victoria - 101 Must Do's - travel

73 Robyn

Aug 4th, 2008 at 3:42 pm

great place…dont be daunted by the travel…take the train its better for the environment and ejoy what this town has to offer…friendly people, great weather, delious food and the best out door museum who make you feel as though you have dropped in the family.

72 Ernie

Aug 1st, 2008 at 12:12 pm

A great place to visit for everyone, both young and old. Highly recommend!

71 Adam O'Connor

Jul 15th, 2008 at 2:49 pm

Being a local to Swan Hill when I was much younger I was a regular at the settllement. It kept us occupied for hours, with rides on the Pyap and participating in a variety of activities both with the family and School. Now as an adult I have a new appreciation of The Pioneer Settlement as it portrays a realistic view of the past and our history. The Pioneer Settlement also says a lot for the Swan Hill community as a whole and the volunteerism throughout, as t is run by both enthusiatic staff and its strong volunteer culture. The Sound and Light show is not to be missed. The music, the sounds it is all excellent.

70 Andy

Jul 14th, 2008 at 12:23 am

I believe this was the first of its type in Australia and still offers the most authentic experience in a realistic setting with lots to do, lots to see and lots to learn.

69 Robyn

Jul 5th, 2008 at 10:47 am

Great place for children to learn more about how our early pioneers lived and have fun too! We found the staff and volunteers are friendly and happy to explain to visitors all about shodding a horse, being a blacksmith, riding a penny farthing and early musical instruments. We enjoyed having family photos taken in old fashioned clothes (helped by a friendly volunteer). The food in the cafe was also very good!

68 John and Marie Loftus

Jul 3rd, 2008 at 3:27 pm

You just don’t find a better place to visit in Victoria, and I should know, I have been to all the tourist attractions listed, and this one takes the biscuit.

67 Caitlyn

Jul 3rd, 2008 at 10:38 am

The sound and light show was great. Very informative. I really enjoyed dressing up in the olden day clothes and having my photo taken. It was great day out.

66 Dianne Pumpa

Jul 2nd, 2008 at 4:34 pm

I have recommended the Pioneer Settlement Museum to many groups and organisations visiting our region as well as family and friends from interstate and oversees. I have never heard a bad word about their experience only glowing reports of what a great time they have had at the Settlement and how interesting they have found it.

65 Trish

Jul 2nd, 2008 at 2:47 pm

The Pioneer Settlement is full of great items from by-gone times - Items that came from the local farms & towns of our ancestors - Items that truly demonstrate to us the spirit and dexterity of the people who carved this great land - What a wonderful experience to see and touch first-hand. I clearly remember standing on the bank of the Murray River as they raised the Swan Hill bridge for the Oscar W to tow the PS Gem through to her resting place at the Pioneer Settlement. Fabulous memories to keep from that day and memories that will continue to come alive each and every time I visit the Pioneer Settlement

64 Kim Critchley

Jul 2nd, 2008 at 2:19 pm

My children love going even though we are locals, lots to do and see and plenty of area for children to play, relax, enjoy a picnic and parents to relax. The river boat cruise is fantastic and the animals, people and buildings are very friendly. All in all something for everyone regardless of age.

63 Maria

Jul 2nd, 2008 at 2:18 pm

Just a great place to visit - something for everyone, young and old.

62 Rod Knight

Jun 30th, 2008 at 3:08 pm

The Pioneer Settlement is a great place to visit and is very educational especially for the kids and tourists. The best part is the old cars that you ride around in and the horse and cart which are free to ride on. It is also good when they have the old tractors going as well. The sound and light tour is excellent as well.

61 barbara

Jun 15th, 2008 at 4:57 pm

the pioneer village is one of the best we have been to and swanhill has a great caravan park is a very friendly town .

60 ANNETTE

Jun 14th, 2008 at 7:46 pm

IT IS A GREAT PLACE TO GO ,INCLUDING TAKING THE CHILDREN,
THE RIDE ALONG THE MURRY RIVER IS GREAT, ALSO YOU GET THE FEEL OF HOW PEOPLE LIVED IN THE OLD DAYS.

