Bonegilla Migrant Experience - Bonegilla, Victoria

Bonegilla Migrant Experience

Bonegilla Migrant Experience is a renowned tourist attraction and heritage museum located at 132 Bonegilla Rd, Bonegilla VIC 3691, Australia. This historical landmark offers visitors a unique glimpse into Australia's immigration history, particularly focusing on the experiences of migrants who passed through the Bonegilla Migrant Camp during the post-World War II period.

Visitors can explore various exhibits, including reconstructed migrant quarters, a recreation of the camp's main street, and interactive displays that detail the challenges and triumphs of these early settlers. The museum also features personal stories and artifacts from the migrants themselves, providing a more intimate understanding of their journeys.

One of the highlights of the Bonegilla Migrant Experience is the opportunity to learn about the restoration and repair work that has been undertaken to preserve this important part of Australian history. The dedication of the government and local volunteers in ensuring that the site remains accessible and informative is truly commendable.

Accessibility is a priority at the Bonegilla Migrant Experience, with facilities such as wheelchair-accessible parking, entry, and toilets available for visitors. The museum is also family-friendly, making it an excellent destination for visitors of all ages.

With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 290 reviews on Google My Business, the Bonegilla Migrant Experience is a must-visit for anyone interested in Australian history or the immigrant experience. The knowledgeable and welcoming volunteers contribute to the overall positive experience, making it a thoroughly enjoyable and educational visit.

Specialties

• Tourist attraction
• Heritage museum
• Historical landmark

Other Points of Interest

• Wheelchair-accessible car park
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance
• Wheelchair-accessible toilet
• Toilet
• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• Good for kids

Get in touch

Address: 132 Bonegilla Rd, Bonegilla VIC 3691, Australia

Phone: 260206912

Website: bonegilla.org.au

👍 Reviews of Bonegilla Migrant Experience

michael J.

5/5

A throughly great experience! My grandparents stayed here for a week in 1960 before relocating to the Illawarra. While they are longer with us, it was great to see their names listed on the database. Good to see the government allocating funds for the much needed restoration and repair work to ensure this part of Australian history is preserved. Thank you to the lovely volunteers who were so knowledgeable and welcoming!

Lisa K.

5/5

Very emotional experience for me as my father and his family arrived her in 1949 when my dad was 3.
If you have a family connection to Bonegilla I highly recommend joining a tour, as you will receive a more detailed account of what life was like for immigrants and the tour guide is very accomodating in trying to assist guests with personal questions (as much as they can). Note: tours don't run every day so find out ahead of time when they are available.

Sue H.

5/5

The member of staff was so kind, responsive, sensitive in understanding why I was there and finding my parent’s records. A powerful, emotion-filled experience that was so beautifully supported by great staff. Our shared stories helped me see a wider picture also. Thank you so much!

Denise J.

5/5

A look at what is left of the camp. Interesting displays and videos in the buildings. Well set out. The migrants stories and the numbers that were processed here were amazing. Friends have many connections to Bonegilla. I didn't realise the numbers of different Nationalities that arrived. So glad I visited

Spike E.

5/5

Awesome place to visit. Lovely staff, a very interesting place. They have plenty of shaded areas to sit. They even have a little snack and very cold drink area. They also have a wonderful couple of rooms where you can stick your thoughts about your visit. Very well worth the trip

Thomas M.

5/5

It’s hard to believe over 300,00 people passed through this place which at one time resembled a town with its own bank, sporting fields, churches, police station, hospital and railway platform. So many stories within the walls of the timber framed huts. Many of the huts display belongings and other artefacts, a personal reminder of the former residents. The staff were knowledgeable and helpful with information. I highly recommend this experience for anyone interested in Australia’s migration history.

Thyri S.

5/5

A sobering reminder of Australia's migrant history, a great experience for those with family ties and for those without, as the history of those who passed through the centre, and the stories of those who never left is a stark reminder of post war attitudes and the hardships these people endured should never happen again. The staff were super helpful, so kind and so knowledgeable. Thankyou to them for their dedication to showing us history.

Leah D.

5/5

Highly recommend taking the guided tour. So informative and the host was so passionate telling stories from people who had lived there and returned to explore their memories. Very emotional journey for those revisiting. Definitely gives you an appreciation for the new Australians that came such a long way to start their new lives.