Classic Boat Museum

The Classic Boat Museum is a small maritime collection in St Arnaud, with roughly 30 classic powerboats and sailboats displayed in a warehouse-style shed. It’s a good stop if hulls, engines and old boating history are your thing; if you’re not interested in the craft, it’s an easy skip between the lakeside and the drive.

The collection ranges from Roger Jones’s 1957 plywood runabout to Rudy Muller’s 11-foot “Swiss Miss” racing hull. BelAir III holds a world record, and Flak Too is fitted with a Rolls-Royce aero engine. Those details give you more to look for than age and shine: hull shapes, materials and the way each boat was built.

You can get close to the boats and their fittings, and the collection ranges across power, sail and non-powered craft. Give it more than a quick lap if the mechanics and workmanship interest you; that’s where this small museum earns its place.

The associated national Antique and Classic Boat Show has run since 2000, with boats displayed at Kerr Bay and races on Lake Rotoiti. It links the indoor collection to the lake and St Arnaud’s wider boating tradition; event dates vary between listings, so check the current schedule if you’re planning a visit around the show.

The museum is in St Arnaud, with a large gravel parking area beside the building. Address text is inconsistent, so use the museum’s map pin rather than relying on a highway number alone. Opening and payment arrangements are also unclear; check current access before making a special trip.