59 matthew pemberton

Jun 6th, 2008 at 2:36 pm

i for one of many strongly recemond that your whole family should got to this museum it is a trip back in time for real there so much to do and it has a nice laid back attmosfear there is no rush you meet people on there best of days it is the best place to have a cup of tea in the tea room and yer that about it find out for your selves

58 michelle

Jun 3rd, 2008 at 2:01 pm

As part of history the Swan Hill Pioneer Museum is one of the last standing towns left in this fast growing world we live in and as we need to make sure our childrens children have the chance to see and feel with there own hands what the world was like when Grandma and Popie were kids

I belive this is the only way you can truely know what times were like “Back Then”

57 Gordon Leschke

Jun 3rd, 2008 at 10:47 am

When my boys were much younger my family were regular s at the settllement it kept them occupied for hours, but more recently I find the Art Gallery in particular a very pleasant and unique experience, the exibitions I have seen have been first class, and I have enjoyed them immensely keep up the good work

56 Ted Paynter

Jun 3rd, 2008 at 8:14 am

The Pioneer Settlement portrays a realistic view of the past being maintained and operated by enthusiastic staff and volunteers. The Sound and Light show is not to be missed. The music, the sounds and the commentary or narrative are excellent.
When inside the art gallery looking at the quality of the display you could be in any art gallery in any state capital.

55 Dennis O'Bryan

Jun 3rd, 2008 at 8:04 am

The Settlement is real and not some re-created “adventure” park. It is made up of original buildings and antiquities and situated in an beutiful setting adjacent to the Murray River.

54 Bonnie

Jun 2nd, 2008 at 8:33 pm

Our family have always been big fans of the Pioneer Settlement. The lollie shop, Bakery and music shop are favourites. You can get lost in time, stroll along at your leisure and soak up the ambiance of a settlement alongside the river. jessie dunstan one of the settlements volunteers had it all summed up with….well i love it…..so did macca from australia all over…..he had jesse finish the show each week with her quote…. take some time out and call on down to the Pioneer Settlement Swan Hill , you’ll love it

53 Adam Berresford

Jun 2nd, 2008 at 6:23 pm

It made me realise how simple life was back then and how complex it is now. I wish I lived back then. The way the Pioneer Settlement has been done is great. Well worth a visit.

52 Katrina

Jun 2nd, 2008 at 6:18 pm

Being a local of Swan Hill I hadn’t been to the Settlement since I was a kid, but recently had visitors who wanted to entertain the kids whilst I was working, so I recommended they take them to the Pioneer Settlement .The kids really enjoyed a trip on the horse and cart and a drive in the vintage car. They all commented on their driver Tim and how he was really great pointing out all the attractions of the settlement. The adults also thought it was great to see an employee who loved his job so much and was so passionate about the settlement. It brought back many great memories and now I will have to visit the settlement as a local tourist myself very soon.

51 Keerthi Ranasinghe

May 31st, 2008 at 5:55 pm

We went to Swan Hill specifically to see the Pioneer settlement and it didn’t let us down. The first thing we saw was the “Sound and Light show” which gave us an insight into what life was like in the 1800’s. it was very informative. We were also able to look inside the shops and church etc. The people and volunteers were happy to show us around and the children loved the vintages cars and horse ridden carraiges led by “Harry” A Great day for all.

50 John and Marie Loftus

May 30th, 2008 at 5:01 pm

Already made comments 3 times !!!!!!

49 Frank McCabe

May 29th, 2008 at 2:25 pm

Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement and Art Gallery are different. The Pioneer Settlement was the first Folk Museum in Australia and has seen off many others to survive and evolve into a top class attraction. The Art Gallery - unique with its mud brick construction houses a diverse and fascinating collection. If you visited the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement years ago; consider coming back - you will be pleasantly surprised!

48 John and Marie Loftus

May 29th, 2008 at 6:37 am

When we first arrived in Swan Hill it was late afternoon, so we decided to do the “Sound and Light Show” that evening, then see the Settlement in daylight the next day, it has been upgraded since I last saw it, and a lot of new things added, it was great. The next day we had a different outlook on the place, and again noticed the change in the place. The Photographic Parlour was fun, and was no problem to the Volunteer looking after the Parlour to get shots that we wanted, we had about a dozen taken. A must visit for all who get to Swan Hill.

47 Val Matthews

May 28th, 2008 at 5:55 pm

The museum is a great place to take in what our heritage is all about. You can visit the static displays or take part in the hands-on experiences. Fully backed up with a great bunch of volunteers and staff always ready to asssit you.

