Situated in North-West Victoria, Swan Hill straddles the mighty Murray River and has been a township that we’ve had on our Kid Bucket List for a decade or so thanks to a little nostalgia built upon memories of a grade five school camp to Pioneer Settlement. We finally made the trip there on our return from our Outback NSW road trip.
Pioneer Settlement with Kids
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When it comes to things to do in Swan Hill with kids, a trip to Pioneer Settlement tops the list. This joint community and government destination was opened in 1966 to showcase the unique history of the Murray Mallee region. It has been a popular tourist destination ever since which also attracts the locals.
Today the Pioneer Settlement showcases over 20,000 artifacts relating to life in the Murray-Mallee in the era 1830-1930. This living museum boasts around 50 original buildings, transport items such as tractors and other farm machinery, trucks and cars, two late 1800s riverboats, a large collection of Aboriginal items, books, musical items and much more. It even has a historic Mason Lodge which we all found quite fascinating.
We arrived from Mildura with the kids in the second half of the day and were delighted to find that much of the crowd had dispersed so we *almost* had the entire Pioneer Settlement to ourselves. We were further surprised to learn that our entry ticket is valid for two consecutive days. This is perfect for families who can spread their experience across two days so the kids aren’t worn out by a fit as much as you can in one day type of trip.
So what were some of the highlights for us?
Horse-Drawn Vehicles
If you follow the numbered directions on the Pioneer Settlement map, the Cobb and Co. Coach House will be one of the first exhibits you explore. Here you will find a replica Cobb and Co. Coach, and examples of a Sociable Buggy, a Barouche, a Horse Break and even a horse-drawn hearse.
While looking at examples of horse-drawn vehicles is interesting, actually riding in one is much more exciting. The kids were thrilled to discover that Pioneer Settlement offers FREE horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the day. You can actually go on them as much as you want!
Blacksmith
The Pioneer Settlement blacksmith shop was originally built in 1896 and is still fully functioning. Head here to see the bellows, forge, hammer and anvil in use and the smithy may even make you something as a souvenir (we left with horseshoe nails!).
Back in time, the blacksmith was a vital part of the community. It was here that crucial tools and implements, household goods, parts for horse-drawn vehicles and the repairs of agricultural machinery were made. The Blacksmith worked throughout the year, both in the heat of summer and the chill of winter.
The kids will be fascinated to learn that iron needs to be heated to 800º C to be shaped, and to around 1400º C to allow pieces to be welded together. This sees the ironing turning from red hot to white hot and is quite spectacular to watch.
The Music Shop & Drapery
The music shop on the Settlement’s main street was one of our favourite stops. There are a range of musical instruments on exhibit which the stallholders will demonstrate how to play if you ask.
Lolly Shop
Of course, a trip to a historic lolly shop is a kids delight! With a plethora of choices including raspberry drop, licorice, humbugs, lemon sherbet and more, selecting your choices is harder than the hard-boiled lollies themselves!
While the kids are busy selecting their choice, make sure you have a look at the historic grocery items on display.
Kaiser Stereoscopic Theatre
Oh, what a find this is! One of only a handful in the world, this 1895 German Kaiser Stereoscopic Theatre showcases trips around the world, major world events and even the San Fransisco earthquake of 1906. The kids found it fascinating to look through the eyepieces to view the moving pictures.
The Paragon Café
The Paragon Cafe was absolutely bustling when we arrived. Operated by volunteers from the Friends of the Pioneer Settlement, the cafe is housed in the original Dumosa Towaninnie Hall, which was relocated to the Pioneer Settlement. It provides home-style meals, traditional drinks like milkshakes and spiders, and an array of other tantalizing delights.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets
There’s no need to prepurchase your tickets to Pioneer Settlement as they easily available at the ticket office. A family ticket will currently set you back $82.00 for 2 adults and up to 4 children under 16. Kids under 4 are free. What’s fabulous about the entry ticket is that it is valid for two consecutive days. Bonus!
There are also a number of package deals available if you would like to combine your ticket purchase with attendance at a number of other attractions in Swan Hill. Head to the Pioneer Settlement ticket page for details.
How to Get There
Pioneer Settlement is situated in the township of Swan Hill in north-western Victoria. Melbourne is the closest capital city.
From Melbourne: Take the Calder Highway all the way to Bendigo. From Bendigo, follow Loddon Valley Hwy/B260 and Murray Valley Hwy/B400 to McCallum St/C246 in Swan Hill
Accommodation
Swan Hill has a plethora of accommodation options available for families from budget through to luxury.
Explore other towns along the Murray River
Click to read about our trip to Mildura
Click to read about our trip to Echuca
We fully self-funded our visit to Swan Hill and Pioneer Settlement
Location: 1 Monash Dr, Swan Hill VIC 3585
Cost: Family: $82.00 (2 adults and 4 children aged 5 to 16.)
Opening Hours: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm (Final Admission 4.00 pm) Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Website: www.pioneersettlement.com.au
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