about the museum

This Museum is about to close its doors due to the landlord requiring the premises for future tenancy.  We are working hard on solutions regarding alternate sites but our main problem is to find another premises and hopefully another benefactor such as Messenger Press who had generously provided the current premises for the last 12 years.  We are investigating several options but they are all long term so for a period the physical Museum will be relegated to storage.  However through this web site, a virtual Museum and communication with the Society will continue to exist.

If you have any ideas that may assist us please contact us.

If you are a benefactor DEFINITELY contact us.

We would also like expressions of support whether they be Email or Snailmail.  These will help our cause regarding recognition.  contact us

We believe the overall Society collection that include the exhibits within the Museum are an important part of the Defence cultural heritage aspect of Australia and must continue to be available to the general public for cultural, historic and educational purposes.  Please read the various texts within this site to appreciate our achievements.

Welcome to our Museum, which is operated on a volunteer basis by members of the Military Vehicle Collectors Society of South Australia. The Society is one of many Military Vehicle Clubs across Australia and throughout the world and its members are dedicated to the preservation of vehicles that are of military origin. The museum was developed as away of providing undercover storage for the vehicles and at the same time allowing the public to view them.

Opened in August 1993 with the principal support of Messenger Press and Port Adelaide Council this museum is unique number of ways. The majority of the vehicles are privately owned by the Society members and therefore each member is responsible for their own vehicles. In addition the vehicles are not just restored to look at, they are rebuilt to authentic running condition and most are road registered and driven regularly. Military vehicles and items range from the First World War to current times.

The first area after entry has displays of militaria, uniforms, smaller vehicles and radios as well as the museum shop and a corner where you can sit down to watch various videos on a range of military themes. Some of the communication equipment can be operated by visitors. There are a number of dioramas depicting wartime scenes in and adjacent to this area as well.

From there you can view the restoration workshop where the vehicles are initially stored and then rebuilt. Although much of this work is not allowed to occur when the public is in the museum due to safety reasons there will usually be a member working in this area.

Next is the main display hall where restored vehicles are on show in various wartime scenes. In the interests of safety we ask that visitors do not step over the ropes however if you would like a closer look or a photo or even would like to know more about a vehicle or vehicles one of the members will be happy to help you. Occasionally vehicles are moving in this area so you may get the opportunity to see some in operation.

Upstairs behind the Stuart Tank, the balcony area will give you an overhead view of some of the vehicles and is an ideal location to take photographs. Along the balcony are a number of dioramas depicting various theatres of war.

Then retrace your steps to see those little things you may have missed. Don't forget to make a comment in the visitor's book in the front office, and above all please advertise us, by your word of mouth, to all your friends and contacts.

Should you require further information about the Museum or the Society one of our members in attendance would be pleased to assist.  You are also invited to loan or donate items to the Museum for display purposes.  Alternatively you can contact us or email us. Take a virtual tour through our Museum now.