South Australian Museum

The South Australian Museum is a natural history museum in Adelaide displaying millions of specimens across multiple galleries devoted to science, including minerals, fossils, and animal collections from different eras. The exhibitions systematically cover areas such as geology, zoology, and paleontology throughout its spaces.

The museum was founded in 1856 and was originally housed in the Mechanics Institute Library on King William Street. Over time it relocated to its present location on North Terrace, where it grew into one of Australia's major scientific institutions.

The museum houses extensive collections of Australian Aboriginal cultures with artworks and objects that document indigenous traditions and heritage. These materials allow visitors to understand the cultural diversity and historical experiences of Australia's first peoples.

The museum is located in Adelaide's cultural district and is open daily to visitors, with wheelchair access available throughout. Its central location makes it easy to visit alongside other nearby cultural institutions.

The museum houses rare opals and fossils from the Ediacara Hills, representing some of Earth's earliest known complex life forms. These remarkable discoveries offer insight into the earliest history of complex life on our planet.

Location: Adelaide City Council

Inception: 1856

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00; Holidays 10:00-17:00

Phone: +61882077500

Website: http://samuseum.sa.gov.au

GPS coordinates: -34.92049,138.60319

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:28