[1] In 1987, the Mile End Railway Museum obtained a $2 million Bicentennial commemorative grant to redevelop the former Port Dock goods terminal, off Lipson Street, as the new property.

[1][note 2] In May 2009, the main pavilion was named after Ron Fitch, who as South Australian Railways Commissioner had facilitated the transfer of much of the museum's early rolling stock.

[6][7] In June 2019, when some museum track had already been dismantled, the development was paused while a North West Planning Study was conducted; a forecast cost increase to $40 million was cited.

[10] The museum houses its large static collection in two pavilions and the historic Port Dock railway station goods shed.

Within the museum grounds, 457 mm (18.0 in)-gauge steam and diesel locomotives provide rides on a track 1.2 km (0.75 mi) long.

In 1992, the museum, in cooperation with the local council, built a 1.7 km (1.1 mi) line along the beach from Semaphore to Fort Glanville.