National Railway Museum
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The National Railway Museum provides affordable education and recreation options on two sites… • the Museum at Lipson Street Port Adelaide, and • on the foreshore at Semaphore. The Museum at Port Adelaide is unique in that it is Australia’s largest railway museum representing railway operations from State, Commonwealth, and private operators on the three major railway gauges used in Australia. Students can experience and learn about a style of train travel that is no longer available today by exploring over 100 steam and diesel engines, carriages, and freight wagons contained within two huge pavilions and an 1870s heritage listed goods shed. There are many more features that highlight the social and community aspect of railway activities. Interactive and educational displays include safe operating practices, the role of Women in Railways, and the famous Tea and Sugar train that served railway families on the Nullarbor. Additional activities include exploring the Woodville signal cabin, viewing the model railway, chart the growth and decline of railways in South Australia on the electronic railway map, working level crossing warning bells (press a button to ring the bells and flash the lights), ticket printing machine, plus audio guides inside some exhibits. Visitors are welcome enter the cabs of giant steam engines and to transport themselves back to another era when they walk through elegant carriages. While the South Australian Railway (SAR) and Commonwealth Railways exhibits are impressive, other operators are well represented – BHP, Electricity Trust of SA and Silverton Railway all have a significant number of exhibits. The SAR exhibits are gems – apart from early (from the 1880s) engines, there is the massive 504 built in 1926 to haul The Overland, SA (and Australia’s) first mainline diesel (number 900, introduced into service in 1951), and 409, the narrow gauge (but massive) Beyer Garratt built mainly to haul Broken Hill ore traffic. Passenger cars range across hard-seat 2nd class wonders, sleeping cars, dining cars, a Commissioner’s car and even a Vice-Regal car – not to mention the famous Bluebird rail car plus Red Hen suburban car and Budd rail car used by the Commonwealth Railways for services to Maree, Woomera and Whyalla. Some of the cars have a wonderful history which is described on plaques located at each of the cars. Freight wagons are also represented, and include sheep, cattle, and tank wagons, even a refrigerator van. A train ride circumnavigates the Museum. Take a magical ride through the sand hills on the Semaphore and Fort Glanville Tourist Railway. This steam hauled train regularly departs from near the Semaphore Jetty from around 11am daily during the school holidays and on every weekend from October to April.The National Railway Museum – ideal for an educational experience or recreational reward for students and teachers. FacilitiesBook shop Undercover area for students to have refreshments Vending machines for cold drinks and snacks Wheel chair access to Museum and toilets Coach parking Pricing Museum - Schools (including special schools) $4.50 per child Teachers, parents and carers – free Semaphore - Schools (including special schools) $3.50 per child Teachers, parents and carers – free Group Size Negotiable - Please Call Advance notice is preferred especially if a guided tour is required Please visit our website Information pack available Suitable For: All Ages Contact Details: |
