You will find real-life Mallee cottages, a hotel, schools and shops, plus our enormous collection of working tractors and machinery – sourced mostly from the local area. You can feel the heat in the blacksmith shop, listen to the sounds of the old Pianola or take a ride through our Mallee township on a horse and cart. As you wander the site, you can also chat to our staff and volunteers, all looking the part in costumes of the period.
The Pioneer Settlement opened in 1966 after a joint community and government effort to recognise the unique history of our Murray Mallee region. By the 1970s, the Pioneer Settlement was one of the most popular tourism destinations in Victoria, if not Australia, and the concept has been emulated around the country. The Settlement is now introducing more ground-breaking tourism concepts to complement the historical Mallee townships. The Heartbeat of the Murray Experience will include a laser light show that, in a world-first, will combine modern laser technology with the natural river environment. It will tell the story of the Murray region from prehistoric times until today.
