Pioneer Settlement

Victoria


Swan Hill’s main tourist attraction is a fun re-creation of a riverside port town of the paddle-steamer era (1830 to 1930). The settlement’s displays include the restored PS Gem, one of Australia’s largest riverboats; a great collection of old carriages and buggies; an old-time photographic parlour; a lolly shop; a school classroom; and the fascinating Kaiser Stereoscope.

The paddle steamer PS Pyap makes short cruises along the Murray. Every night at dusk the multi-media laser show Heartbeat of the Murray is beamed onto a water screen, and tells the story of the Murray River and its creation. There are combined packages for a cruise, show and settlement visit.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Victoria attractions

1. Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery

0.11 MILES

This gallery has a permanent collection of more than 300 pieces, focusing on the works of contemporary and local artists. It's known for its collection of…

2. Riverside Park

0.56 MILES

The riverside park on the banks of the Murray River is a great place for a leisurely stroll or picnic, and has ponds, fountains and beautiful native trees…

3. Swan Hill Lift Bridge

0.69 MILES

This wonderful bridge was built in 1896 to span the Murray River at McCallum St (Victoria)/Moulamein Rd (NSW), which had originally been navigated by a…

4. Burke & Wills Tree

0.8 MILES

This enormous Moreton Bay fig tree was planted to commemorate the explorers Burke and Wills as they passed through Swan Hill on their ill-fated journey…

5. Olson Game Birds

7 MILES

Here's one for the kids: fire up the GPS and drive out to Olson Game Birds, a pheasant farm where game birds are bred and reared. Native birds are also on…

6. Flying Boat Museum

8.05 MILES

The famous Catalina flying boat A24-30 is on display outside a secret communications bunker, along with photographs and other displays at this museum 16km…

7. Andrew Peace Wines

23.59 MILES

With good picnic facilities, this contemporary winery with more than 270 hectares of vines is a great spot to stop for lunch and learn about some local…