Visit the Gallery while you’re in the precinct! Always has someting of interest to everyone. Workshops for the kids during school holidays, workshops for oldies during the weekends. Tours to other galleries organised; events for members and guests (just check with the gallery for details).

46 Arthur Fowles

May 26th, 2008 at 5:50 pm

I have now visited your great country 3 times and on each visit have stopped off at the Settlement. Its a great, relaxing way to learn about your brave pioneers. I just loved the Murray Rriver , and what great helpful staff. A MUST FOR EVERY TOURIST and AUSSIE.

45 Simon B

May 26th, 2008 at 11:59 am

Taking a ride on the Pyap down the Murray on a warm summers night… there’s nothing BETTER!!!
The light and sound show was a fantastic way to take a ride back into history… and its so well done!!
The horse and cart ride around the settlement was the highlight of my day.
All the staff were so knowledgeable and friendly… we had a fantastic day out!

44 John and Marie Loftus

May 26th, 2008 at 6:32 am

I have not been to the Pioneer Settlement since my school days, and had forgotten just how great this place is, there have been many changes made, but all to the good, the Staff and Volunteers that work there are so helpful, free rides on the horse and cart, and in the vintage car, great trip on the “Pyap”, and don’t forget to return in the evening for the “Sound and Light Show”.

43 John and Marie

May 24th, 2008 at 8:37 am

I have not been to the Pioneer Settlement since my school days, and had forgotten just how great the place is. I believe that there have been a lot of changes since back then, but the history of our Pioneer’s, and thier struggles really come through, and the people that work there, be they full time staff, or volunteers, are all so helpful, and only to willing to explain things to you. We also took a trip on the “Pyap”, and returned in the evening for the “Light and Sound”, both of which we enjoyed very much.

42 Catherine Wilson

May 24th, 2008 at 8:29 am

What is required???

41 Catherine Wilson

May 23rd, 2008 at 5:00 pm

I have recently visited “The Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement” with some overseas visitors, they were amazed at the way our Pioneers lived back then, and said that it was a real History lesson. We also found that the people working there are so friendly and helpful, a free ride in the old vintage car, and the horse and cart was also a bonus, we really had a fun, and educational filled day, and went back in the evening for the “Sound and Light Show”, all great stuff.

40 Brian

May 23rd, 2008 at 4:52 pm

This is truly a great place to visit, this is the original Pioneering Village in Australia, and has remained the best. The Staff and Volunteers there are so friendly, and love to tell you all about the place that they work in. A trip on the “Pyap”, is a must, as is the “Sound and Light Show”. And don’t forget to take your camera, so that you can have photo’s taken in the Photographic Parlour, not only inside, but outside also, the Staff will dress you in period costume, and it can be a real fun time. A destination which like a good wine, improves with age.

39 Rose Kay

May 18th, 2008 at 4:03 pm

After walking the entire settlement and going on the cruise some years ago with our teenagers,we were able to go back and revisit in our retirement. This time we went on the Light and Sound Tour and thoroughly enjoyed tjhe atmosphere and especially the “hands on” Tour leader who is a direct descendent of a pioneer.
One of the most facinating objects to observe was the exibit of the aboriginal camp across the river, which we enjoyed from afar. It’s great that their heritage is also being acknowledged, along with the hardships of the White settlers.
To add interest, it was almost a full moon and the lovely musical shows put us in the right mood!

38 Cheryl McGannon

May 17th, 2008 at 11:44 am

An absolutely fabulous experience, being a short term resident of Swan Hill I am proud to take my visitors to both the Regional Gallery and the Pioneer Settlement. We have enjoyed four great weekends visiting each venue so far this year, I’m still learning about the history of this region through the Pioneer Settlement’s people friendly staff. All my visitors have been impressed and have thoroughly enjoyed the enriching historical tour of the Pioneer Settlement and viewing the ever changing exhibitions held at the Swan Hill Regional Gallery.

37 Darren Wiseman

May 16th, 2008 at 3:45 pm

The Pioneer Settlement is a great experience combining education and tourism.

While you’re in Swan Hill also try the famous Ice cream at ‘Jillarty’ in the main street it rivals the best Gelati in Rome!

