WALLAROO HERITAGE & NAUTICAL MUSEUM 

A  FASCINATING  PLACE  TO  VISIT.

OPENING TIMES HERE 

The Wallaroo Heritage & Nautical Museum situated on the corner of Jetty Road & Emu St. has something of interest for everyone and is divided into sections that illustrate Wallaroo's heritage.

Originally a Post Office (1865-1910), this historic building houses extensive displays of the copper smelting era which lasted from 1861 - 1923, postal & telephone history , religious & civic affairs, industry , sport, entertainment , extensive nautical and general local history displays.

Located in front of the Museum in INVESTIGATOR PARK is the former 1877 Tipara reef Lighthouse, an outstanding example of early lighthouses.

One of the displays entitled "Wallaroo- through the years" features early pioneering personalities such as Sir Walter Watson Hughes, founder of copper mining & smelting in the Copper Triangle, David Bews MP and Caroline Carlton, author of "The Song of Australia" who died in Wallaroo in 1874 and is buried in the local cemetery.
The strong Welsh influence is also portrayed with the story of the Reverend John Lloyd and the Welsh Congregational Church.
One of the most popular sections of the museum is the large nautical complex which has captured the imagination of maritime history lovers from all over the world. Many Cape Horners have come to visit Wallaroo just to see this exciting display. The history of the Port of Wallaroo is illustrated with maps, charts, photographs, ship models, relics , videos and old record books - over 1,500 exhibits.
Visitors with a special interest in the deep water riggers of pre World War 2 era will find many items of interest. The Museum's "Machine Shop" features a huge water pump which once played a vital role in the copper smelters.
Other items include a 30 foot racing boat ,once used in competitive races between crews from many of the famous windjammers including the s/v "Abraham Rydberg" which visited the port of Wallaroo.
An unusual exhibit is "GEORGE" the giant squid who was obtained from the stomach of a whale some 30 years ago. This specimen is preserved in formalin measured 28ft long with its tentacles outstretched and the body is 5ft long by 1 ft wide.
Among the popular history books available at the museum is "Maritime History of Wallaroo" by the late Dorothy Fyfe - whch details the history of Wallaroo from Matthew Flinders visit in 1802 to the present day.
 

Many hours of voluntary labor by members & supporters of the Wallaroo Branch of the National Trust of SA  have made the Wallaroo Heritage & Nautical Museum one of the most popular local history museums on Yorke Peninsula with its informative and well presented displays.

A new display titled "Shipwrecks of Yorke Peninsula"  opened in December 2002 as part of the Coastal Heritage Trail in conjunction with the History Trust of SA & Tourism SA.

Visitors may also contact local historian Nick Woods, the museum's research officer who may be able to trace family connections with Wallaroo.

Tour Guides also available for coach visits.

SEE SOME PHOTOS HERE

OPENING TIMES and OTHER INFORMATION HERE 

WALLAROO MUSEUM MAIN PAGE

HOME