Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre
Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre
4.7
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
About
Step into a world of history and adventure at Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre – the ultimate family-friendly destination that brings the golden age of railways to life! Imagine stepping aboard historic carriages, exploring the driver’s cabins of massive locomotives, and marveling at the 1926 roundhouse, which is home to fascinating railway treasures. You can even witness the still-operational turntable, a stunning piece of railway engineering! And the best part? It’s pet-friendly, so your furry friends can join in on the fun too! After a day of exploring, make it a full adventure by staying the night in Peterborough and experiencing the spectacular Sound and Light show – an unforgettable journey through the history of Peterborough, the railways, and the incredible connection that linked East and West Australia. No matter your age, Steamtown offers a captivating, hands-on experience that will leave you in awe.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.7
241 reviews
Excellent
175
Very good
54
Average
10
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Jeff_8mile
Melbourne, Australia276 contributions
Sept 2021
Came to Peterborough especially for a visit to Sreamtown. Was not disappointed. Tons of railway history here and very well presented. Our guide, Peter, was very knowledgeable and full of information. The nightly sound and light show which is a documentary on the railway history of the area is a must see. There is also a small museum dedicated to the former mining town of Radium Hill and this is well worth spending some time in.
Written 8 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Jeff_8mile, Thank you very much for visiting and leaving such an amazing review for us. We will let Peter know how much you appreciated your tour with him.
Kind regards,
Aaron
Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre
Written 24 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Phillip M
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Family
It is a nice collection of rollingstock but the guide was rude and joked in a sexist manner in front of our children. The guide was rude to my daughter when she asked a question. The guide, although knowledgable, was arrogant and at times confrontational. We left before the tour finished and leaving was the best bit. This place is not child friendly and neither were its staff. Wont be back im afraid. Save your time and go to Pichi Richi. Its a cracking society with amazing volunteers and trains
Written 9 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear PhillpemE9213QR,
We’re truly sorry to hear that your visit did not meet expectations. We appreciate all feedback, even when it’s difficult to hear, as it helps us improve.
Our goal is to provide an enjoyable and welcoming experience for all visitors, especially families, and we regret that you felt otherwise. We take concerns about staff conduct very seriously, and we will be reviewing this matter internally to ensure our tours remain respectful and inclusive for everyone.
If you’d be open to discussing your experience further, we would appreciate the opportunity to learn more and address any concerns directly. Please feel free to reach out to us at admin@steamtown.com.au
Thank you for your feedback, and we hope to improve based on your experience.
Best regards,
Abbie
Steamtown Heritage Railway Centre
Written 7 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert W
Edwardstown, Australia394 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
After seeing this place on Facebook. We booked our trip only a month after and drove our way up from Adelaide. Looking up history of steamtown and peterborough we looked more around the area as well. All worth the trip.
The museum itself is definitely worth a visit. Yes it has historic carriages and trains like other places but does offer the best building also. A large round house still with turntable from a hundred years ago. And sheds more so. A fine array of engines from steam to diesel. Carriages from original use to their final set up before being left alone. Our tour through the place was very informative which allowed us entry to all carrieges inside and even on some of the trains. As a train buff it's more then worth it. But also for anyone if you love trains or not or love history. We booked our tickets for the day tour and night tour which is a unique experience in itself. Sitting in a carriage on the turn table you watch a video of the rich history of the area and a light spectacular in the carriage house bringing alive the engines once more. A fitting end to these once great work horses of our outback.
The museum itself is definitely worth a visit. Yes it has historic carriages and trains like other places but does offer the best building also. A large round house still with turntable from a hundred years ago. And sheds more so. A fine array of engines from steam to diesel. Carriages from original use to their final set up before being left alone. Our tour through the place was very informative which allowed us entry to all carrieges inside and even on some of the trains. As a train buff it's more then worth it. But also for anyone if you love trains or not or love history. We booked our tickets for the day tour and night tour which is a unique experience in itself. Sitting in a carriage on the turn table you watch a video of the rich history of the area and a light spectacular in the carriage house bringing alive the engines once more. A fitting end to these once great work horses of our outback.
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thank you for such a fantastic and detailed review! We’re thrilled to hear that our Facebook page inspired your visit and that your journey from Adelaide was well worth it. 🚂
It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed exploring the rich history of Steamtown and Peterborough, and that our unique collection of locomotives, carriages, and the historic roundhouse left a lasting impression. We’re especially delighted that both the day and night tours provided an immersive and memorable experience—there’s truly something magical about watching history come to life under the lights!
Your passion for trains and history shines through, and we’re so grateful for your kind words. We hope to welcome you back again for another railway adventure in the future!
All aboard for more memories! 🚂✨
Written 21 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jillian2232014
Newcastle, Australia39 contributions
Apr 2021
A superb museum. Excellent guided tour. Wonderful original carriages you can actually walk in and sit down. A proper round house and turn table sort of like "Thomas the Tank Engine"
Lots of close up inspection of the engines.
In the evening there is a simply fabulous sound and light show, not to be missed.
Lots of close up inspection of the engines.
In the evening there is a simply fabulous sound and light show, not to be missed.
Written 20 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jillian2232014, thank you for your kind review and taking your time to come visit us, we really appreciate it. The Roundhouse is currently being restored, so we hope to see you back again next year.
Kind regards,
Megan
Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre
Written 24 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Monica D
Sydney, Australia89 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
If you like trains, make sure you visit this one! We had a great guide who had actually worked at the rail yard and knew all the history. Very interesting and you can go inside many of the exhibits. Well worth the visit.
