First time visiting Bay Discovery Centre? This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, and how to get there.
History and overview of Bay Discovery Centre
The Bay Discovery Centre sits inside the old Glenelg Town Hall, a building that once pulsed with the social life of a seaside township. That civic heart now houses displays that trace Glenelg from First Nations custodianship through colonial settlement to the beachside leisure culture that shaped modern Adelaide.
Walking the galleries you move from intimate personal stories to larger moments in state history, including the proclamation of South Australia in 1836. Artefacts and photographs bring those moments to life, and small displays of Victorian beachwear and arcades help you imagine what a day at Glenelg looked like more than a century ago.
The centre has always been guided by the local community. Volunteers, school groups and long-term residents have shaped the exhibitions, which explains why a visit rarely feels like a generic museum stop. Instead it feels like a conversation with people who know the place well.
Because entry is by donation the Bay Discovery Centre is accessible to all visitors. That low barrier to entry, coupled with its location on Moseley Square near the beach and tram stop, makes it an easy cultural add-on to a day at the beach in Glenelg.
Opening hours of Bay Discovery Centre
- Open daily 10am – 4pm
- Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday
Before you travel check the City of Holdfast Bay site for short notice changes or special events. Check opening times and events here.
Ticket prices and entry at Bay Discovery Centre
The Bay Discovery Centre operates on a low cost model. Entry is by a gold-coin donation which keeps the centre open and accessible while supporting local displays and school programmes.
If you are planning a group visit or school trip contact the centre in advance to confirm arrangements.
How to get to Bay Discovery Centre & parking
Bay Discovery Centre location
The Bay Discovery Centre is at 1 Moseley Square, Glenelg, SA 5045, inside the Glenelg Town Hall. It sits directly on Moseley Square, a short walk from the beach, cafés and the tram stop.
Parking and transport near Bay Discovery Centre
- Street parking is available around Glenelg though spaces fill quickly in peak beach season.
- The Glenelg tram runs from the Adelaide CBD to Moseley Square, making the centre easy to reach by public transport.
- For the latest parking advice check local council information before you travel. See travel and parking details.
Five great things to do while you’re in Adelaide
- Kayak with dolphins – at the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary.
- Take wildlife-packed day tour to Kangaroo Island.
- Combine an Adelaide Hills tour with a lunch cruise on the Murray River.
- Enjoy a tasting tour of four Barossa Valley wineries – with a gourmet lunch.
- See incredible sunsets on a twilight cruise from Glenelg.
Accessibility & visitor tips for Bay Discovery Centre
- The Bay Discovery Centre is family friendly and suitable for most visitors.
- The venue is housed in a heritage building but provides accessible circulation and facilities; contact the centre if you have specific access needs.
- Combine your visit with a beach walk or coffee in Glenelg to get the most from the location.
- Visit midweek or earlier in the day for smaller crowds and a quieter experience.
What you’ll experience at Bay Discovery Centre
Expect a compact, well curated series of galleries that tell local stories through objects, maps and photographs. Highlights often include early colonial documents, displays about the Kaurna people, and a slice of seaside nostalgia via costume, postcards and seaside ephemera.
The building itself, the Glenelg Town Hall, is part of the draw. Its presence in Moseley Square connects the exhibits directly to the foreshore culture you can see outside the windows. For visitors who enjoy small museums with local personality the Bay Discovery Centre rewards a short visit with a clear sense of place.
Other things to do in Glenelg
Other things to do in Glenelg include dolphin-watching and twilight cruises.
Bay Discovery Centre: In summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the ticket prices? | Entry by gold-coin donation |
| What are the opening hours? | Daily 10am–4pm; closed Christmas Day and Good Friday |
| Where is it located? | 1 Moseley Square, Glenelg, South Australia 5045 |
| Is parking available? | Street parking around Glenelg; tram access from Adelaide CBD |
| Is the venue accessible? | Yes — accessible facilities are provided. |
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