
South Australian Museum
Explore natural history and Aboriginal culture at this free-entry museum, featuring vast collections and interactive exhibits.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

South Australian Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore natural history and Aboriginal culture at this free-entry museum, featuring vast collections and interactive exhibits.
"A great place for when the weather isn't good, with impressive Aboriginal history and a peaceful atmosphere."

Free Entry for All!
Most permanent exhibits are free, making it a great value. Paid exhibitions offer unique experiences. 🎟️
Kid-Friendly Discovery Centre
The Discovery Centre is a must-visit for families, offering hands-on fun for younger visitors. :child:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 5,304 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and knowledge of Aboriginal communities through diverse artifacts and displays.

Mammals of the World
Marvel at an extensive collection of taxidermied mammals from across the globe, showcasing incredible biodiversity.

Giant Squid
Discover the awe-inspiring presence of a giant squid, with parts of its immense form visible on multiple levels.

Discovery Centre
An interactive space for kids to touch, explore, and learn, making it a hit for families with children.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free General Admission
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry for All!
Most permanent exhibits are free, making it a great value. Paid exhibitions offer unique experiences. 🎟️
Kid-Friendly Discovery Centre
The Discovery Centre is a must-visit for families, offering hands-on fun for younger visitors. :child:
Book Paid Exhibitions Online
For special exhibitions like 'Minerals of the Viking Age', booking online can save you time. 💻
Explore Multiple Floors
The museum is spread across five floors, with something new to discover on each level. :arrowupdown:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry for All!
Most permanent exhibits are free, making it a great value. Paid exhibitions offer unique experiences. 🎟️
Kid-Friendly Discovery Centre
The Discovery Centre is a must-visit for families, offering hands-on fun for younger visitors. :child:
Book Paid Exhibitions Online
For special exhibitions like 'Minerals of the Viking Age', booking online can save you time. 💻
Explore Multiple Floors
The museum is spread across five floors, with something new to discover on each level. :arrowupdown:
Cafe Can Be Busy
The on-site cafe is popular and can get crowded, especially during peak times. ☕
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the South Australian Museum for its free general admission and the depth of its collections, particularly the Aboriginal Cultures Gallery and natural history exhibits. It's highlighted as a great, peaceful place for all ages, with the Discovery Centre being a hit for families. Some note that the cafe can be pricey and busy, and booking paid exhibitions online is advised.
"The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection of artifacts and displayed items was amazing. Also an impressive display of other Islander nations.
The total display is across 4 floors with lift access at either end of the building.
Plenty of seating around the display areas if you need to take a load off.
There is also quite a few interactive screens giving further detailed information on displayed items."
Craig Maxwell
"We took a free guided tour of the Mortlock Library. We learnt so much about the history of this beautiful building and the books it holds.
An interesting morning.
I would highly recommend the tour."
Christie Butler
"Great place to visit in Delaide, especially if the weather is rainy.
The museum is free to visit.
Excellent natural history and aboriginal history collections."
Anastasia G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The South Australian Museum is centrally located in Adelaide. It's easily accessible by public transport, with many bus routes stopping nearby. There are also several car parks close to the museum, making it convenient for drivers.
Yes, there are plenty of car parks very close to the South Australian Museum, making it a convenient option for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Public transport is a great way to get to the South Australian Museum, with numerous bus routes serving the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The good news is that most of the permanent exhibitions at the South Australian Museum are free to enter! However, special temporary exhibitions may have an admission fee.
General admission to the South Australian Museum is free. For specific paid exhibitions, like the 'Minerals of the Viking Age', prices are reasonable, around $25.
For the free general exhibitions, booking in advance is not usually necessary. However, for popular paid exhibitions, it's recommended to buy tickets online to avoid queues.
The museum's opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information. The Discovery Centre has specific hours, typically open on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, the extensive Mammals of the World collection, and the impressive Giant Squid. The Discovery Centre is also a highlight for families.
Yes, the South Australian Museum is very family-friendly! The Discovery Centre offers hands-on activities, and the diverse exhibits capture children's imaginations.
The Discovery Centre is a special interactive area designed for children, where they can touch and explore various exhibits, making learning fun and engaging. It's typically open on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in the South Australian Museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or areas.
The museum houses a vast collection, including natural history artifacts, minerals, fossils, and a significant exploration of Aboriginal culture and history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the South Australian Museum has an on-site cafe that is quite popular. Visitors mention it can be busy, and while the coffee and cake are good, prices might be a bit higher than average.
Given its central location, there are numerous cafes and restaurants in the vicinity of the South Australian Museum, offering a variety of dining choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the South Australian Museum. However, always be mindful of any signage indicating restricted areas or exhibits where photography is not permitted.
The museum's architecture, like the Armoury Courtyard, can be quite picturesque. Special exhibitions, such as the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year, offer stunning visual content.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit