woomera museum

We were staying in Woomera for a couple of days and whilst there we went for a look around at the museum and the rockets outside the museum. Was interesting to say the least - well worth a look around whilst staying in the area - or even just stopping in and having a quick look :)

Interesting place to visit. Alot of examples of equipment used in the 50's and 60's. The missles make one realise the major part Aust played in the space program.

Museum is the only place to really find out about the history of Woomera as its not possible to enter the prohibited area or see the rocket launch site which was possible 10 years ago. It has a lot of equipment, film and history and gives adults and children alike an insight into rockets, satellite, space testing programmes and the people of the community including the Americans and British and more recently the Japanese. Likewise an insight into living conditions, social and work scene and stories of the individuals who have shaped this nation through survey, exploration and science. Worth a visit! Not expensive either.

Unfortunately only the open air exhibits were on display. The rest of the museum was closed to the Public

The first thing that strikes you about the Marree Hotel is just how busy it is! The Hotel is not far from the back of beyond with a population struggling to exceed 60, and the hotel is more packed that a Collins Street bar. It's not surprising though. Marree is southern gateway to the Birdsville and the Oodnadatta track, a staging point for all actual and would be outback adventurers. Basically, it's the best pub in town (I think it's the only one!) and offers the best accommodation for those who don't tow their homes behind or pitch canvas every evening. As country pubs go, the Marree Hotel has a lot to offer - three dining rooms; a very well equipped kitchen; a well stocked bar; a small swimming pool; large BBQ area; traditional Aussie country hotel rooms with window rattler style air conditioners and shared bathroom facilities; Separate prefabricated cabins with ensuites if you prefer; inclusive wi-fi radio communication etc. So while it may be a bit tired and rough around the edges, it has everything the outback traveller would need to relax and feel refreshed.So, the good: the barman, the chef and the owners all do a great job with good humour and provide a level of service that you wouldn't expect this far out of the big smoke. We decided on a cabin for only a few extra dollars, which we'd recommend unless you really want to experience old country pub living and shared facilities. The cabin might have resembled a garage from the outside, but it was serviceable and comfortable inside and everything worked. While the owners herald from Canberra, they are knowledgeable about the area and experienced in the outback. Their advice for travelling and what to expect was invaluable and invariably accurate. While the bar lacked a "top shelf" of spirits, there was a good selection and beers - in fact their supply and range of Coopers beers seemed complete and bottomless! A wide range of meals are offered which are well prepared and fresher than one would expect for the Hotel's location. Service was minimal, but the efficiency of the operation was excellent. The wi-fi, while slow, was included in the tariff, a courtesy some city hotels have not caught up with yetGiven the location of the Hotel and the apparent demand, I'd have to say that the owners of the Marree Hotel deliver a value for money package with a reasonable and complete level of service.If there are negatives to the Marree Hotel it would be the fact that it's facilities are showing the signs of wear and tear and some of the newer additions (e.g. the cabins) are not far off needing refurbishment. There were also varying levels of performance and commitment from the staff, with the ever cheerful bar manager and focussed head cook doing an excellent job.Seriously, if you're heading out towards the Oodnadatta or Birdsville tracks the Marree Hotel is a worthy stop over.

We stopped here for a break from driving to find so much more than we had expected. We looked around the little township which a majority of is unused, but loved all the displays and the museum. We would stop again on our way through there and recommend others stop and take a look, you'll be surprised.

There are two separate museums in Woomera:* The History Museum - located in the ex-St Barbara's Church at Missile Park which is run (not-for-profit) by volunteers on behalf of the Woomera Board. This museum is mainly full of Range artifacts.* The Heritage Museum - located within the Heritage Centre which is (currently) run by Transfield Services. This museum has interesting displays of Range history.You need to see both as they compliment each other.I personally suggest visitors see the Heritage Museum first to gain an understanding of Woomera history, then visit the History Museum to see the equipment/displays to get a better appreciation of how it really was back in 'The Beginning'.

I've never seen a museum quite like this one and was surprised at what was on offer. The only downside was the lack of information on some exhibits - make that no information on some exhibits. But other than that, it's definitely worth seeing even if the town itself has the feel of a ghost town (population of less than 200 but enough housing for 10 times that many).

Having been a frequent visitor to Woomera ( a living museum in itself) I have seen the museum in the old location where the new visitor car park and static displays are and the current location co-located with the heritage centre. I found the old museum less structured but really interesting. The new location is augmented by more modern display (audio visual presentations, etc.) methods and is well worth the modest entry fee. The café serves great coffee and the milkshakes are good too. Having visited the museum you should visit the Heritage souvenir shop and purchase a copy of "Fire Across the Sky" a most comprehensive history of the range and its activities. And for another great read about opening the range and western exploration get any or all of Len Beadels. books.Woomera is well worth the detour on your trip north. The Eldo is a great Hotel/Motel and the caravan park has good facilities. too....so do yourself a favour, see the museum and take a break before your trip to Coober Pedy and all points to Darwin

The actual interactive heritage museum is located within the little arcade in the visitor centre building and entry is $6. Interesting video's of the era and information is available to watch here. The large rockets are located across the road in the centre of town and you can view these, free of charge.

Really interesting museum, though its a bit dis-jointed with several bits free, then one bit you have to pay for (and it felt a little pricey because of paying for the children - it's only a static display). However, you go away with lots of information and a good understanding of this quirky place.

In the Heritage Centre are several displays and a room dedicated to the history of Woomera. For a fee you can enter into a large display of missiles that were tested at the Woomera Range. The displays are well set up with information plaques. It also tells of the era when the USA operated a joint RAAF/USAF defense and communications satellite monitoring base here. Also in the HC is a bank, a souvenir shop and a cafeteria serving hot meals at reasonable prices. Outside is an outdoor park with different missiles on display, plus aircraft that were used as targets or observation. A very interesting look at missile and defense testing since WW2.

We made a stop here on our way from Port Augusta to Coober Pedy. The whole family loved it, and we certainly learnt a lot about the history of the area. The attached cafe was good with friendly service and great prices.

It was good to look at the history of how Woomera was established and how the Rocket Range was set up. The Museum was well set up and the exhibits were good. You did not need a guide as the exhibits had good explanations of the missiles and the history.

We stopped in Woomera as we were doing the drive back from the Red Centre to Perth. The town is a little ghost town but thats the appeal. I love that there are some late 50s early 60s buildings around like the old Woomera theatre but wow this little museum is a gem. Amazing interesting history about Woomera. I found it very fascinating about the British nuclear testing and Maralinga. My husband was in awe of the displays of all the old rockets/missiles etc.This museum is definitely worth the small amount of money it cost to get in. I only wish I could get near the old launch site and buildings as I have a fascnination with that era of architecture and especially abanoned buildings. There is just a lot of mystique surrounding the old nuclear testing grounds and I definitely recommend stopping in Woomera if you are doing the big drive and visiting this well planned out and informative museum.