Over the years, Port Adelaide has had a thriving transport history, from cargo ships, to the busy road and rail networks. So in my opinion it would be fairly obvious that the Maritime and Railway museums would be located in Port Adelaide. Yet surprisingly there is another museum in Port Adelaide that is just as impressive. Ourworldinreview recently made our way into Port Adelaide to visit this incredible place. Welcome to the South Australian Aviation Museum.
Located right next door to the National Railway Museum the South Australian Aviation Museum is tucked away in a hidden aircraft hangar. Make sure you take care, as the entry into the museum grounds is easily missed.
From the outside, the museum looks like a vacant shed with the only indicator being a small sign above the front door.
Once you enter the hangar you are greeted by the friendly volunteers who man the service desk. The front office also acts as a shop and has various model airplane kits stocked on the shelves. This is quite fitting for those adults and children inspired by the aircraft they are about to discover.
I must admit I was unsure what to expect in the museum. Would there be a couple of small planes or some scale models with information plaques? Hence, when you enter the main hangar you can’t help but be impressed with the full sized aircraft available for your viewing.
The first thing you notice is the hangar is spotless. There is a good variety of planes on display, from the F-111 fighter jet to the World War II Spitfire. The museum also has a helicopter used in the Vietnam War and other incredible aircraft’s that have done some extraordinary flights around the world.
South Australia’s Aviation Museum provides some good educational information for its visitors about the aircraft and other aviation matters. Visitors also have the ability to climb aboard a few aircraft to check out the cockpits and the flight controls. So many buttons and levers!
In conclusion the South Australian Aviation Museum is a good way to spend a couple of hours. I would recommend combining a visit to both the National Railway Museum and the Aviation Museum in a day trip. Therefore, grab the children and head down to the Aviation Museum and tell them Simon from Ourworldinreview sent you!
Additional Information for the Aviation Museum
66 Lipson Street, Port Adelaide SA 5015
Ph: (08) 8240 1230
Website: www.saam.org.au
Trading Hours
Daily 10:30am – 04:30pm except Christmas
Accommodation is available around the Port Adelaide area
Entry Fee
Adults $10, Concession cards $8
Children (under16) $5
Family (2 adults, 3 children) $25
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