into the driveway it is "The King", it is truly amazing, our guided tour was so personal and lots of extra bits of information. Every thing (and believe me there is a unimaginable amount) is so well presented. Peter is a great host and curator. He is ensuring that the Elvis lives onSee more..
4.5River Dolls of Goolwa(5 reviews) - Such a variety to see Thursday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Children's Museums
Museum has a huge collection of dolls from many a large time period (barbies, movie characters, Baby dolls, international dolls, celluloids, doll house, miniature cars and more). Well presented with lighting and altered layers to be able to see the collection. Owners very friendly and offered information about the collection. Also has a large variety of lollies to buy on the way out. See more..
Definitely worth the stop! You walk in to a shop of puppets and thrift items. A gold coin donation allows you to enter a puppet display that is out of this world!! Brian doss some puppetry to entertain the kids which is amazingly entertaining... definitely recommend! See more..
