What are the 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

Pioneer Settlement

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Swan Hill, VIC
Pioneer Settlement

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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 carriage; 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.

08/11/2026

“Great place to visit if you’re into the olden day heritage stuff... Volunteers are very friendly and informative. Free car rides and horse and [carriage] rides... The light show after hours is a must see. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐” – Fishing with Steve, Google review.

Our incredible volunteers are a special part of the Pioneer Settlement, and really help bring it to life, and it’s fantastic to hear about it from our visitors too. If you’d love to join our team, you can find more information about volunteering on our website:

www.pioneersettlement.com.au/About/Volunteering

06/11/2026

Take a break at the Paragon Cafe! Stop by on your journey and enjoy a barista-brewed coffee, a Devonshire tea (scones, jam, and double cream), an old-fashioned spider, or a hearty meal blending standard café items with a Middle Eastern twist. Delish!

🕚 Wednesday to Sunday 7am–2.30pm
🕚 Monday and Tuesday 9am–2.30pm

www.paragoncafesh.com.au

02/11/2026

Set across three hectares on the banks of the Little Murray River, with wide open spaces and lovely grassed areas, there’s space to spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy the sounds of the Pioneer Settlement, or to relax with a coffee on the Paragon Cafe’s deck...

Explore our Mallee township at your own pace, or enjoy a leisurely ride aboard our horse-drawn carriage or vintage 1920s Dodge –both are included with your General Admission ticket.

Plan your next visit and book online at:
www.pioneersettlement.com.au/tickets

31/10/2026

Step back in time aboard the Pyap for a leisurely one-hour Murray River cruise at 10.30am* or 2.30pm on weekends, for a unique glimpse into the region’s rich river history.

Departing Horseshoe Bend Wharf, with Captain Alan Bartsch at the helm, cruise past Murray Downs Marina and the historic Murray Downs Homestead, before returning to the Pioneer Settlement.

Learn more and book online at:
www.pioneersettlement.com.au/by-river

* A 10.30am Pyap cruise requires a By Day + By River ticket.

29/10/2026

A group of six young friends enjoying a trip along the Murray River, photographed on the lower deck of the PS Gem.

From the 1920s to 1948, the PS Gem operated as a premier tourist vessel, offering extended Murray River cruises between Morgan and Mildura. Combining luxury, hospitality, and adventure, these cruises took passengers day and night aboard the ‘Queen of the Murray,’ one of the most luxurious vessels on the river.

This famous era would end abruptly on November 6th, 1948, as the PS Gem, while carrying 60 passengers, struck a snag and sank near Cal Lal (NSW), leaving only the superstructure above water.

Today, the PS Gem is an treasured part of the Pioneer Settlement, and you can explore the Gem’s three decks and imagine what the ‘Queen of the Murray’ was like in her glorious heyday...

📷 : Photo courtesy State Library of South Australia, [B 63126].

27/10/2026

Overlooking our picturesque grounds, our modern Experience Centre offers an inspiring, light-filled space to host your next meeting, workshop, training session, or celebration.

Suitable for up to 120 people and available for half-day or full-day hire, with after-hours hire available on request. For further details and to book, please contact our Bookings Team: 03 5036 2410 • [email protected]

25/10/2026

No visit to the Pioneer Settlement is complete without a stop at the Sparkes & Perkins General Store (and Lolly Shop)! Make it your first or last stop, and stock up on your favourite sweet treats!

With raspberry drops, aniseed humbugs, lemon sherbets, and more classic confectionery to tempt – plus vintage packaging and historic signs on display from Sao biscuits to Bushells tea – there’s a little something inside for everyone, young and old.

Plan your visit: www.pioneersettlement.com.au

23/10/2026

When night falls, history shines with our award-winning laser light spectacular, ‘Heartbeat of the Murray’!

Set on the banks of the Little Murray River, begin your journey thirty million years ago and travel through the history of the Murray River in a brilliant display of water, lights, lasers, fire, and booming sound.

Showing at 8.30pm: Tuesday | Thursday | Saturday.

Learn more and book online at:
www.pioneersettlement.com.au/by-night/

21/10/2026

“We spent some time exploring Pioneer Settlement, stepping back in time and getting a glimpse into what life was like in the early days of Swan Hill. The kids loved wandering through the old buildings, seeing the historic machinery and discovering just how different life was back then. Such a great experience and definitely worth a visit!” – The Clemos (Instagram post )

Feel the heat of the forge at the blacksmith, listen to an old-timey Pianola, or climb aboard for a ride on our horse and carriage... Discovering Australia’s pioneering history is a great day out for whole the family – don’t miss the Photo Parlour, travel back in time for a family photo with authentic 19th-century costumes.

Learn more at 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

http://www.pioneersettlement.com.au/contact/

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