Port Macdonnell and District Maritime Museum - Port Macdonnell
Direct Phone Number : (08) 8738 7259
Return to Port Macdonnell
Port MacDonnell's Maritime Museum packs a lot of history into a small space. It tells with gusto the story of South Australia's southern most town and the seas around it.
Many a vessel has come to grief in the area. The shipwreck gallery tells you the story of some of these. You can see the bell and cannon from the ill-fated Admella, which foundered in 1859 with the loss of all but 24 of her 113 passengers. On a lighter note, there is a model boat that was launched at Macquarie Island in the Antarctic and floated right around the World before beaching near Port MacDonnell.
Port MacDonnell claims itself to be the 'Southern Rock Lobster Capital of Australia'. The largest rock lobster (or crayfish) fishing fleet in South Australia is based here and not surprisingly the museum has much to tell about rock lobsters and how they are caught.
The town also has a rich landward history. There was a thriving pebble industry for many years. The pebbles were harvested along the beaches and used in the paint and ceramic industries. The town also once boasted several tanneries and a Fellmongery – where wool and hides were prepared for leather making. At one time, the rabbits that plagued the area were kept in check by a thriving rabbiting industry. There were also two breweries to sustain the spirits of the hardworking citizens. The museum captures all the facets of the community’s story.
While you are here, try to spot the French letter in a bottle.
Open by appointment any day any time.