Mallee Tourist & Heritage Centre – Discover the Spirit of the Mallee

Step into the rich heritage of South Australia’s Mallee region at the Mallee Tourist & Heritage Centre, where stories of resilience, ingenuity, and community come to life. Located in the heart of the district, this volunteer-run centre offers an engaging glimpse into the past through thoughtfully curated displays that celebrate rural life, pioneering progress, and agricultural innovation.

A Living Museum of Country Life

The Mallee Tourist & Heritage Centre is more than a museum – it’s a journey through time. Visitors can explore a wide variety of exhibits that reflect the unique challenges and triumphs of life on the land, from early settlement through to modern agricultural practices.

Among the highlights:

• The Letterpress Printing Museum – Step inside a working printing office from the Letterpress era, complete with operational presses, vintage typesetting equipment, and authentic artifacts from a bygone publishing age.

• The Gum Family Collection – A vibrant showcase of restored stationary engines, vintage tractors, and household tools, all set against a sweeping panoramic mural of the Mallee landscape.

• Dryland Farming Dioramas – A series of six intricate models that visually tell the story of dryland farming under the theme: “Conserve the Water – Conserve the Soil.” These dioramas illustrate a century of agricultural development in the region.

• DA Wurfel Grain Collection – Over 1,000 varieties of cereal grains, collected and catalogued across a lifetime of experimentation and dedication by Don Wurfel. This remarkable collection tracks the evolution of the grain industry, from early farming to advanced hybrid crops.

Celebrating Community and Contribution

The Centre also pays tribute to the unsung heroes of rural Australia:

• Mallee Women Display – Titled “They Stood Beside Them,” this deeply moving exhibit highlights the essential role women played in the settlement and sustainability of Mallee communities.

• Spirit of the Mallee – A creative installation featuring interpretive clay plaques on concrete “motor tyres,” symbolizing the core elements of life in the Mallee: water, fire, land use, history, and community spirit.

Plan Your Visit

Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am – 1:00pm (or by appointment), the Centre is proudly operated by local volunteers passionate about preserving and sharing their region’s heritage. Group bookings are welcome!

Whether you’re a history buff, agricultural enthusiast, or simply curious about rural life in South Australia, the Mallee Tourist & Heritage Centre is a must-visit destination that captures the true spirit of the outback.