Captain's Cottage Museum

22/08/2026

Can you guess what this is?

Found in our Dairy Room collection, this butter churn helped turn rich cream from local dairies into delicious, fresh butter.

Find out how our dairy industry shaped the local community and economy of Murray Bridge on your next visit to the Captain’s Cottage Museum.

Open this Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10am – 4pm.

08/08/2026

Ahoy! Jump aboard and learn about our rich riverboat history at the Captain’s Cottage Museum.

Our River Room is full of photos, miniature models, memorabilia and stories of the paddle steamers who opened up travel and trade along the Murray River.

Take a guided tour or explore at your own pace with our self-guided tour and informative brochure.

Open this Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10am – 4pm.

22/07/2026

Remember when you had to use a payphone if you wanted to call home while you were out?

Long before mobiles, payphones kept us connected – as long as you had coins or someone who would accept a call reverse charges!

Learn more about Murray Bridge’s early history, including the role of communications, at the Captain’s Cottage Museum.

Open Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10am – 4pm.

06/07/2026

From the earth to the table – find out where your food comes from these school holidays.

Learn how our early farmers grew thriving agriculture and dairy industries around Murray Bridge to feed our growing town.

Explore our extensive agriculture and dairy collections – from vintage tools, machines, tractors and more. Step inside the original cottage kitchen and see what was really involved in making a daily meal.

We’re also a Children’s University Learning Destination, so bring your passport and earn a stamp!

Open Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10am – 4pm.

22/06/2026

Create an event that’s truly unique at the Captain’s Cottage Museum.

Enjoy exclusive use of the venue, including our sweeping lawns, cottage gardens and large gazebo, for your next club meet, family get-together, birthday, anniversary or social gathering.

Explore our extensive collections of photos, memorabilia, antiques vintage machinery at your own pace.

Book your event or midweek visit now at www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/captainscottage or call 8539 1142.

06/06/2026

It’s harvest time – and the modern machines can’t compare to this beauty!

This Sunshine HST Header was made in Victoria around 1923.

Measuring 8 feet wide (2.4m) and pulled by a team of horses, it would have taken a lot longer to harvest a paddock than today’s harvesters, which can cover a width of between 9m and 18m at a time.

Find out what early farming was really like in the Murraylands on a visit to the Captain’s Cottage Museum.

We’re open Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10am – 4pm, or midweek by appointment.

25/05/2026

20/05/2026

It’s National Volunteer Week this week – and we want to thank all our dedicated volunteers at the Captain’s Cottage Museum.

Our amazing team do so much to keep our heritage alive, from taking guided tours to maintaining the cottage and gardens and preserving our extensive collections of historic items.

Without their efforts, it wouldn’t be the special place it is today.

If you love history, sharing our stories or are passionate about gardening, why not join our team?

Find out more here: https://www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/council/
employment/volunteering

13/05/2026

Have you ever wondered what history has shaped Murray Bridge?

This SA History Month, take a closer look at the people, places and moments that have built our community.

Throughout May, enjoy FREE entry every Thursday to two of Murray Bridge’s most iconic heritage sites, The Round House and Captain’s Cottage Museum.

📍 The Round House | 146 Railway Terrace, Murray Bridge
📍 Captain’s Cottage Museum | 12 Thomas Street, Murray Bridge

🕚 Thursdays in May | 11am–3pm

Explore how river life, rail, farming and the first Murray Bridge all connected to shape the region. Step inside local history brought to life through photographs, memorabilia, machinery and guided tours.

You can also view a special SA History Month display at the Local Government Centre throughout May.

Discover our shared past and the stories that shaped Murray Bridge.

To learn more, visit: https://www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/tourism/things-to-see-and-do/history-and-heritage

10/05/2026

🏡 Discover the stories behind Murray Bridge at Captain’s Cottage Museum this SA History Month.

Join us on Thursday for FREE entry and take a step back in time through one of our region’s treasured heritage sites.

Originally built in 1880, the cottage now houses a fascinating collection celebrating Murray Bridge’s river, rail and community history.

Highlights include:
⚓ Riverboat and paddle steamer memorabilia
📸 Historic photographs of Murray Bridge and district
🚜 Early farming and transport equipment
🏠 Period household items and local artefacts
🧵 Displays showcasing everyday life from decades past

Whether you’re a local history enthusiast or simply curious about the stories that shaped our region, Captain’s Cottage offers a unique glimpse into our rural city’s past.

While you’re there, ask about the connections between Captain’s Cottage and the historic Round House — another free SA History Month experience open Thursdays throughout May.

📍 Captain’s Cottage Museum
🗓️ Thursday in May
🕚 11am – 3pm
🎟️ Free Entry