Main  |  History Trust of South Australia  |  Migration Museum  |  National Motor Museum
South Australian Maritime Museum  |  Community History Unit

The Adelaide Steamship Company - Australia's Largest Line

Media Release - June 2007
images to accompany release

Take a trip into the history of an Australian icon, The Adelaide Steamship Company. Adelaide Steamship was one of Australia’s most dominant and successful companies and a shipping tour de force. A part of  Australian history through periods of great technological and societal change, 1875 to 1975, it is also a uniquely South Australian story. 

The Adelaide Steamship Company was formed by a group of South Australian businessmen in 1875. Their aim was to control the transport of goods and profit from the need for an efficient and comfortable passenger service. Always a leader in Australian shipping, Adelaide Steamship brought a new age to sea travel and its vessels were famed for their technology, speed and luxury. In wartime they were requisitioned for campaigns all over the globe, and in peacetime they provided many Australians with the experience of a lifetime.  Many South Australians hold especially fond memories of Gulf Trips on the Moonta or Minnipa; or visits interstate on the Manunda or Manoora

The Adelaide Steamship Company. Australia’s Largest Line, a new exhibition at the South Australian Maritime Museum, covers five major themes:
Birth of a Legend: The origins of Adelaide Steamship.
Leading the Way: The rise of the Company, the fleet and a reputation.
Adsteam Goes to War: Iconic ships requisitioned for service all over the globe.
Liners and Love Boats: Travelling in style with Adsteam, including the Gulf Trips.
Australia’s Longest Line: The impact and legacy of the Company.

Much that visitors will see will be original material from the South Australian Maritime Museum's collection, such as:

·          Heritage photographs, paintings and other artworks

·          Objects and ephemera from the ships, their trading lives and passengers

·          Gulf Trip memorabilia

·          Items relating to ship construction, design and repair

·          Adelaide Steamship Company vessels at war

Collection highlights include:

·          Adelaide Steamship Company cast iron bow crest from SS Morialta, 1911

·          Oil painting, H. Dalton Hall, SS Yongala, 1911

·          Sivlerware and china commissioned for Adelaide Steamship from all eras, including a 19^th century chamber pot

·          Large builder’s presentation model of the first Gulf Trip vessel SS Rupara

What    The Adelaide Steamship Company: Australia’s Largest  Line exhibition         

When   5^th July – 19^th August 200

Cost     Museum Admission: Adult $8.50, Child $3.50, Concession $6.50, Family $22.00

Media Contact: Kym Cheek, Marketing Manager, History Trust of South Australia. Telephone 8203 9869 or 0401 120 924 or email kcheek@history.sa.gov.au.

South Australian Maritime Museum
126 Lipson Street, Port Adelaide  SA  5015
Phone: +61 8207 6255                          
www.history.sa.gov.au
[A museum of the History Trust of South Australia]