Wallaroo Heritage And Nautical Museum

See George the Giant Squid, a famed 30 foot racing boat, relics and more at the Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum.

Originally a post office, the museum has displays of the copper smelting era, postal and telephone history, religious and civic affairs, industry, sport, entertainment, extensive nautical and general local history.

The large nautical complex is popular with visitors. It captures the imagination of maritime history lovers from all over the world. The history of the Port of Wallaroo is illustrated with maps, charts, photographs, ship models, relics, videos and old record books – more than 1500 exhibits. Visitors with a special interest in the deep water riggers of the pre-Second World War era will find many items of interest.

See a 30 foot racing boat, once used in competitive racing between crews from many of the famous windjammers including the sailing vessel Abraham Rydberg that visited the Port of Wallaroo.

An unusual exhibit is George the giant squid, obtained from the stomach of a whale some 30 years ago. This specimen is preserved in formalin, and is 28 feet long with its tentacles outstretched, with a body five feet long by one foot wide.

In front of the museum in Investigator Park, you'll see the former 1877 Tipara Reef Lighthouse, an outstanding example of early lighthouses.

One of the displays - Wallaroo Through The Years - features early pioneering personalities such as Sir Walter Watson Hughes, founder of copper mining and smelting in the Copper Triangle. David Bews, Member of Parliament and Caroline Carlton, author of The Song of Australia, who died in Wallaroo in 1874, are buried in the local cemetery. The strong Welsh influence is also portrayed with the story of the Reverend John Lloyd and the Welsh Congregational Church.

The museum’s Machine Shop features a huge water pump which once played a vital role in the copper smelters.

Tour guides are available for coach visits. Group bookings are welcome - please book in advance. Project sheets are available for school groups. Visitors can contact historian Nick Woods, the museum's Research Officer, who may be able to trace family connections with Wallaroo. Souvenirs, tourist information and soft drinks are also available.

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Our phone numbers Mobile: 0427 973 362
Phone: 08 8823 3015
Fax: 08 8823 3015
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Facilities

  • Access With Assistance for the Disabled
  • Car park
  • Coach Parking
  • Guide
  • Lockers
  • Parking for the Disabled
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • Telephone for the Disabled

Experiences

Activities

  • Cultural
  • Historic/Heritage
  • Industry/Mining/Agriculture
  • Guided Walks

Our Location

Jetty Road and Emu Street
Wallaroo
South Australia 5556

Postal Address
N/A