Written 12 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Your feedback made our day! We’re delighted you enjoyed your visit and hope you’ll return for another railway adventure.
Written 21 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul E
Adelaide, Australia250 contributions
June 2020
Excellent walk back in time and to see how those dedicated people have restored and nurtured this part of our history. I am by no means a 'train buff' but we were told by friends that this worth seeing. And it was. The characters we met in Shirley, Colin and Tamara were great hosts and very keen to tell us the stories of the place. We also took in the light show in the evening and again that was worth every cent. Its not what I expected but I left thinking this was unique and extremely good value.
Written 14 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad to hear that, even as someone who isn’t a "train buff," you found your visit to Steamtown to be a memorable and worthwhile experience. 🚂
Our team, including Shirley, Colin, and Tamara, are truly passionate about sharing the stories of this historic site, and we’re delighted that their enthusiasm made your visit even more special. The light and sound show is certainly a unique way to bring history to life, and we’re thrilled that you enjoyed it!
Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We hope to welcome you back for another journey through time someday!
Written 21 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ross
Adelaide, Australia82 contributions
Sept 2020 • Solo
Great day tour and nightime sound and light show.
They are doing a great job preserving an irreplaceable part of our history.
Besides your entry spend $5 and by a pane of glass for the roundhouse.
Where are the Corporate sponsors and State and Federal governments when you need them.
They had a successful training program for school students but the insurance and work safe requirements killed it off.
Please come and visit as it is only a day run from Adelaide or use it for a base.
They are doing a great job preserving an irreplaceable part of our history.
Besides your entry spend $5 and by a pane of glass for the roundhouse.
Where are the Corporate sponsors and State and Federal governments when you need them.
They had a successful training program for school students but the insurance and work safe requirements killed it off.
Please come and visit as it is only a day run from Adelaide or use it for a base.
Written 16 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We try our best to preserve our wonderful heritage.
Written 17 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MacLachlan
Adelaide, Australia434 contributions
Sept 2021
I am writing this on behalf of my husband who thought his visit was exceptional. He enjoyed every minute of the two hour tour and took stacks of photos. We visited Peterborough just so that he could visit the Heritage Rail Centre.
Written 1 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Mr & Mrs MacLachlan, we are so glad to hear you thoroughly enjoyed yourselves at Steamtown. If you have any photos you would like to share please send them to manager@steamtown.com.au.
Kind regards,
Aaron
Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre
Written 24 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David B
Bruce, Australia988 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
They run tours of the yard continuously. You join when you arrive. If it is after the start you continue until you have seen the bit you missed.
The round house has some unusual exhibits including an automobile that runs on the rails. Several small rail cars for workers. A crash repair unit and even a hand propelled car.
It has a few steam locomotives and several diesel locomotives. You can enter many of them.
To me, the highlight was the carriages. They have several vintage sleeper cars; some first class and one second. They all seemed familiar from my youth. The best was the club car, a bar for first class passengers. It had a piano and comfy arm chairs. It even had lead light windows.
In earlier days South Australia had a problem with infant mortality in the bush. To resolve this the government created a baby health centre carriage. It is in the museum together with employee transport cars.
The round house has some unusual exhibits including an automobile that runs on the rails. Several small rail cars for workers. A crash repair unit and even a hand propelled car.
It has a few steam locomotives and several diesel locomotives. You can enter many of them.
To me, the highlight was the carriages. They have several vintage sleeper cars; some first class and one second. They all seemed familiar from my youth. The best was the club car, a bar for first class passengers. It had a piano and comfy arm chairs. It even had lead light windows.
In earlier days South Australia had a problem with infant mortality in the bush. To resolve this the government created a baby health centre carriage. It is in the museum together with employee transport cars.
Written 25 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello David B, It’s great to hear how much you enjoyed your tour of Steamtown and reliving your time with trains for yesteryear. Thank you for sharing your amazing review with us.
Kind regards,
Megan
Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre
Written 24 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian M
Mildura, Australia684 contributions
Feb 2021
a very interesting conducted tour during the day with viewing of a number of steam and deisel engines and carraiges that were used for different purposes. About 90 minutes for tour which operates through the day. We went back that night for the show which was well done and very interesting. A real trip through the early days of Peterborough. Of interest even if you are not a train lover. recommended
Written 27 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ian M, thank you for taking the time to write a review. Steamtown really is a step back in time, and enjoyable even for those who aren’t train enthusiasts. We are thrilled to hear you would recommend this to other travellers. Hope to welcome you back soon.
Kind regards,
Megan
Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre
Written 23 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
what is the cost to visit the museum please
Written 3 February 2018
$30pp for Seniors for the Combo of Guided Tour of the Rail sheds & display, & the Sound & Light Show, which we returned
for, in the evening.
Written 3 February 2018
T199Steamtown
Peterborough, Australia
Good afternoon glen, during Nov to Feb guided tours are from 10am to 2.30pm and the sound and light show is on at night if we have 6 or more people. During our high season Mch to Oct tours begin at 9am and finish at 3.30pm and the sound and light show is on regardless of numbers. Hope to see you one day!
Written 13 November 2017
Steamtown is open between 0900 and 1700hrs. If you want to see all of it, you will need to book a guided tour which we found very informative, even being rail fans. There is also a light and sound show of a night which is quite interesting and rather different to other light and sound shows that we had been to. Well worth a visit in our books and you can also get info on other railway things in the area..
Written 12 November 2017
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