pioneer settlement

Angelgay

The Pioneer Settlement is certainly a blast from the past. See the Australia of our ancestors. You can enjoy a ride on a horse-drawn carriage or a drive in a 1920's automobile. There is a woodshed style bar or you may prefer the old-fashioned tea room and have scones, jam and cream. There are plenty of exhibits and lovely picnic spots. The PS Pyap is an old-timer paddle ship well worth having a cruise on. At night they have a "Sound and Light" Show but there are plans afoot for something even more spectacular that will throw this attraction into the world arena.

KeithT62

We Visited the Pioneer Settlement, then we returned for the Sound & Light Tour at Night, this gave a completely different perspective, your admission also allows you back again the following Day.

bigboyvictoria

many period buildings to see from yester year , vintage cars driving around the town , horse drawn buggies , well set out , plenty to see & photograph - well worth a look , including the paddle steamer , go for a one hour cruise .

522jimh

Great new works happening making it an interesting place to visit for all ages. New sound and light show being put together also.

LinKel62

Not the 'usual' pioneer set up. Period costumed volunteers offering a variety of experiences. Old box brownie type photo opportunity in costumes, printer, blacksmith carousel movies etc. during pioneer week & school holidays kids & adults alike can learn to make ropes as well as butter etc. A trip on the Paddle Steamer Pyap is a must, very informative along with the beautiful Murray River scenery. You will love it, be prepared to spend at least half a day here, you won't regret it.

timd655

Walk around the 'settlement' in your own time & see how an old river town would have looked many years ago. Take a ride on the stage coach or a trip along the Murray River on a paddle steamer. The volunteers that run the park are passionate about the place & willing to share their knowledge with all that visit.Enjoy some time to take yourself and/or your family on a great value for money day out.

670scotts

Been to a few of these places and wandered around and spent a day out. But this place was excellent From the Paddle steamer trip on the Murray River to the museum exhibits and workers in period costume every one had a great day out and the hose and vintage car rides were a big hit. Spent 5 hours there with a 5 and 7 year old without blinking . GREAT Value

KodR

Fun and interactive. Make sure you take a ride on the PS Pyap down the Murray. Lots of interactive activities for kids. Nice little shop for lunch

NoalAnnabel

This is a must see location with all the things an authentic pioneer village would have had. Take the wander around in the horse drawn cart or a trip in a vintage car it is well worth the cost. Make sure you see the vintage Harley in the wood shop.

sid052

During a pre Xmas break on the Murray we visited the Pioneer Settlement. It wasn't school holidays and early in the week so the place was very quiet which was in our favour. We were not sure how we would enjoy it and whether it might be more geared to families with children, but in fact it offers interest for young and old. Lots to see, staff very friendly and helpful, did the horse and cart ride and the vintage car as well as walking around the surprisingly extensive grounds and gardens. We didn't go on the paddle steamer trip as we had already done one at Mildura but did explore the Gem. The old stores in the main street were all of interest. Definitely visit if in Swan Hill region!

kittyfor

We visited on very hot day and were very happy to be told that the admission could be used over two days! The first morning we went on the paddle steamer and looked around about half of the settlement, with the children getting their Wanted posters and playing instruments . The next morning we went around the other half and were lucky the blacksmith was allow to operate! Old tractors were up and running making a lot of noise for the boys. Kids took part in making butter and even dressed up in old clothes! Had a great time and the staff and volunteers made it magical.

Buttons55555

Crowds were low due to the incredible heat over 40 degrees Celsius. This just meant lots of personalised service. All activities but two were still running. (Blacksmith and pony rides due to heat) We bought the Setterlers family ticket which included paddlesteamer ride and the night time sound and light show. The people make the place here. This was the biggest difference to Sovereign Hill. They were not actors but locals with passions and we adored them all. Kids had a school session, churned butter and then tasted it, printed their own wanted posters and made some rope which they got to keep. Pat in the photography shop was lovely it was only $5 per person to dress up and take as many photos as you like with your own camera but Pat was happy to take the family shots for you. The sound and light show was not a sound and light spectacular but simple and informative and only 45 mins perfect for kids as in summer it can't start until 9.30pm. A big thank you to all their cast.

177DavidC

History at its best well worth the cost a must to see so many things from the past not lost, take sun block on hot days

GDMAUS

A great attraction right in the middle of Swan Hill. Walking around the streets of this pioneer settlement is like walking through a living museum. If you like old machinery this place is a must - it's like a time capsule and listening to young parents trying to explain how the old telephone exchange worked (and they had no clue) was hilarious. A trip on the Paddle Steamer Pyab is well worth the hour spent - again sitting there watching the banks of the Mighty Murray drift by takes you bak to the late 1800s.

lindawQ1433PR

A glimpse at life in old Australia. Worth a visit. Take a trip on the river on a paddle steamer. See how the 1st generations of Australians lived and survived in and around the area.