Gold Coast Historical Society and Museum

07/06/2026

The Museum site

In 1990 Scott Derrick, respected journalist, historian and confidant of local Aboriginal people, gave a talk to yr 4 students at the Museum during "History week". Here is an excerpt discussing the land on which the Museum now resides, along with some Indigenous lore. "This area was a gathering spot, they came here on regular journeys and when they met, this was one of their meeting spots....

In 1990 Scott Derrick, respected journalist, historian and confidant of local Aboriginal people, gave a talk to yr 4 students at the Museum during “History week”. Here is an excerpt dis…

05/06/2026

We will be CLOSED
Sunday 7 June.
Apologies for any inconvenience.

26/05/2026

This Sunday, 31 May at the Museum from 11am! Come and join us.
$5 entry, children free. Cash preferred!

12/05/2026

Who knew that Mermaid Waters was originally known as Waterway Wonderland? This photo from a recent donation shows a Holden Kingswood parked near Port Drive in 1978, looking west towards Springbrook. How the landscape and cars, along with many other thnigs have transformed in nearly half a century!

05/05/2026

When a penthouse on the 34th floor was "nearly $250,000". How prices have risen in just over 50 years! Some interesting articles and photos about FOCUS...

05/04/2026

On your bikes!

Good old fashioned fun at the Museum these school holidays. Leave the phone in the car and bring the kids for a look around and marvel at how people lived prior to screens, electricity etc! It's fascinating, but survive and thrive they did. Feel free to bring a picnic rug and set up on the grass for morning tea or a picnic lunch.

This photo from 1946 was taken outside "Stop n Shop" at Labrador by Norm Hasemann. L - R Joan McAnally, Yvonne Smith, June Chirn and Dawn Hasemann.

Entry $5 adults, children FREE
Tue and Wed 9am - 1pm and Sunday 10am - 3pm

03/04/2026

WE ARE CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY.

"Visiting the Grand Hotel" - Deepwater Point, Southport 1889. The hotel was erected in 1886. Some impressive moustaches and beards in this gathering!

08/02/2026

The Museum has recently received a very generous donation of a Fireside Phonograph. I am interested in how everyone else first got to experience music for the first time!

Visit the Gold Coast Historical Museum's website to check our read my brief history of the first music recording and playing devices.

By Judd VeseyToday, I have found myself appreciating the impact music plays in my life and society as a whole. We have the luxury of listening to music wherever and whenever we want. The sheer amou…

17/01/2026

Tune in to 94.1FM now and pop along today at 11am if you would like to see this restored gem in action!

Looking for a new(old) car?
No aircon - but heaps of fresh air, 3 foot pedals, hand operated windscreen wipers and capable of speeds up to 20 miles (32km) an hour!
It’s not for sale. 😉 but you can see it in action today at the Gold Coast Historical Museum around 11am.
More details this morning on air around 8.35am. Gold Coast Historical Society and Museum

04/11/2025

Some things never go out of style - spots and leopard 1953. Enjoying a drink at the original Windjammer, Surfers Paradise, one of the Coast's earlier eateries/entertainment venues that drew in locals and tourists alike with its live entertainment and great food.