Frequently Asked Questions

What are your opening days and times?

Bonegilla Migrant Experience’s regular opening days are Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.

The site will close on all public holidays except Good Friday, Easter Monday and Boxing Day. Where a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating is declared, the site will also close.

Do I need to book prior to visiting?

For individuals, couples, families and groups under 15 people, you do not require a booking to visit Bonegilla Migrant Experience.

For groups of 15 people or more, including those wishing to book a private guided tour, we kindly ask you to submit an online booking enquiry.

Private Groups

Schools

When are guided tours scheduled?

Guided tours of Bonegilla Migrant Experience regularly depart from our Welcome Centre throughout the week. For upcoming tours, please see our What's On page.

As guided tours have limited places available, it's best to register prior to your visit on (02) 6020 6912 or by email bonegilla@wodonga.vic.gov.au. Please allow approximately 1.5 hours for the public guided tour.

Are private guided tours available?

Yes, you can book a private guided tour of Bonegilla Migrant Experience, however minimum fees apply for groups with 14 people or less. Additional fees apply on days closed to the public.

Those wishing to book a private guided tour, we kindly ask you to submit an online booking enquiry.

Private Groups

Schools

I have a connection to Bonegilla, do you have record of those who came through the centre?

Migration administrative records, including Bonegilla ID Cards, passenger and ship lists, are held at the National Archives of Australia.

You can find someone who has been through Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre by using the Bonegilla Identity Card Lookup.

To find out more, go to our webpage Looking for someone.

How do I purchase a plaque for inclusion in The Arc memorial sculpture?

Engraved plaques are available to purchase anytime for inclusion in the sculpture located at Bonegilla Migrant Experience by completing and submitting the online order form.

The plaques feature the family name and place of origin. A certificate showing the plaque on the sculpture is issued to the applicant. Please note installation can take up to eight weeks.

I have an item connected to Bonegilla, how can I donate this to you?

We kindly ask you to submit an expression of interest to donate an object by completing the online form found on our webpage Object Donations.

Please include as much detail as possible with your submission, noting we can only accept items with relevance to the history of the former Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre.

Bonegilla Migrant Experience may accept the donation of an item after it has been reviewed. We will contact you to advise of the outcome.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?

Ramp access is provided to amenity facilities and most buildings. Wheelchairs are available for hire free of charge during your visit to Bonegilla Migrant Experience.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, dogs are welcome on the grounds of Bonegilla Migrant Experience. However, they must be kept on a leash and under control by a person at all times.

Please note that dogs are not permitted to enter any of the historical buildings on site and must remain outside, under control, and accompanied by a person.

Assistance animals are permitted to enter all areas of the site.

Is there any type of transport available to the site?

There are no regular public transport services to Bonegilla Migrant Experience, and we are unable to offer a pick-up or drop-off service.

Taxi and ride-share transport options are available in the area.

Is there a cafe on site?

The Welcome Centre at Bonegilla Migrant Experience offers a limited selection of snacks, drinks and ice-creams for purchase.

Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and food items to enjoy on our historic grounds. Recycle and waste bins are available.

Do you hold events?

Yes, Bonegilla Migrant Experience regularly hosts events for the public to enjoy.

Keep an eye on our What’s On website page for upcoming events or sign up to our eNewsletter or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for event announcements.

For private events and function enquiries, please call the Welcome Centre on (02) 6020 6912.

How can I learn more?

You can learn more, read shared migrant stories and stay up to date with the latest news about Bonegilla Migrant Experience by signing up to our quarterly eNewsletter and by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

 
Change of days FAQs:

From July 1, 2026, Bonegilla Migrant Experience will open on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturday and Sundays. Learn more about this change below. 

Why are the opening days changing?

From July 1, Bonegilla Migrant Experience’s regular opening days will change to Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to provide more time for preservation, restoration and maintenance activities.

The site will close on all public holidays except Good Friday, Easter Monday and Boxing Day. Where a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating is declared, the site will also close.

Why is this change being made?

Bonegilla Migrant Experience plays an important role in preserving Australia’s immigration history. The change will create greater capacity for our team to undertake important preservation, restoration and maintenance works, helping to protect the place and stories that have shaped Australia’s immigration history.

How were Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday selected as opening days?

The new opening days have been informed by visitation patterns, ensuring the site remains open during periods of strongest visitor demand.

Will I still be able to visit the site?

Yes. The site will continue to welcome visitors during regular opening hours on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Can I access the site on other days?

Yes. Group tour bookings and events may still be accommodated outside regular opening days through direct arrangement with the team on site. Please contact the team on (02) 6020 6912 or at bonegilla@wodonga.vic.gov.au for more.

When do the new opening days commence?

On Wednesday, July 1, 2026. This means the site will still be open 7-days per week until Tuesday, June 30.

What does this mean for the future of Bonegilla Migrant Experience?

This change is a positive and proactive step that will help preserve the site and its stories for future generations.

What does this mean for Wodonga and District Historical Society Inc?

Wodonga and District Historical Society Inc will adjust its opening days from Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday to Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 3pm and by appointment on Fridays.

E-newsletter