I believe this is the oldest maritime museum in Australia. It was started in 1872 and has a wonderful display of maritime history relating to South Australia and then the world. The wonderful old clipper ships that came to settle our colony of South Australia. Displays of "deck" and below deck" certainly bring the reality of how difficult it would be to travel at the cheaper end of being a paying passenger. It is really an education for teenage children. Both my husband and my ancestors arrived in the very early days and we admire their fortitude. I don't think we realised how difficult it was before we visited here.

Really enjoyed taking our grandchilddren to this maritime musuem. It lets them learn how our early and not so early ancestors arrived from overseas. The sailing boats and the conditions my ancestors endured to come here make me realise how determined and strong minded they must have been in 1846. The children were fascinated with the exhibits and the the fact that we could use the data base to trace some of our relatives from long ago. A lighthouse, the steam tug Yelta , models of cabins from later ships and many other items are there and tell a story of sorrow and happiness.

A hands on fun and fascinating day for the hole family feel and sense the history. Great outing for the kids especially on the school holidays. A musy stop if your down the Port way. A bit expensive to get in but well worth it.