With locomotives exposed to elements for over 20 years a new home was needed for the collection at Mile End. A 2 million Australian dollar grant was obtained to redevelop the port dock goods terminal at Port Adelaide. This was the original site of the Port Dock railway station which became the museum name. Later it was changed to National Railway Museum. Further grants have allowed the museum to expand their buildings.

The Mile End collection was moved here and officially opened on 10 December 1988. A museum with items from all of South Australias various railways. Films explaining history of railways and how trains kept isolated towns supplied. Inside the main building, neat rows of locomotives, carriages and wagons. Outside clusters of mainly diesel locos, railcars and wagons. Surprisingly you are allowed free access to everywhere within the boundary fence set by the 18 inch railway. The 18 inch runs hourly everyday, with steam on Sundays