Group visits and guided tours at SAAM
Bring your group to the South Australian Aviation Museum
The South Australian Aviation Museum welcomes group visits, community groups, seniors groups, clubs, bus groups, private groups, school groups and aviation interest groups.
Located in Port Adelaide, SAAM offers a memorable group visit experience across two undercover hangars filled with aircraft, aviation displays, rockets, engines, restoration work and South Australian aviation history.
Groups can explore the museum at their own pace or book a guided tour in advance.
A unique group outing in Port Adelaide
SAAM is a great destination for groups looking for something different, accessible and easy to enjoy. Your group can stand beneath large aircraft, explore historic displays, see rare aviation and space-race exhibits, and learn more about the people, aircraft and stories connected to South Australian aviation history. The museum is fully undercover, with seating and rest areas available, accessible toilet facilities, refreshments, free parking and a visitor guide map showing the aircraft on display in both hangars.
Who can book a group visit?
SAAM welcomes many types of group visits, including:
- seniors groups
- community groups
- social clubs
- service clubs
- bus groups
- aviation interest groups
- military and ex-service groups
- car and motorcycle clubs
- private groups
- school and educational groups
- special interest groups
If you are unsure if SAAM is suitable for your group, please contact the museum to discuss your visit.
Self-guided group visits
Groups are welcome to explore the museum as a self-guided visit.
A self-guided visit gives your group flexibility to move through the hangars at your own pace, spend more time with particular aircraft or displays, and use the visitor guide map to choose what to see.
Please contact SAAM before bringing a group so the museum can plan ahead and have enough volunteers available to assist where possible.
Guided tours at SAAM
A guided tour goes deeper than a self-guided visit.
One of SAAM’s trained member guides will walk your group through both hangars, sharing the history of the aircraft and displays, along with stories and details that visitors may not find on the display panels.
Many SAAM volunteers have a personal connection to aviation, aircraft, military service, restoration or museum work. This means a guided tour can include first-hand insight and personal stories that make the museum experience more memorable.
What does a guided tour include?
A guided tour usually includes:
- an introduction to SAAM and the museum collection
- a walk through both display hangars
- aircraft and display highlights
- historical context and aviation stories
- time for questions
- guidance from a trained museum member
- flexibility based on your group’s interests
Tours can vary depending on the age, mobility, interests and size of the group.
Group size and guide availability
Guided tours can be arranged for small groups or large groups.
Larger groups may require more than one guide so visitors can move comfortably through the museum and hear the information clearly.
A bus-sized group of around 50 adults or seniors is generally comfortable. For school groups, SAAM may recommend spreading groups out so younger visitors can enjoy the museum safely without crowding other visitors.
Guided tours must be booked in advance so SAAM can check guide availability.
Group visits for seniors and community groups
SAAM is well suited to seniors groups and community groups looking for a relaxed and interesting outing.
The museum offers:
- two undercover hangars
- seating and rest areas
- accessible toilet facilities
- step-free access across the museum floor
- free onsite parking
- public transport nearby
- refreshments available onsite
- a gift and memorabilia shop
- guided tours at an easy pace by arrangement
Please note that aircraft interiors cannot be accessed by wheelchair.
School and educational groups
SAAM also welcomes school groups, preschool and daycare groups, primary schools, secondary schools and special needs colleges.
Guided educational tours may be available for school groups, usually for groups larger than 10, depending on guide availability. Teachers, carers and school staff remain responsible for student supervision during the visit.
Facilities for groups
SAAM has practical facilities to support group visits.
Facilities include:
- free onsite parking
- accessible toilet facilities
- seating and rest areas
- refreshments available onsite
- designated food and drink areas
- outdoor picnic tables in fine weather
- visitor guide map
- gift and memorabilia shop
- card and cash payment at reception
Food and drinks are not permitted in the display hangars.
Planning your group visit
When enquiring about a group visit or guided tour, please include:
- organisation or group name
- preferred visit date and time
- approximate number of visitors
- age group or type of group
- whether you would like a guided tour
- any mobility or accessibility needs
- whether your group has a particular interest, such as military aviation, aircraft restoration, rockets, engines or South Australian aviation history
This helps SAAM prepare for your visit and arrange volunteers or guides where required.
Book a group visit or guided tour
Bring your group to SAAM for a memorable visit among real aircraft, aviation history, rockets, restoration work and stories shared by knowledgeable museum volunteers.
South Australian Aviation Museum
- 16 Bedford Street, Port Adelaide SA 5015
- Open 10am to 4pm daily, except Christmas Day
- Phone: 08 8240 1230, between 10am and 4pm