The Peterborough Region in South Australia is home to the Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre, a unique museum showcasing the golden days of Australian railways. Situated in the former railway workshops of Peterborough, the museum was once a significant rail-transport hub, employing up to 1,500 people at its peak.
At Steamtown, visitors can explore a variety of historic rolling stock, such as steam trains, diesel locomotives, passenger trains, and freight trains. These exhibits are displayed in the original settings of the heritage-listed roundhouse and workshops, with one of the main attractions being Australia's only operational triple gauge turntable.
The museum features a captivating sound and light show that narrates the story of South Australia's early railways and the history of Peterborough. Guests can enjoy this 1-hour 10-minute experience in a historic railway carriage transformed into a viewing car. Bookings are necessary for this popular attraction.
Steamtown offers guided tours between 9 am and 3 pm from March to October, and from November to February, tours are available from 10 am to 12 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 11 am on weekends. The sound and light show commences after dark, with varying start times depending on the season. With its rich history and engaging exhibits, Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre is a must-visit destination for railway enthusiasts and travelers exploring the Peterborough Region.