The National Railway Museum was founded in 1963 and is both a railway museum and a heritage railway. For children, much of it is hands-on: a train simulator for learning how trains are driven, interactive bells, levers and buttons around the museum, and the Tea and Sugar Train, which they can climb aboard and play with the interactives inside. A ride on the small train around the museum site is included in the admission price, as long as the train is operating that day.
The trade-off is that many of the carriages and locomotives cannot be entered, for safety and security reasons, so a good part of the collection is seen from the outside. The museum is wheelchair accessible in most areas, though not all.
Standard admission is $19 for adults, $12 for concessions and $44 for adults with up to three children, though prices may vary for special events. There is no dedicated breastfeeding area, but breastfeeding is welcome anywhere in the museum. Free parking next to the museum and in nearby streets is shared with residents and businesses around the Port, so spaces are not reserved for visitors.
Family FAQ
What are the opening hours of National Railway Museum?
Open 10am to 4:30pm every day, except ANZAC Day (opens at 12pm) and Christmas Day (closed).
Is there baby changing at National Railway Museum?
Change tables in the women's toilets and in the accessible toilet.
Is National Railway Museum a good choice in bad weather?
Undercover seating is available on site.
Where are the toilets at National Railway Museum?
Male, female and accessible toilets are next to the eating area.
