City: South Australia
Top Things to do in South Australia
What to do and see in South Australia, Australia: The Best Specialty Museums
South Australia (abbreviated as SA) is a state in the southern central part of Australia. It covers some of the most arid parts of the country. With a total land area of 983,482 square kilometres (379,725 sq mi), it is the fourth-largest of Australia's states and territories by area, and fifth largest by population. It has a total of 1.7 million people, and its population is the most highly centralised of any state in Australia, with more than 75 percent of South Australians living in the capital, Adelaide, or its environs. Other population centres in the state are relatively small.
Restaurants in South Australia
1. South Australian Society of Model & Experimental Engineers
2. Millicent National Trust Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By branham2016 - Adelaide, Australia
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.
3. Koppio Smithy Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By T5105QAtanyam - Port Lincoln, Australia
Great little museum not far from Tumby bay, This museum is full to the brim of beautiful relicks from the past, Very well kept grounds, pet friendly, large bbq area, large Tea and coffee room with plenty of seating if you prefer to eat inside, pizza oven, Bbq, shop has a range of food,lollies ice creams, cool drinks tea and coffee. Something for everyone and well worth the visit
4. Melrose Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Lizzie1948 - Adelaide, Australia
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.
5. Rebuild Independence Group
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
See the reconstruction of Independence, the first vessel ever built in South Australia. Hear about the original vessel's construction, the history surrounding it and its untimely fate. Learn how it fits into Kangaroo Island's history and development.
Reviewed By CatherineRenee - Renmark, Australia
We stopped by here after breakfast just to chat with the friendly man in the shed. He told us the story of the boat Independence and about the explorers of the area. It was an interesting bit of history. We ended up buying a small plank to make a donation to their cause. It only takes 20 minutes but I definitely recommend stopping by for a chat. And perhaps your own plank/donation.
6. National Railway Museum Port Adelaide
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Lindajwil - Heathcote, Australia
Lots of trains available for climbing into and seeing how past generations travelled by rail. There is also a little tourist track train so the kids feel that they have had a ride and the big kids get an overview of the trains restored here.
7. Faye's Underground Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 410 reviews
Reviewed By AnnieBellaRose - Goolwa, Australia
To think this underground home was hand dug by 3 women in the 60's & 70's was mind-blowing. The home is as Faye left it all those years ago with original furnishings and decor. Following a brief history given to us by Grant, the property caretaker, we were able to walk through at our leisure. We were offered a tour of Faye's mine on the property at a small additional cost. Well worth it. Grant's commentary was informative and gave a great understanding of what this amazing lady achieved during her time in Coober Pedy. Would highly recommend it!
8. Old Timers Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 649 reviews
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 souvenirs
Reviewed By 841krisb - Brisbane, Australia
I am an on/off local of Coober Pedy for 25+ years and this is the only place I take tourists to for a quick look if they are short on time. Take your time on the tour; read the signs, look at the faults in the wall and read the history in the museum area. A very easy place to lose track of time for a few hours!
9. Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
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 Australia
Reviewed By 310nitam - Victoria, Australia
What a very interesting place to visit, it’s like stepping back in time with all the old trains, our guide Judith was excellent most informative really know her knowledge of trains , would highly recommend a visit here, and if your a train buff like my husband you will love it .
10. National Motor Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 358 reviews
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.
Reviewed By michellemZ3054TX - Sydney, Australia
This museum is amazing with the number of cars on display and the quality of what is on show is twice as amazing. The Holden concept cars which are featuring at the moment are a privilege to see and may never be seen altogether this way again. Definitely worth the visit, there will be a car there that everyone can appreciate.
