Barossa Museum

06/04/2026

ThanksThe Barossa Council Public Libraryfor the fabulous then and now :)

On this day, April 6, 1906, people gathered at Tanunda's Telegraph and Post Office to celebrate the first phone call from Adelaide.

A new telephone line connected from Tanunda to Adelaide through the Gawler Exchange, and also extended up to Angaston.

Reportedly this first "buzzer" telephone call was only mildly delayed owing a defective wire in the Exchange, before voices were heard clearly and distinctly.

The impressive two-storey stone building at 47 Murray Street was built in 1865 and marked the connection of the telegraph to Tanunda. With the advent of telephones, it served as a manual telephone exchange until the 1960s.

Today it is the Barossa Museum, having been transferred to the Barossa Valley Archives and Historical Trust in 1971.

05/04/2026

On this day, April 6, 1906, people gathered at Tanunda's Telegraph and Post Office to celebrate the first phone call from Adelaide.

A new telephone line connected from Tanunda to Adelaide through the Gawler Exchange, and also extended up to Angaston.

Reportedly this first "buzzer" telephone call was only mildly delayed owing a defective wire in the Exchange, before voices were heard clearly and distinctly.

The impressive two-storey stone building at 47 Murray Street was built in 1865 and marked the connection of the telegraph to Tanunda. With the advent of telephones, it served as a manual telephone exchange until the 1960s.

Today it is the Barossa Museum, having been transferred to the Barossa Valley Archives and Historical Trust in 1971.

20/12/2025

Holiday Hours at Barossa Museum & Barossa Regional Gallery
The Museum & Gallery will close at 3.00pm on Monday 22 December and remain closed until 2 January 2026.

The Gallery Shop is available online 24/7 via the Gallery website and orders will be monitored across this time.

The Museum & Gallery return to regular opening hours from 10am, Saturday 3 January.

The Barossa Regional Gallery team, together with Barossa Valley Archives & Historical Trust wish you a safe and happy festive season!

16/11/2025

Barossa Valley Archives and Historical Trust operate the Barossa Museum and are the custodians of a wonderful collection of early photographs of the Barossa such as the Peace March below.

We are always interested in sharing these and in seeing some of the other collections held locally!

Barossa Heritage Angaston Heritage The Kapunda Museum - The Kapunda Historical Society Inc. History Trust of South Australia Barossa

World War 1 was the deadliest conflict in global history and it devastated communities right across the young Australian nation. The Barossa was no exception and when the war ended in 1918, celebrations were meaningful but subdued. This Peace March, led by the Tanunda Town Band and followed by service men, nurses and children, processed down the main street towards the civic gardens. Onlookers line the footpath, past the original council chambers on the corner, with the spires of St John and Langmeil Lutheran churches in the background.
Photo source: BVAHT collection

13/11/2025

Recently released book ‘The Other Kavels’ is now available from the Barossa Museum. It tells the story of the first Lutherans who emigrated to Australia from Prussia in 1838, led by Pastor August Kavel.

📚 $35 each - cash or card in the Shop.
📍 Open 10am to 3pm Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

06/11/2025

All are welcome.

06/11/2025

This will be a fantastic night!

Only a few tables left… don’t miss out on a night of fun & fundraising for a great project that so many historians will benefit from! 😊

🔗Booking link in comments.

09/10/2025

14/09/2025

We are open this week -Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10-3pm.
Barossa Regional Gallery Barossa Arts Council - Creative Barossa Barossa Heritage History Trust of South Australia

The Barossa Regional Gallery, in collaboration with the Barossa Museum, is excited to invite the community and visitors to experience Visioning, a new exhibition that brings the Barossa's past, present, and future to life through art. From the very...

08/09/2025

The Nuriootpa Pool War Memorial Swimming Pool is 80 years old and a much loves community space. Nuri Pool Working Group is conducting a brief survey regarding community use and interest. Your opinions are most appreciated :)

BBBfm 89.1 Community Radio

Please help us by completing this short survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5RFRGMT

In the lead-up to the 2025/26 season we would love to hear your thoughts on pools, events and aquatic available in our local pools.

Please share!

08/09/2025

What a beautiful morning in Tanunda! We are inside and outside today with the current Visioning Exhibition held in collaboration with Barossa Regional Gallery. Enjoy visions of the Barossa past, present and future.

Barossa HeritageHistory Trust of South AustraliaTourism Industry Council South Australia - TICSA The Barossa Council Barossa Arts Council - Creative Barossa Barossa

05/08/2025

Have you noticed that there have been some changes at the Barossa Museum over the past year or so? It has been exciting that there have been new tours and pop up exhibitions, we were thrilled to receive a Ticsa grant (more on that next time!) and in particularly exciting news the Barossa Regional Gallery and its team of volunteers are opening the museum and have set up a gorgeous pop up gallery and shop. Opening hours are now 10-3pm Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday all year round. We are delighted to to collaborate and share our region’s history! How good is our Old Telegraph station looking! Barossa Heritage History Trust of South Australia