National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum, on Lipson Street in historic Port Adelaide, is the largest railway museum in the country — a vast collection of historic locomotives, carriages and railway memorabilia that tells the story of rail travel in Australia. For train enthusiasts and families alike, it's a fascinating and hands-on day out.

The appeal is that combination of an extensive, impressive collection and the chance to get up close to the great locomotives of the past, with train rides and interactive elements that make it especially engaging for kids. Set in the heritage-rich port, it pairs naturally with a wider exploration of Port Adelaide's historic streets and other museums.

With a 4.7 rating from more than 1,500 reviews, it's a much-loved attraction. Opening hours, admission, train-ride availability and any special events vary, and it's a sizeable museum that takes time to explore, so it's worth checking current details before you go — and allowing a good couple of hours, particularly if you're visiting with train-loving kids who'll want to see and do it all.