07 September 2025, 2:30 AM
Words: David O’BrienThanks to Coast Lines magazineHistory has a way of creating more history—and that’s exactly how the Yankalilla District Historical Museum came to life back in 1987.Chairman Rob Ryan recalls the spark that started it all. “It began after the Centenary grain re-enactment in Normanville,” he says. “People grew grain by hand, using horses, and I rounded up some old machinery. After that, we decided to start an agricultural museum.”As often happens, one idea led to another, and the vision expanded. “It developed into a more general sort of museum over the years,” Rob explains.A major boost came when the District Council of Yankalilla granted the group a full hectare of land—a blank canvas that would become the foundation for the museum’s broad and ever-growing collection. Today, it attracts around 1,000 visitors annually, including school and bus groups. “We do guided tours on demand,” Rob says, “especially for schools. It’s something we really enjoy.”Rob’s own involvement was a case of being in the right place at the right time. “I knew a lot of the other people involved—local farmers and graziers. I just joined in.”From the outset, the museum has worked closely with the Yankalilla and District Historical Society, whose research has been invaluable in shaping accurate and thoughtful displays. Their collaboration continues to help guide the museum’s development.And what a collection it is. That original hectare of land has allowed the team to preserve and showcase an impressive array of historical treasures. Among the highlights is the relocated Saint Thomas’ Church, as well as displays on early industries such as agriculture, forestry, grain growing, dairy and wattle bark harvesting.The museum also features detailed family histories of early settlers and nods to notable residents—including renowned astronomer Bill Bradfield. “He lived locally and discovered 18 comets—more than any other person in the world,” Rob says. “We’ve got a video about him, produced by a Canadian company, on display.”The museum continues to evolve. A new shed now houses the shearing and dairy exhibits, and there are plans for further expansion. “We’re anticipating another shed in the next year or so,” Rob says. “We’re also working on an Aboriginal display, although sourcing information has been a bit challenging. Plus, we’ve added more geology content.”Perhaps the most eye-catching addition is the museum’s Megafauna exhibit. A fossil discovered in the 1880s at Normanville led to installation of a life-size model of a Diprotodon—a three-metre-long, two-metre-high relative of the wombat—outside the adjacent Visitor Information Centre. The centre, built by council 20 years ago on the same block, opens the museum daily and helps to promote it. “People stop for a selfie with the Diprotodon all the time—it’s definitely getting attention,” Rob says.Inside the museum, a striking mural by a local artist shows what the region might have looked like 50,000 years ago. “It’s most impressive,” Rob adds. “And it’s helping to attract a broader audience.”Despite nearly four decades of involvement, Rob says the museum remains a labour of love. “It’s very, very rewarding. We get a lot of wonderful comments from visitors—how much they’ve enjoyed it, what a great experience it was.”The museum is maintained entirely by volunteers, who take pride in their community asset. The committee meets every two months, with regular working bees to tidy and clean, and a weekly roster to keep things in top shape.The Yankalilla District Historical Museum is more than just a collection of old tools and tales—it’s a living, growing celebration of the region’s past, from ancient megafauna to farming pioneers to stargazers of the modern age.Yankalilla District Historical Museum📍 Open daily | 📞 1300 965 842 or 8558 0240📧 [email protected]