Pioneer Settlement

Pioneer Settlement Pioneer Settlement is a Heritage Tourist Attraction in the Mallee city of Swan Hill.
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Situated on the picturesque banks of the Marraboor River, you can embrace the past with the feeling that you have stepped back in time at the Pioneer Settlement. From our 1850s Pioneer Cottages to Towaninnie Homestead to our Mallee Township you can wander at leisure in a bygone world experiencing real Australian history. Whether riding in our recently restored vintage Dodge or in our horse drawn c

arriage; or having a break in our Tea Rooms there's so much to see and do that you will be pleased that the entry ticket includes a complimentary second day.

Our two Murray River laser light spectaculars, ‘Parnbandilla’ – ‘Heartbeat of the Murray’ and ‘Legends of the Mallee’ fe...
12/09/2026

Our two Murray River laser light spectaculars, ‘Parnbandilla’ – ‘Heartbeat of the Murray’ and ‘Legends of the Mallee’ feature a 60m wide water screen as a canvas for brilliant projections, combined with lighting, lasers, fire, atmospheric effects, and booming sound to create a unique experience not to be missed.

• ‘Heartbeat’ – Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
• ‘Legends’ – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Each show begins with a short walk through an illuminated Pioneer Settlement to Riverside Theatre, on the banks of the Little Murray. Book your tickets online at www.pioneersettlement.com.au

A glass plate negative donated by the Mt. Barker RSL to the State Library of South Australia shows four men on the deck ...
10/09/2026

A glass plate negative donated by the Mt. Barker RSL to the State Library of South Australia shows four men on the deck of the PS Pyap, moored along a riverbank. While assumed to show the Murray River in the 1880s, a little bit of photographic detective work places it at least two decades later, in the early 1900s or later.

In the bottom right corner of the photo, a crate can just be seen bearing the branding ‘Perfection Oil Stoves, Heaters & Lamps’ and ‘Colonial Oil Co.’ The New York firm Standard Oil only founded the Australian Colonial Oil Company in 1901. That same year, the company partnered with the Cleveland Foundry Company, the original manufacturer of the ‘Perfection’ line of products.

Today, enjoy a one-hour cruise along the mighty Murray River with Captain Alan Bartsch at the helm, at 2.30pm weekdays, and at 10.30am and 2.30pm weekends. For more details, including how to book, visit: www.pioneersettlement.com.au/by-river

📷 : Photo courtesy State Library of South Australia, [B 73527].

Looking for a quiet moment of contemplation by the Little Murray River? Take a seat on the Lower Murray Inn deck, maybe ...
08/09/2026

Looking for a quiet moment of contemplation by the Little Murray River? Take a seat on the Lower Murray Inn deck, maybe with a takeaway coffee from the Paragon Cafe in hand, and simply listen to the birdsong and nature that surrounds this remarkable river.

It’s also a stunning location ideal for a peaceful wedding ceremony, with the abundant native trees and river a wonderful backdrop, and the nearby rustic Lower Murray Inn ready for a reception to follow.

We have a variety of spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and other functions. To arrange a tour, book, or to learn more, phone 03 5036 2415 or email [email protected]

“Being a father isn’t always clear skies and smooth sailing. But every bit of the journey, the ups and downs and in-betw...
06/09/2026

“Being a father isn’t always clear skies and smooth sailing. But every bit of the journey, the ups and downs and in-betweens, makes it an even more meaningful adventure.” – Courtney Taylor

To all the fathers: Happy Father’s Day from the Pioneer Settlement.

Our resident Clydesdale’s, Ben and Rocky, are gentle giants – and each day, one is the horsepower behind our horse and c...
04/09/2026

Our resident Clydesdale’s, Ben and Rocky, are gentle giants – and each day, one is the horsepower behind our horse and carriage. For leisurely ride around our Mallee township, guided by a friendly volunteer driver, it’s all aboard just outside the Saddlery.

Your horse and carriage ride is free with General Admission to the Pioneer Settlement; also included is a free ride in a 1920s Dodge, get started with a volunteer driver outside the Iron House.

Now available for hire, the Pioneer Settlement’s Experience Centre provides a modern, relaxed, and light-filled setting ...
02/09/2026

Now available for hire, the Pioneer Settlement’s Experience Centre provides a modern, relaxed, and light-filled setting for up to 120 people – perfect for a range of events, including your next meeting, workshop, training session, or celebration.

For further details and to book, please contact our Bookings Team: 03 5036 2410 • [email protected]

While you won’t hear a sulphur-crested cockatoo’s distinctively loud screech inside The Emporium & Music Shop, you might...
31/08/2026

While you won’t hear a sulphur-crested cockatoo’s distinctively loud screech inside The Emporium & Music Shop, you might hear classic tunes from the Music Shop’s collection, from a 1896 DeKleist hand-operated fair ground organ, a 1896 barrel organ, and a 19th-century player pianola – and given their age, we ask that you don’t touch, but simply listen to the sounds of an age gone by.

You’ll also find many other classic souvenirs within The Emporium too, be sure to visit, and say ‘g’day’ to the friendly volunteers within.

Climb aboard our restored 1920s Dodge. There’s no air-conditioning, power steering or power windows, and certainly no cr...
29/08/2026

Climb aboard our restored 1920s Dodge. There’s no air-conditioning, power steering or power windows, and certainly no cruise control. With one of our friendly volunteer drivers behind the wheel, you can cruise our Mallee township...

Board near the Portable Iron House, or if you prefer the more horsepower board our horse and carriage near the near the Saddlery – rides are free with entry.

On the river by day, by the river at night. Two experiences, one location – Pioneer Settlement, Swan Hill.Departing dail...
27/08/2026

On the river by day, by the river at night.
Two experiences, one location – Pioneer Settlement, Swan Hill.

Departing daily from the Settlement’s Horseshoe Bend Wharf, enjoy a one-hour Pyap cruise – a gentle journey following the mighty Murray River and a chance to see a timeless part of the region. Grab a beanie and scarf, and return at night to see the river’s history told through the ‘Heartbeat of the Murray’ laser light show, all from your seat along the banks of the Little Murray River.

Plan your visit: www.pioneersettlement.com.au

Blue sky by day, and bright lights at night.Two experiences, one location – Pioneer Settlement, Swan Hill.Explore three ...
24/08/2026

Blue sky by day, and bright lights at night.
Two experiences, one location – Pioneer Settlement, Swan Hill.

Explore three hectares on the banks of the Little Murray River, featuring a Mallee township of historic buildings, vintage machinery, and artefacts that bring our pioneering history to life. Return at night to see the ‘Legends of the Mallee’ laser light show for an immersive journey through the region’s past, present, and future.

Plan your visit: www.pioneersettlement.com.au

Address

125 Monash Drive
Swan Hill, VIC
3585

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+61350362410

Website

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