Or try this for a weekend -

Saturday
1. Spoons Deli/Cafe for Brunch
2. Pioneer Settlement
3. Quo Vadis for dinner

Sunday
1. A round of Golf at Murray Downs Golf Course
2. Winery Tour around the region - about 80k round trip - incorporate the culturally significant Aboriginal Ring Tree.
3. Early Dinner or Late Lunch at Yutaka Sawa - The Best Japanese Restaurant in Victoria

A Great Weekend!

Swan Hill is a great place to visit.

36 Libby Dunstone

May 16th, 2008 at 12:34 pm

Provides a fantastic resource for students and teachers in the area. Offers a number of opportunities to our local community.

35 Michelle

May 15th, 2008 at 7:42 pm

Fantastic place to take the kids for a day out. The staff are professional and extremely helpful when organising functions.

34 geoff hickmott

May 15th, 2008 at 3:21 pm

A great experience, staffed by friendly and knowledable volunteers. The displays consist of an excellent mix of “hands-on” and visual exhibitions. The idyllic setting on the Marraboor River is the perfect backdrop as you experience what life was like for the pioneers who opened up this isolated, but valuable part of Victoria

33 Sam Wright

May 15th, 2008 at 2:08 pm

An excellent educational expereince for kids of all ages. The special events (Mother Day’s Lunch, Australia Day etc) are also have a great community feel to them.

32 Lorri

May 13th, 2008 at 1:35 pm

The Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement and Regional Gallery enrich our cultural lives immensley. History, food, art …. a wonderful way to spend a day with your family or take time out alone to just immerse yourself.

31 Greg Cruickshank

May 9th, 2008 at 5:38 pm

Great place. See the place where the good old days never really ended.
Sound and light on the transporter is a real eye opener. Or stroll through living history by day. A ride on a real paddle boat up the mighty Murray river or a snack at the bakery. A great day to be had for everyone. Finish the day off with a tour of the gallery. You will love it all. I did.

30 Barbara Camm

May 9th, 2008 at 11:13 am

In Swan Hill - outdoor museum with original buildings and equipement, not reconstructed.

29 karend Doodson

May 8th, 2008 at 11:19 pm

Wonderful volunteers who took you back to yesteryear with their own stories and experiences of the area. Good atmosphere making it feel alive not old and dead.
Warm cosy fires and tiny shops selling goods helped bring it alive. A friendly and inviting staff made you feel welcome.

28 Jo Henwood

May 8th, 2008 at 9:07 pm

Delightfully sensory rich experience, lovely people who want to share their knowledge and love of history and of Swan Hill, lots to see and do, (some of which you are unlikely to find elsewhere), relaxed and enjoyable, beautiful scenery - but I think it really is the people who make me want to keep coming back.

27 Janet

May 8th, 2008 at 3:44 pm

What a great place, so much to do. We went back three times during our short stay. The kids loved it too, gave them a great history lesson. Also, important to me, little sign of commercialisation. Keep up the good work Pioneer Settlement Swan Hill!!!!!!

26 Rob Thompson

May 8th, 2008 at 1:45 pm

Lots to see and experience. Have visited many times over the last 30 or so years and always leave feeling uplifted. Its truly a trip into a bygone era.

25 Roberta Barry

May 8th, 2008 at 1:13 pm

Great exposure to the art gallery and excellent hands on stuff for kids and adults alike.

24 Deanne Earle

May 8th, 2008 at 1:13 pm

A wonderful reminder of days gone by. A lovely way to relax for a few hours and enjoy this fantastic setting on the magnificent Murray River. Great for the kids..Fun and Educational at the same time with knowledgeable staff and volunteers.

23 Erica S

May 8th, 2008 at 1:07 pm

A wonderful cultural heritage organisation providing educational experiences to people of all ages.

22 John Monahan

May 8th, 2008 at 12:09 pm

A very authentic experience in a very natural setting. A great education for those who seek a broad and realistic insight into our pioneer past

21 Rae Matthews

May 8th, 2008 at 11:54 am

Great place, great wether

20 Steve P

May 8th, 2008 at 11:49 am

The Pioneer Settlement Museum is a great way to travel back in time whether it be for an hour or a day. The Art Gallery opposite had an excellent exhibition of Brushmen of the Bush.

19 Des Jones

May 8th, 2008 at 11:45 am

Great staff and volunteers. Cost is very reasonable and the pace is nice and slow. Great exhibits and location

18 Jenny M

May 8th, 2008 at 11:45 am

A unique experience for the young and old, a lesson in the history of country Victoria and highlights the importance of the Murray River to our environment.

