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.

These tours are seasonal, operating between June and September.

Check here for next tour dates

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 15 mins prior to start time. 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

Port Adelaide’s got a new sound. New Found Sound is taking over Yartapuulti | Port Adelaide on Saturday, May 9 – and we’re excited to be part of it.

Free entry. All ages. One massive night of live music.

Now in its third year, New Found Sound has grown into one of South Australia’s most loved free cultural events, attracting more than 5,500 music lovers to the historic postcode that is Port Adelaide.

The festival returns with an expanded scope, championing live and local music in an immersive atmosphere as the streets, laneways, and waterways of Port Adelaide come alive with sound.

Presented by City of Port Adelaide Enfield

Facebook @newfoundsoundfestival
Instagram @newfoundsoundfestival

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

Let your imagination set sail these school holidays with the Threads of Tides LEGO® Trail at the SA Maritime Museum.

Designed especially for children aged 5-13, this exciting activity brings the museum to life with a fun and interactive twist.

Collect the letters to reveal a secret word. Once you’ve cracked the code, enter the draw to win an awesome LEGO® prize!

A great way to explore, learn and have fun at the SA Maritime Museum these school holidays.

What visitors say about the trail and visiting the museum:

“So much fun and educational; never, never seen a museum this interesting!”

“I really loved how you had a lot to touch, feel and see. Thank you.”

“Brilliantly researched and displayed. Great interactivity.”

LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorise, or endorse this site. 

Sea shanties were the work songs on board in the days of the tall ships.

Join Australia’s premier shanty band The Lost Quays in front of the Museum’s ketch to hear about the origin of shanties, and then learn to sing some yourself, with easy but interesting harmonies – and with the opportunity to write a verse or two for a shanty. Bring a bottle of water and your best singing voice!

Friday 6 March at 7:30pm

PYRATES! is a musical like no other.

A storm of passion, sword fights, and dangerous desire on the high seas. Cast out of England, John Husk is hurled into a world of violence when his ship is torn apart by pirates. Faced with death, he chooses life under the black flag, drawn to the fierce Barbary pirate Badas. Will steel cut deeper than loyalty? Meanwhile, when the Captain’s wife, Eliza Power, discovers John and Badas’ love, she seizes her chance for freedom. With mutiny in the air and blades flashing, hearts and throats are on the line. Will love survive, or will fate carve its own brutal ending?

Inspired by the true(ish) story of John Husk, who fought alongside Blackbeard.

Can you tell which one of your performers tonight is John Husk’s direct descendent?

Bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a touch of eyeliner). 

Pyrates! invites you to rethink what a pirate really looks like.

Thursday 26 February at 5:30pm

Friday 27 February at 5:30pm

Saturday 28 February at 5.30pm

FREE workshop with museum admission entry 

Hop on board for Drawn Aboard! Port River Pals

In this creative workshop, kids and parents can design and colour their very own Port River Dolphin, then watch it come to life in a magical animation. Their artwork comes to life on screen, joining a pod of colourful dolphins from around the State. Blending art, imagination, and technology, this workshop is perfect for curious kids who love to draw, dream, and explore. Set your course for creativity and let your Port River Dolphin adventure begin!

Why it’s awesome:

• Learn about maritime history
• Be part of a real animation project
• Watch your dolphin play on the sails of the museum’s ketch Active II!

Who’s it for:
Perfect for kids aged 5 – 18 and parents too! No experience needed, just imagination.

Dates:
Join one of our workshops anytime between 10:30am & 2:30pm

Tuesday 6 January 2026
Friday 9 January 2026
Monday 12 January 2026
Friday 16 January 2026
Saturday 17 January 2026
Wednesday 21 January 2026

Check out our other school holiday activities.

Let your imagination set sail these school holidays with the Around South Australia LEGO® Trail at the SA Maritime Museum.

Designed especially for children aged 5-13, this exciting activity brings the museum to life with a fun and interactive twist.

South Australia has connections to many iconic landmarks & sites, go exploring through our Museum to experience stories and objects from across the state.

Collect the letters to reveal a secret winning word. Once you’ve cracked the code, enter the draw to win an awesome LEGO® prize!

A great way to explore, learn and have fun at the SA Maritime Museum these school holidays.

Check out our other school holiday activities.

What visitors say about the trail and visiting the museum:

“So much fun and educational; never, never seen a museum this interesting!”

“I thought it was amazing and I really enjoyed doing the animation workshop.”

“Brilliantly researched and displayed. Great interactivity.”

LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorise, or endorse this site. 

Let your imagination set sail these July school holidays with the Around the World LEGO® Trail at the SA Maritime Museum. Designed especially for children aged 5-13, this exciting activity brings the museum to life with a fun and interactive twist.

South Australia has connections to many different countries through our seafaring history. Go globetrotting through our Museum to experience stories and objects from across the world. Can you find the LEGO® minifigures hidden between our objects? Collect the letters they hold to reveal a secret winning word. Once you’ve cracked the code, enter the draw to win an awesome LEGO® prize!

A great way to explore, learn and have fun at the SA Maritime Museum these school holidays.

Check out our other school holiday activities.

LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorise, or endorse this site.