This is a town with a glorious past as the hub of the railway network in north east SA. There is evidence of it everywhere you look here. Checking in with our very generous and genial host Rick we then head off to the tourist info office (in a converted carriage) to get all the news around town. A heritage walking trail takes us about the place and we are booked into the sound and light show at Steamtown, the rail museum.
Peterborough is like a lot of regional towns, an interesting mix of old buildings and shopfronts ,many of which are no longer operating. There has been an effort to preserve them as the town is heavily reliant on the tourist dollar.
Yes, the leftover lunches were delicious. Rick told us about the good chip shop round the corner and we augmented the meal with some very good chips indeed. Off to Steamtown in the courtesy taxi we go. What a great service, what a welcoming town. The show consists primarily of a film depicting the terrific history of steam in the town, with a look at some of the engines in the round house lit up and putting out "steam". All from the comfort of our seats in yet another converted carriage - is there no end to them?
Peterborough is like a lot of regional towns, an interesting mix of old buildings and shopfronts ,many of which are no longer operating. There has been an effort to preserve them as the town is heavily reliant on the tourist dollar.
Yes, the leftover lunches were delicious. Rick told us about the good chip shop round the corner and we augmented the meal with some very good chips indeed. Off to Steamtown in the courtesy taxi we go. What a great service, what a welcoming town. The show consists primarily of a film depicting the terrific history of steam in the town, with a look at some of the engines in the round house lit up and putting out "steam". All from the comfort of our seats in yet another converted carriage - is there no end to them?
In the morning we head back there for a tour of the old sheds, engines and carriages. Not before a trip to the Motorcycle Museum, one man's collection of bikes now housed in a former church. Alongside the considerable range of bikes is a second collection - memorabilia of all sorts which is actually another man's collection bought in toto on his death and added to from time to time. Eclectic and fascinating, triggering memories of lots and lots of toys, food, coins and even cigarettes and tobacco.
Steamtown lives up to our expectations. They very sensibly run a continuous tour which we join and make our way with Phil past the 'end' to catch up with the start. Great way to ensure everyone gets to see and hear everything they want to. I've seen quite a few rail museums and always enjoy them. This one is big, very big, and the scope of the exhibits impressive. Takes a couple of hours at the very least.
Onward .. Broken Hill
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