Nine ships left Britain for the newly created Province of South Australia in 1836. Estimates of the precise number of intending settlers vary but the 1837 report of the South Australian Colonization Commission claimed 546 souls, all hoping for a better life on the other side of the world.

Most had never been to sea before and along with their grief at leaving home, they battled seasickness, made infinitely worse by the cramped quarters they shared with others. They were often anxious and their fears were not misplaced.

Bound for South Australia features precious personal mementos those first immigrants brought to South Australia. It explores life at sea, what they ate, where they slept and how they fared on the long sea voyage. For the first time, the people, stories and artefacts are brought together in a single exhibition that explores the beginnings of the Province of South Australia.

Gallery