Learn about the historical areas of the waterfront, and viewpoints of interest along the Port River including Hart’s Mill, the lifting Tom ‘Diver’ Derrick Bridge, the 1864 clipper ship City of Adelaide – and perhaps even a dolphin!

Take a tour along the Port River on the historic vessel MV Archie Badenoch. Built during WWII by General Motors Holden for the Royal Australian Navy, the vessel was commissioned by the South Australian Police in December 1946. Named in honour of Constable Archibald Badenoch, Archie served the South Australian Police as the Number 1 Water Police Launch until 1978. The vessel is now owned and operated by the South Australian Maritime Museum.

Thursday 7 May 11am & 12:30pm
Sunday 10 May 11am & 12:30pm
Friday 29 May 11am & 12:30pm

Meeting Point: Queen’s Wharf (near Port Adelaide Lighthouse)
Duration: 60 mins

Adult: $31.50
Child (5-15): $16.50
Please note: Price is for tour only

Here’s your chance to explore inside a Port Adelaide icon with a guided tour!

Experience the magic of the iconic lighthouse, first illuminated in 1869 and still operational today after being relocated several times. Learn historical facts, discover captivating stories and ascend the 83 steps to the top to witness the lantern mechanism in action. Step out onto the deck and enjoy unique views of the river and Port Adelaide from above.

Join us for an unforgettable exploration of the past!

Saturday 2 May 11am, 12pm & 1pm
Wednesday 13 May 11am, 12pm & 1pm
Thursday 21 May 11am, 12pm & 1pm

Meeting Point: Port Adelaide Lighthouse, Black Diamond Square, Port Adelaide
Duration: 30-45 mins. Limited to 10 people per tour.
Note that our tours involve stairs, tight spaces, and heights, and are not suitable for young children (under 5) or those with mobility issues.

Adults $18.50
Children (5-17) $9.50
Please note: Price is for tour only

Ever wondered how Australia’s oldest collection of maritime artifacts was created? The answer: Vernon Spottiswoode Smith.

In this exclusive History Festival event, hear from expert panelists who will explore the legacy of Vernon Smith and how his passion for maritime history laid the foundations for the South Australian Maritime Museum we know today.

Bookings required online. Ticket price includes museum entry and talk.

Sunday 4 May, 2pm – 3pm

Image: Vernon Smith, Curator of the Port Adelaide Nautical Museum, SA Maritime Museum Photographic Collection

Vernon Spottiswoode Smith, the ‘grandfather’ of the SA Maritime Museum, is turning 150! Take a guided tour through our museum and discover Australia’s oldest collection of nautical artefacts and the visionary who made it happen.

The first 150 visitors get a free birthday cupcake!

Bookings required online. Ticketing price includes entry to the museum, tour, and birthday cupcake.

Friday 2 May, 11am – 11.45am & 2pm – 2.45pm

Image: Vernon Smith, Curator of the Port Adelaide Nautical Museum with figureheads from the collection; the British Admiral, the Claymore and the Scottish Chieftain, c1958, History Trust of SA

Join us for a tour, talk, and tipple at two of Port Adelaide’s iconic landmarks – the Port Admiral Hotel, the city’s oldest surviving building, established in 1849 becoming a key local landmark for sailors and settlers, and the Port Adelaide Lighthouse, first lit in 1869, get a chance to visit the original keepers’ quarters and climb to the lantern room.

Price includes a guided tour to the top of the lighthouse located on the wharf to witness the original mechanism in action followed by a meal, drink, and presentation on the history of the Port Admiral Hotel.

Fri 15 May 6pm
Sat 23 May 6pm

Meeting Point: Port Adelaide Lighthouse, Black Diamond Square, Port Adelaide

Note that Lighthouse Tour involves stairs, tight spaces, and heights, and is not suitable for young children (under 5) or those with mobility issues.

All Tickets: $60 per person

IMPORTANT – Please meet at the Lighthouse 15 mins prior to start time.

*HISTORY FESTIVAL DATES HAVE SOLD OUT*
Alternative dates are available here

The fully guided tour visits the many areas of the Quarantine Station, including the bathing blocks that separated first and second-class passengers, the boiler house used to power fumigation, the morgue and the isolation hospital. The character of the buildings, the history of the site and the ambience of the natural environment make visiting the Quarantine Station a moving experience.

Torrens Island Quarantine Station was built in 1879 to stop passengers bringing diseases such as smallpox into Adelaide. Today, the site is remarkably intact and evokes the experiences of passengers placed in quarantine from the 1880s to the 1960s.

Included in your ticket is same-day admission to the South Australian Maritime Museum including our exhibitions relating to historic Port Adelaide.

Duration
90 minutes

Cost including same-day entry to the SA Maritime Museum
General Admission: $36.50 per person

Meeting point
Access to Torrens Island Quarantine Station is via the Torrens Island Power Station, which has strict security. Please meet on the Grand Trunkway, Gillman at 10.45am. Park on the left-hand side before the bridge to Torrens Island, just after the intersection of Grand Trunkway and Moorhouse Road. A Museum staff member will meet you at this location to confirm your arrival. You will then proceed in your own vehicle in convoy through the Power Station to the Torrens Island Quarantine Station.

Please note