17 Tricia Pollard

May 8th, 2008 at 11:29 am

The friends of the Pioneer Settlement & Art gallery are so welcoming and informative you really get an insight with what its all about. the Art Gallery is extroadinary for such a small community. So many artists and activities for anyone who wishes to participate. (Children are able to paint and learn about art at an early age. Real hands on stuff is fabulous) The Pioneer Settlement is unique and great to see. It hasn’t become commercialized like so many other attractions. It offers an experience of yesteryear which relates to our ancestors and our country. Wonderful surrounds, you can walk around all day feeling and relating to a step back in time. Not only is it a tourist attraction but also an educational experience where one can indulge in memories of history. The volunteers and staff are so welcoming and happy to assist at anytime. A “feel good place” to visit.!

16 George D

May 8th, 2008 at 11:28 am

Unique character all it’s own. The people who work there are very helpful and want you to discover the history of the area. Took a ride around the settlement on a horse and cart. Great!

15 Anne Hall

May 8th, 2008 at 10:55 am

A great day out for the whole family; and you can ride the paddlesteamer and do the sound and light show at night

14 Helen C

May 7th, 2008 at 6:24 pm

Very well presented and informative. A wonderful place to visit and free to the locals which is great.

13 ann grant

May 3rd, 2008 at 8:51 am

the pioneer settlement is a great piece of living history, with plenty of activities for school groups, families and tourists.

12 Wiked

May 2nd, 2008 at 4:36 pm

The kids love it, also situated in a great area so you can soak in yester year.

11 Anthony Van Heumen

May 2nd, 2008 at 8:47 am

Great place for kids. Have fun while learning about our past.

10 Steve Matthews

May 2nd, 2008 at 8:45 am

The Settlement is a great way to learn a little of our past in an enjoyable interesting fashion. It has interactive displays, riverboat cruises, great dining experiences and a great feeling of community. The strong involvement of volunteers and all the recent improvements are making the Settlement an even better place to visit. And who will ever forget the iconic riverboat PS Gem!

9 Chris S

May 2nd, 2008 at 7:38 am

A trip on the Pyap Paddle Boat is a wonderful experience also the kids loved the ride in the old motor vehicle. The people are warm and friendly a great time.

8 peter beardsley

May 1st, 2008 at 4:52 pm

truly unique, and so unknown to so many - be it the light tour or the day tour, you’ll really be surprised

7 Robert s

May 1st, 2008 at 4:25 pm

Recently enjoyed a Childrens birthday party at the settlement. What an exeperience dressing up in the period style cloths and capturing the moment on film.

6 Peter Morrison

May 1st, 2008 at 3:25 pm

A fun place for the whole family to enjoy. Cast yourself back to the early 1800’s and relive that experience of the early settlers as you wander around the museum. Pioneer settlement is a must visit!

5 Lake Woz

May 1st, 2008 at 3:15 pm

A slice of history right on the banks of the mighty Murray, check out the sound and light tour ,a must when you visit.

4 Murray Ray

May 1st, 2008 at 11:25 am

The experience of the sound and light tour takes you back in time and is a must see. Also the upgrade to the lower murray inn is an excellent job and now allows for concerts and acts for the enjoyment of everyone young or old.

3 Bev Gervasi

May 1st, 2008 at 10:09 am

Exciting to learn about our pioneers to the Swan Hill Region.

Trip on Pyap is a must so you can enjoy the great Murray & Little Murray Rivers.

Art Gallery has tremendous exhibitions.

2 Pam Blohm

May 1st, 2008 at 9:59 am

The Swan Hill Pioneer Museum is one of Swan Hill’s main attractions. A lot of the staff are local residents who give their time voluntarily. The Pioneer Museum is situated on the banks of the Murray River, I attended a wedding at the Museum recently, ceremony on the Wharf and reception at the Lower Murray Inn, which has recently been upgraded by the local Lion’s Club. It proved to be a wonderful setting, very rustic and other guests were intrigued with the setting of the Main Street and other attractions within the Museum.

1 Sean Morrison

Apr 24th, 2008 at 11:08 am

Great slice of history right on the river in Swan Hill. Make sure you go for a trip on the Pyap.

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