76 Lipson Street
Port Adelaide
South Australia 5015

Open Daily 10am – 4.30pm

ANZAC Day from 12pm. Christmas Day Closed

76 Lipson Street
Port Adelaide
South Australia 5015

Open Daily 10am – 4.30pm

ANZAC Day from 12pm
Christmas Day Closed

Planning Your Visit

National Railway Museum

Home 9 Planning Your Visit

Located within the heritage precinct of Lipson Street in Port Adelaide

The National Railway Museum is located within the heritage precinct of Lipson Street in Port Adelaide. The Museum features locomotives, railway carriages, a train ride, exhibits and displays housed within two large fully enclosed pavilions and around the extensive Museum grounds. Be sure to check our What’s On page for information about our Events and Exhibitions.

Please be advised that for safety and security reasons, many of our priceless and irreplaceable carriages and locomotives are not accessible.

Conditions of Entry

To enter the Museum, visitors must adhere to the following conditions:

  • abide by all reasonable and lawful directions given by National Railway Museum staff, Duty Managers and volunteers
  • ensure children under 16 years of age are accompanied by an adult and are actively supervised at all times
  • conduct themselves and children in a manner which does not interfere, disrupt or offend other persons visiting the Museum
  • do not touch, or in any other way, interfere with collection objects or displays unless indicated
  • no climbing on exhibits – no exceptions
  • refrain from running
  • no consuming of food or drinks in the pavilions
  • no dogs allowed – Assistance dogs excepted
  • no smoking or vaping
  • no skateboards, roller blades, push bikes or scooters
  • no alcohol – conditions may apply for management approved functions
  • drones are not permitted

Safety and security

  • be aware of edges of paths/paving
  • use hand rails where provided
  • stow bicycles in the bicycle racks provided
  • be aware of safety signage ‘mind the gap’
  • be cautious when walking on steps
  • do not enter exhibits marked ‘fitted with sensor alarms’
  • Please note the Museum operates CCTV cameras throughout the Museum site

Photo/Film

  • photography and filming for commercial purposes is not permitted, unless prior permission has been acquired from the Museum management

First Aid/AED is available

What's on offer at the Museum

How to get here

Access and facilities

Group and school bookings

More to see and do

What’s on offer at the Museum:

Train Rides

Take the family on a ride around the Museum site on our free small train ride, included in price of Museum admission. Trains generally run once every half hour.

Party

Host your kid’s next birthday party in the Cafeteria Car, includes free train rides. See the Birthday Parties page for more information.

Museum Shop

The Museum Shop has a range of railway books, DVD’s, souvenirs, toys, drinks and ice creams.

Model Railway
Completely constructed at the Museum by skilled model railway enthusiasts, this display highlights the extensive variety of scenery and terrain through which the railways of this State have operated; sea ports, the open plains, country towns, the Adelaide Hills and suburbia.
Displays

Steam and diesel locomotives are on display, as well as royal carriages, brake vans, passenger cars, maintenance vehicles, carriages from the Tea and Sugar Train, and a range of railway ephemera. Explore the mechanical and social history of the railways, and try out our train simulator!

Archive
The Museum houses an impressive collection of Australian railway heritage items, including photographs, artefacts, documents and ephemera. The Archive is open by appointment and also offers an enquiry service (fees may apply). Please visit the Collections page of this website for details.
Tea and Sugar Train
Climb aboard and play with the interactives on the iconic Tea and Sugar Train and learn about how the train helped and serviced isolated communities along the Nullarbor Plain.
Push and Pull
The kids will enjoy playing with interactive bells, levers and buttons around the Museum. The train simulator is a great way for kids to learn about driving trains.

How to get to the National Railway Museum in Adelaide

To help you plan your bus or train trip to the Museum visit the Adelaide Metro site, which includes timetables and a journey planner.

By Rail

The Museum is about a 3 minute walk from the Port Dock Railway Station on the Outer Harbor Line. The Museum is directly adjacent to the station.

By Bus

For bus and train timetables, refer to: https://adelaidemetro.com.au

Cycling and Walking

The Museum is located in central Port Adelaide and the route is well signposted. Cycling or walking is an ideal way to see the many attractions in Port Adelaide.

By Car

From Adelaide via Port Road (Route A7)
From Glenelg via Tapleys Hill Road (Route A15) or Military Road
From northern suburbs via Port River Expressway (A9)

Parking

There is free parking adjacent to the Museum and in nearby streets, however please be aware that this parking is shared with the other residents and businesses around the Port. The car park has a three hour limit.

Access and Facilities

Access and Facilities
  • Accessible parking is available in the car park, near the Museum Shop
  • Wheelchairs are available free of charge, please enquire with the Shop
  • We have wheelchair accessible toilets
  • Support dogs are also welcome
  • We provide pass out tickets
Dogs
  • Sorry, only support dogs are allowed on the Museum site
  • Dogs are allowed on the Semaphore Train, but must be on a lead and under full control. Dogs travel free
NRM Visual Narrative
Facilities for Parents of Young Children
  • A change table is available in the women’s toilets and in the accessible toilet
  • The Museum does not currently have a dedicated breastfeeding area, however breastfeeding is welcome at the Museum. There are seating areas located around the Museum site
Food and drink
  • Vending machines onsite
  • Ice creams in the shop
  • Several seating areas available

Group and School Bookings

For group and school bookings please contact the Shop directly by phone: 08 8341 1690.
Groups must be a minimum of 10 people.

All group bookings are subject to our Conditions of Entry to the Museum. The Museum reserves the right to suspend any group booking at any time, including after arrival onsite.

More to See and Do

The Port Adelaide area boasts the following attractions, which you can combine with a visit to the National Railway Museum:

There are also pubs, restaurants, cafes and art galleries to visit.

Port Adelaide Visitor Information Centre

For helpful and knowledgeable information about where to stay, what to see, do and experience in the Port Adelaide region visit the Port Adelaide Information Centre on Commercial Road, Port Adelaide; housed in the historic site of the former Port Adelaide Police Station.