5 Stunning Exhibits to See in The Great Southern Region

The Great Southern is one of the largest regions of Western Australia, a good four to five hours' drive from Perth, and it should not be missed by anyone who likes to explore. There is a lot to see and do down here: beautiful coast and country, good food, and a run of museums that hold the story of the region's past.

The Great Southern is steeped in colonial history, still holding some of the buildings from the first European settlement of 1826. For history and art lovers, the far south is a real treat of cultural centres and museums, with short-term and long-term exhibits worth planning a trip around. If you are looking for exhibitions to add to your list, we have gathered five of the best below, along with a handful of other WA museums worth the detour.

Five thought-provoking exhibits in the Great Southern

Most of these sit within the Museum of the Great Southern in Albany, and most hold long-term exhibits that are open whenever you want to visit.

1. Brig Amity

The Brig Amity is a full-size replica of the sailing vessel Major Edmund Lockyer used when he and his party of 45 people landed on the shore of Princess Royal Harbour in 1826. They were the first British people to settle in Western Australia.

Walk around the Brig and you travel back in time to how Lockyer prepared for that landing. You can explore the decks freely and step inside the cabins, faithfully mirrored on the 1826 vessel, and get a sense of how those voyagers felt as they sailed to a new land. Group tours can be arranged, and you can schedule your visit ahead by calling the museum on (08) 9841 4844.

2. Discovery Centre

The Discovery Centre is perfect for families, with interactive displays for everyone to try. Museums often run a hands-off rule, but some exhibits here are made to be touched, for a more engaging visit. It is a great spot for children looking for a memorable, hands-on experience.

3. Eclipse Building

Just above the Discovery Centre, the Eclipse Building holds a large long-term collection of lighthouse exhibitions, fishing collections and other exhibits tied to the region's history.

The building's centrepiece is the Eclipse Island Optical. The light was built in Birmingham, England, between 1922 and 1923 by Chance Brothers and Co., who installed it on the island in 1926. It is made up of three glass lenses, each standing three metres high. Both the Discovery Centre and the Eclipse Building generally welcome visitors between 10am and 4pm, free of charge.

4. Residency Building

The Residency Building has been home to many events and stories. It began in 1850 as a single store and old convict depot office. Later it was extended to seven rooms and became the Governor's Residence in 1872.

From 1873 to 1953 it housed the local government administrators, known first as the Government Resident and later the Resident Magistrate. The building has seen its share of society: tea parties, balls and even weddings hosted by the local administrator. In time it was converted into a museum and gallery, telling the stories of the people who first settled the region. Entry is free.

5. School Room

Locals also know this as the Torbay School building. Visitors are welcomed inside a preserved one-teacher schoolroom. You can hear how the region's early educators worked to teach the district's children during the settlement days. The School Room doubles as the museum's community library, and educational activities and events are still held here.

Other WA museums worth the detour

Beyond the Great Southern there are more Western Australian museums, each with its own cultural and historical exhibits, most of them free to visit.

• Museum Boola Bardip, in the Perth Cultural Centre, takes its name from the Noongar language, translating to "many stories". Visitors can learn about Aboriginal people and connect with their stories throughout the museum.

• Maritime Museum, on Western Australia's coastal port at Fremantle, is home to many marine exhibits, from leisure boats to commercial pearl luggers. You can see iconic vessels from the state's maritime history, including the submarine HMAS Ovens.

• Shipwrecks Museum, also in Fremantle, sits in the restored 1850s Commissariat building and is regarded as the foremost maritime archaeology museum in the southern hemisphere.

• Museum of Geraldton, named for its home town, tells the rich heritage of the land, people and sea of the Mid West. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, it welcomes visitors keen to learn about Yamaji history and culture and the region's unique land and marine environment.

• Museum of the Goldfields, in Kalgoorlie, tells the region's mining story, with a huge showcase of the state's collection of gold bars and nuggets. Travel back in time to see how the miners lived. If Kalgoorlie is on your radar, our self-drive from Perth to Kalgoorlie covers the whole run east.

Where to stay for a Great Southern museum trip

The easiest way to see the museums of the Great Southern is to break the drive. Kojonup sits on the Albany Highway about 90 minutes north of Albany, which makes it a natural overnight stop on the way down to the Brig Amity and back.

Cornwall House Accommodation is at 72 Albany Highway in the heart of Kojonup. Our 12 air-conditioned rooms (queen, twin and family configurations) each have an ensuite, free WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, a microwave and a refrigerator, with free onsite parking and a shared camp kitchen for guests. Contactless check-in from 2pm means a long day among the exhibits never leaves you locked out. Our attractions page covers what else there is to see while you are in town.

Check availability and book Call us (08) 9831 0214

See our accommodation page for room details and what is included.

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