The Museum of the Great Southern in Albany is a brilliant spot for families to explore the stories of the Great Southern region together. Set on the waterfront overlooking Mamang Koort / Princess Royal Harbour, it’s in a beautiful location and is an easy addition to any family itinerary around Albany’s foreshore, the Brig Amity and the National Anzac Centre.
The museum precinct is spread across several historic buildings, including the Residency and the old school house, as well as the more modern Eclipse building. Inside the Residency you’ll find engaging exhibits that share the stories of the Menang Noongar people, early European settlers and convicts, and the unique landscapes, flora and fauna of the Great Southern. It’s a great way for kids to connect what they see around Albany – the harbour, the bush and local wildlife – with the region’s deep cultural and natural history. Older children and teens, in particular, will get a lot out of the sections about early encounters between Menang Noongar people and European explorers, and the role of Mokare as a key intermediary.
The Eclipse building is the main hub and the area that younger children will probably enjoy the most. The museum regularly refreshes its displays and visiting exhibitions, so there’s usually something new to see each time you visit. In the past, hands-on themes have included insects, where kids could paint plaster-of-Paris butterflies, observe live stick insects and create their own bugs from plasticine to add to a community art display. These sorts of activities change over the year, but the museum continues to focus on interactive, family-friendly experiences – think craft tables, simple science-style displays and tactile exhibits that invite children to touch, build and explore rather than just look.
Upstairs in the Eclipse building there is often a temporary exhibition space that hosts special displays, such as travelling photography or nature exhibitions. These exhibitions rotate a few times a year, and some may attract a small entry fee, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you go if you have a particular interest or are working to a budget.
Another part of the museum precinct is the old school house. When open, this space gives families a glimpse into classroom life from years gone by, and it’s a fun contrast for kids used to modern schools and technology. Combined with the Residency building, it helps bring history to life in a way that’s tangible and easy for children to imagine.
One of the big drawcards for many families is that general admission to the Museum of the Great Southern is free, with donations welcomed. Some special activities or travelling exhibitions may have a small additional cost, but a standard visit can easily be a low-cost or no-cost outing. This makes it perfect if you’re in Albany for a few days and want an indoor option for a rainy or windy day, or a quieter break between more energetic adventures like beaches and hikes.
The museum is open daily from 10am to 4pm, including most public holidays, which makes planning very straightforward. It’s within walking distance of Albany’s town centre and foreshore, and there is onsite parking available if you’re driving. The precinct is mostly accessible, with level floors throughout the galleries and a lift to the mezzanine level in the Eclipse building. Prams can be used around the site, though there is currently no universal access toilet for visitors, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re visiting with children or family members who need more accessible bathroom facilities.
Families with young children will appreciate that the museum is compact enough to explore in an hour or two, but with plenty of detail and changing displays if you want to linger longer. You can easily pair a visit with a walk around the harbour, a stop at a nearby Playground, or a visit to the replica Brig Amity just outside, which offers its own audio guides and maritime stories. The museum also runs education programs and school holiday activities at various times, so it’s well worth keeping an eye on their current “What’s On” listings when you’re planning your trip.
Overall, the Museum of the Great Southern is a relaxed, engaging and budget-friendly outing for families in Albany. With its combination of hands-on activities, changing exhibitions and rich local stories, it’s a place you can return to on each visit to the Great Southern and discover something new.
Museum of the Great Southern
Address: Residency Road, Albany, WA 6330
Opening hours: Open daily 10am – 4pm (check website for public holiday variations and special exhibition times)
Official website: https://museum.wa.gov.au/museums/museum-of-the-great-southern
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Penny is a stay at home mum and photographer who homeschools her 2 children. She is a self confessed stationary nerd and a bit of a journal junkie. She also enjoys blogging about her homeschooling journey on www.learningthroughlife.com.au
