If you’re looking for something free and interesting to do with kids in Adelaide this month, the State Library of South Australia has just given you an excellent excuse to visit.
A historic watercolour painting – nearly two metres wide and unseen by the public for 170 years – has just gone on display as part of South Australia’s History Festival. And while the grown-ups are marvelling at the artwork, the kids can get busy designing their very own ship flag as part of a free self-guided activity running throughout the exhibition.
What’s on display?
The painting is called the Hankey Panorama, and it’s one of those things you have to see to appreciate. Created by artist Frank George Hankey in July 1855, it shows Port Adelaide as it looked in its early colonial days – ships at anchor, horse-drawn carts, pubs, government buildings, the whole busy waterfront scene.
Here’s the kicker: two years after Hankey painted it, the Great Fire of 1857 tore through Port Adelaide and destroyed half the town. His panorama is the only known visual record of what stood there before the fire. It’s history that very nearly didn’t survive.
The painting was acquired by the State Library in late 2024 and has been carefully conserved by the Library’s specialist team. This is its first public display in 170 years.
The free kids’ activity: Ahoy Maties
While you’re visiting, kids can take part in Ahoy Maties – a free self-guided activity where young sailors design their very own ship flag. No booking required, just show up and get creative.
It’s the kind of low-key, imagination-fuelled activity that makes a cultural visit feel like an adventure rather than a school excursion. Pair it with a look at the panorama and you’ve got a genuinely memorable outing for not a cent.
Want to go deeper?
On 26 May, historian Dr Clare Parker will present a talk at the State Library about the Hankey Panorama and its historical significance – worth knowing about if you have older kids or teenagers with an interest in local history.
The State Library has also launched an interactive story website where you can explore the painting with animations and detailed descriptions before or after your visit.
The details
The Hankey Panorama is on display now at the State Library of South Australia as part of South Australia’s History Festival. Entry is free. For full details on exhibition dates, the 26 May talk and all associated activities: slsa.sa.gov.au/events/painting-port
For more family ideas, check out our weekly What’s On guide.
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