Unlike a traditional museum, the National Steam Centre is an immersive experience. You won’t just see machines behind ropes; you’ll witness them in action, hear the hiss of steam, and feel the rumble of engines. Our diverse collections, many of which are preserved and maintained by our members, showcase the incredible ingenuity that built our world.

Be awestruck by our grand fleet of Traction Engines, powerful Ploughing Engines, and classic Steam Rollers. These majestic machines were the workhorses of their day, and seeing them move under their own steam is an unforgettable spectacle.

Step aboard a piece of maritime history by exploring the preserved engines of the Lyttelton II Steam Tug.

Discover the giants that powered factories and industry in our comprehensive Stationary Steam exhibit.

Marvel at our impressive collection of vintage Earth-Moving Machinery, including the famous Walking Dragline which we bring to life on special occasions.

Learn about the transition from steam to internal combustion with our exhibits of early Diesel Engines and Oil Engines.

The Blacksmith Shop is complete with several hammers including a working steam hammer.

The vintage workshop at our Club contains a diverse collection of operating heritage machinery such as shapers, lathes and mills.  It is used by many of our members as part of the restoration efforts on our collection.

Stationary engines, once the reliable heartbeat of farms and factories, played a vital industrial role by powering pumps, mills, workshops, and early mechanised equipment.

Tractors area key part of our industrial heritage and our collection includes a variety of tractors covering all makes, models and colours!  Some of the tractors are used to this day by our Members to maintain the Club grounds.

The passion of our Club shines through in the unique and fascinating displays of our Members’ Own Private Collections, which often feature rare and beautifully restored pieces.

The best time to visit is when our engines are in full steam! We host regular events that turn a visit into a full-day adventure.

This is our flagship annual event, the ultimate celebration of all things steam and mechanical. With working demonstrations, live music, and a grand parade of our finest machines, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

Perfect for the whole family, our Miniature Railway offers a delightful ride through the centre’s grounds. It’s a fun way for kids (and adults!) to experience the magic of a steam train on a smaller scale.

On the last Sunday of every month, we fire up our featured engines for a truly authentic demonstration. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see our machines at work and chat with the volunteers who operate them.

The Melbourne Steam Centre is a labour of love, and its heart and soul are our amazing volunteers. These passionate individuals dedicate their time and skill to restoring, maintaining, and operating every piece of machinery on site. When you visit, you’ll see them hard at work in our Blacksmith Shop and workshops, and they are always happy to share their knowledge and stories with you. Their commitment to preserving this mechanical heritage is a truly inspiring sight.