Travel: Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village, SA
A historic village preserved in all its ageing glory near Adelaide.By Colin Kerr
If you’re interested in a real blast from the past, or just an old fashion stroll down memory lane, then the Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village located around 100km south-east of Adelaide on the Princes Highway is just what you are looking for.
During our recent travels through South Australia heading towards Adelaide, just 5km north-west of the Murray River township of Tailem Bend, we noticed with a glance to our left a sight straight out of the 1800s – an old town that time had clearly forgotten!
We couldn’t help but stop and have a look… and we were very pleased we did.
An authentic experience
With more than 90 buildings here spread over 12 streets, this is not a place to check out in just a few minutes. A couple of hours (minimum) is recommended – even a whole day can easily be spent here if you have the time. History abounds around every street corner and down every lane.
The buildings here are not simply facades or hollow shells; they are all chock full of old-time memorabilia, all laid out in the way stores, workshops and homes were run all those years ago.
A few of the more memorable buildings include a bootmaker, saddlery, printing office, police station, newsagent, clock shop, a fire station, cemetery, an emporium, old movie theatre, barber, blacksmith and a wireless shop.
In a number of places dummies, seemingly ‘frozen in time’ in period costume are seen serving behind a counter, operating the old post office switchboard, preparing meals and over in the old hospital operating theatre a doctor is preparing to operate on a patient. Don’t miss a visit to the old dental surgery – it will really send a shiver down your spine!
Elsewhere around town there is the old railway station, old cottages just like granny’s place, machinery shops, garages, a Cobb & Co coach station, a school, a church, a grog shop with one of the best collections of beer cans we have seen, old scotch bottles, jugs and the like you’ll see anywhere, and much, much more – all looking like they are still ready to use.
In the old dance hall you can swing your partner around the floor and listen to the compere shouting out the dance routines. And, if you are into restoring old boats or love to see old working engines, then add another hour or two to your visit because Old Tailem Town has one of Australia’s biggest collections of early model engines to keep you occupied, while your travelling partner is checking out the old-time lolly shop and drapery and milliner’s stores.
When it comes time to drag yourself away, stop for a few minutes in the village dining room and enjoy a tea, coffee and biscuit – included in your entry fee.
Old Tailem Town Fast Facts
Old Tailem Town is 100km south-east of Adelaide on the Princes Highway and 5km north-west of the Murray River township of Tailem Bend.
Entry fee to old Tailem Town is $15 for each adult, $13 pensioners, $6 children or $40 family.
There is plenty of parking space out front, including turning areas for caravans, motorhomes and campers.
The village is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Enquiries Peter or Danny Squires, phone (08) 8572 3838.
Guided tours are available for large groups and there are barbecues are available for a lunch time picnic.
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