Doll Museum
On 9 March 2021, Lyn was interviewed by Mel Bush from ABC Radio Hobart to mark the anniversary of the launch of Barbie at the 1959 Toy Fair in New York. You can listen to Mel and Lyn's chat via this link. On 16 June 2021, Lyn was interviewed by ABC Radio Perth's Christine Layton commenting on the Barbie doll made by Mattel to represent Julie Bishop.
Great to have a visit from Sam Mack from Channel 7's Sunrise Breakfast program on 29 September 2020. See Sam's reports.
RIVER DOLLS OF GOOLWA doll museum is now open. With the new State Government regulations, you will be required to register using your smart phone via the MyGov app or to record your name, phone or email address plus date and time of visit. We ask you to observe all the required social distancing and hand hygiene regulations at all times.
We thank you for helping us keep our community as free from COVID19 as possible and hope that you keep safe and healthy. The community of Goolwa is ready to welcome you as long as you continue to follow all the suggested actions designed to keep us healthy. As some businesses still have limitations and some may not be able to offer the same range and/or service as in pre-Covid-19 times, we ask that you show support, consideration and patience as we adjust to the 'new normal'.
Lyn and John 8 June 2020
This private doll collection was opened for public display in 1999. It has over 3,000 items set out in three sections. This includes dolls, teddies, toys, and other childhood memorabilia. Whilst the oldest dolls are from the 1890s, most of this collection concentrates on the 1920s to modern times. Hundreds of "celebrity" dolls bring back memories of your favourite films, television shows, novels and history.
During the pandemic break we have welcomed a few new dolls into the collection, including Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex. They can be seen in the bridal section of the doll display.
River Dolls of Goolwa was the first Australian doll museum to be promoted by the American doll 
magazine DOLL READER. River Dolls of Goolwa was awarded the Fleurieu Peninsula 2000 Tourism Award for best new tourism development.
We have several doll's houses in our display. Each house took hundreds of hours of work to construct. One stunning building was lovingly created in 1981 by Mr Keith Botten and furnished by his wife, Dawn. Another was completed by Bryan Henderson using material purchased weekly from the newsagent. From time to time we have a special display like our successful Royal Display. We now have a collection of FASHION DOLLS on display. The newly released Sindy dolls (November 2020) have joined the River Dolls collection. DON'T MISS THEM - Lots of memories!
You can enjoy One Child's Collection which is now part of our range of displays. It represents the dolls owned by a little girl growing up in Australia during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The Fleurieu Railway Operators Group (FROG) have a working train set available for visitors to operate. There's something for every member of the family - even Dad! Everything in this air-conditioned building is set out on one level making it wheelchair friendly. Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, some of the button operated displays are unable to be used.
When you visit us in Goolwa, make sure that you allow time to visit the museum. You can see how extensive the collection is if you do your research beforehand via Google. Just type in "River Dolls of Goolwa" into a Google search engine and select the "See photos" link. This is an added facility offered from February 2018.