Port MacDonnell Maritime Museum

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Port MacDonnell Maritime Museum The history of this one-time large, bustling port, with beautiful but treacherous coast.

Within the museum walls you will find information and displays on over 40 local shipwrecks, past local industry, and photographs depicting the town and its people.

The first authentic wreck known in the vicinity of Cape Northumberland was the Isabella. In October 1844 she was found w...
30/09/2026

The first authentic wreck known in the vicinity of Cape Northumberland was the Isabella. In October 1844 she was found washed ashore but none of the crew were ever found. The mast was broken and showed signs of being hit by heavy seas. Museum visitors can press a button to light up the site of the wreck of the Isabella on our map of local shipping disasters.

This year marks 180 years since the ship, the J Lovett, was built in Maine USA. Sadly she came ashore and was wrecked in...
27/09/2026

This year marks 180 years since the ship, the J Lovett, was built in Maine USA. Sadly she came ashore and was wrecked in Port MacDonnell in September 1852. The Captain of the J Lovett, Captain Broadfoot was later murdered after staying on board for some weeks to protect the cargo, while the passengers and crew walked all the way to Portland. Port MacDonnell Maritime Museum has one of the original cabin doors from the wreck on display.

Next week it will be 150 years since a French ship, the St Marc, was wrecked at 2am whilst lying off Port MacDonnell wai...
21/09/2026

Next week it will be 150 years since a French ship, the St Marc, was wrecked at 2am whilst lying off Port MacDonnell waiting to come into moorings to take on a load of wattle bark, bound for England. In very hazardous conditions the Port MacDonnell lifeboat boat crew were able to make it through the heavy surf and save all fourteen crew on board. To show their gratitude the French Government presented the life saving crew members with silver medals and certificates. Visit Port MacDonnell to read the amazing story of Harbour Master, William H Carrison, who later lost his medal on a train and how it was found again in 1908.

A visitor to the Museum today commented how much they had enjoyed our 1930's film taken here in Port MacDonnell. It real...
09/09/2026

A visitor to the Museum today commented how much they had enjoyed our 1930's film taken here in Port MacDonnell. It really is worth a visit to sit back and watch this great little film!

Tomorrow marks the day on September 1 in 1894 that the Aeolus ran aground onto the Agnes Reef near Pelican Point. The Ae...
31/08/2026

Tomorrow marks the day on September 1 in 1894 that the Aeolus ran aground onto the Agnes Reef near Pelican Point. The Aeolus had left Cape Town in South Africa on a voyage to load wool in Sydney. The ship had been sailing 29 days before being wrecked off our coast.

Another beautiful Pen and Ink artwork of an old sailing ship by Charles Eliott Perryman brought along by a Kingston resi...
26/08/2026

Another beautiful Pen and Ink artwork of an old sailing ship by Charles Eliott Perryman brought along by a Kingston resident. So beneficial to connect and share information with other Museums. If you love Port MacDonnell Maritime Museum you will enjoy visiting Kingston Museum and make time to book a tour of Cape Jaffa Lighthouse

Terrific opportunity recently to have been invited by the Kingston SE National Trust Museum to visit and add to the stor...
26/08/2026

Terrific opportunity recently to have been invited by the Kingston SE National Trust Museum to visit and add to the story of one their Lighthouse Keepers who worked at Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, originally built 8kms out to sea from Cape Jaffa on the Margaret Brock Reef.

In the early hours of August 6th 1859, the SS Admella was wrecked off the coast of Carpenter Rocks. With the loss of 89 ...
04/08/2026

In the early hours of August 6th 1859, the SS Admella was wrecked off the coast of Carpenter Rocks. With the loss of 89 lives it is one of the worst maritime disasters in Australian History. Visit Port MacDonnell Maritime Museum this week to watch the video of the wreck of the Admella and view our updated display.

Winter is the perfect time to visit and watch PMMM's 7 videos. Get comfy and warm and sit back to enjoy: 1930 film of a ...
23/07/2026

Winter is the perfect time to visit and watch PMMM's 7 videos. Get comfy and warm and sit back to enjoy: 1930 film of a visit to Shelly Beach, The Shorebird Migration, Diving over the wrecks of the Admella and the Corio, Rock Lobster Industry, Akubra hats, Story of the Admella, Pt MacDonnell 1800's to present day.

Looking for something to do with the kids over the school holidays? We have Museum Explorer sheets for them to complete ...
09/07/2026

Looking for something to do with the kids over the school holidays? We have Museum Explorer sheets for them to complete while you enjoy all the exhibits. The children will be looking to tick off 16 items e.g : A long nosed fur seal and 5 penguins, a swan's egg, Captain Broadfoot in his cabin, whale bones, ships cannons. Don't forget to ask the staff for a Port MacDonnell Maritime Museum sticker once they have ticked off all the items.

Address

5/7 Charles Street
Port Macdonnell, SA
5291

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 3pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm

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