Captain's Cottage Museum

The Captain's Cottage was built around the turn of the century and owned by Captain Adam Johnstone, where he lived with his family. It was purchased in later years by the Murray Bridge Council from Mrs Hawke - an old identity of Murray Bridge - on the condition that it be used as a museum. It was leased privately and turned into a museum which after a few years became defunked. The Council then appointed a volunteer management committee to rebuild the museum and with the help of the Murray Darling Basin Commission, it is now open and running at it's present stage. A visit to the Captains Cottage Museum at 12 Thomas Street, Murray Bridge creates an interesting step back in time from today to the hardships of yesteryear. The cultural and heritage display tends to bridge the years with the restored Captains Cottage. It was built around the turn of the century, complete with it's picket fence and cottage garden.

The Cottage houses a large collection of photos and memorabilia tastefully displayed in order to tell a story of the past in the dairying industry, the dry land farming challenges, the magic of the river trade and it's paddle steamer era, the settlement of Europeans through the housing they built, the development of Murray Bridge from a crossing place to a large regional centre, a cottage kitchen of the early days and a magnificent look at life through the eyes of dolls. Walk around the spacious grounds, inspect the old laundry building , the various horse drawn farming implements, refurbished to the as new look, the old river boat rudder, the tree trunk horse trough, and ponder at the memories these exhibits kindle in ones mind. Enter the large engine shed and marvel at the fire engine, the stationary engines that did the tasks that man found necessary in the years of industrial development, the vintage tractors and continue through the other large sheds that protect the machines of yesteryears farmers from the elements they once battled with. Don't forget to bring your lunch and relax under the trees on the lush green lawns and step back in time to the early 1900's and enjoy an educational experience that is the Captain's Cottage Museum. Captain's Cottage Museum is at 12 Thomas St Murray Bridge and is open weekends and public holidays 10am to 4 pm. For more information you can phone (08) 8531 0049 or email: info@postcards.sa.com.au