Railway History at Old Tailem Town 2024

Join me for an explore around the grounds of Old Tailem Town to uncover what bits and pieces of South Australian railway history they have stashed away down the back of town.
Of particular interest are the early 1900s station buildings from Peake, Monarto South, and Murray Bridge.
Established in 1979 and opened in 1988, the 'town' is full of buildings dragged back from across the state and rebuilt. Entire buildings have been recreated to tell different stories and they all house a trove of knick knacky treasures, tools, machinery, signage, and vehicles.
You can't see just how much railway history there is in here from the road as you flash by but there’s more train related stuff inside the village than you think.
There’s plenty to explore for all kinds of history buffs. The entrance fee is well worth it.
Find out more here: www.tailemtown.com.au/

[@honeykanakkary]

Wow...that was a beautiful video, thanks Mike... I drove past Old Tailem Town three weeks ago and it`s really cool to see the old trucks parked in front. I visited Old Tailem town almost a decade ago and really amazed to see the old buildings, vehicles and also to know the life of the bygone era.. It was nice to see the lady at the counter wearing a Victorian attire.. I always felt that the SA government and the authorities should show more interest to keep this place going well.. if they leave these buildings and vehicles as it is then in no time these will be faded away for sure.. It`s getting rusty and paint works are falling apart since they are displayed directly under sun; although it gives a natural look.. Places like this should be preserved forever and I truly hope that the SA tourism can do every attempt to boost the visitors there.. After watching this video I really wanted to visit again. Thanks again..!!

[@Outdoorstype]

Totally agree! It is something special.

[@Antony_Jenner]

Awesome Mike, I love Old Tailem Town, it's not a side show but an honest representation of what it was like back in the day. I took my son there not so long ago.

[@Outdoorstype]

I honestly have no idea why this place isn't more popular. I guess it missed some boat somewhere...

[@SheDigsitUK]

❤ thank you ✌️

[@Outdoorstype]

G'day from Oz and thanks for watching.

[@o8thman812]

What a treasure! A national treasure...

[@Outdoorstype]

It truly is as Aussie as Aussie gets.

[@mysteriousshinkachu6149]

Those vintage trucks really looked very coop loved the old village too ! Nice share

[@Outdoorstype]

Thanks, Mysterious!

[@petedonaldson3180]

My uncle who is now no longer with us helped build the village, and one of the streets were named Donaldson in his honour!

[@Outdoorstype]

Bravo to that man.

[@KanesTrains]

Well done! An absolute fantastic video! I’ll can mine 😂

[@Outdoorstype]

Thanks, Kane. There's plenty of room on the internet for many interpretations of the same place or thing. Please keep going and cheers for watching!

[@omalleetours3456]

If you ever end up in Meringur ( Northern Victoria) , the is a place called Millewa Pioneer park. It has a lot of stuff there and also has that run down , ready to close feel about it. Well worth a look though!! Another great video Mr Outdoorstype😊

[@Outdoorstype]

Thanks, O'Mallee. It's on the list! 😊

[@kingsleypurvis8707]

I spent many a night in one of those old Employees Sleeping vans in the late 70"s.

[@Outdoorstype]

I bet they were rough!

[@kingsleypurvis8707]

@Outdoorstype The timber ones were cooler in the summer than the metal clad vans. Gas bottles for cooking and the gas / electric fridge. Chip heaters for heating water for a shower. But you had to remember to ensure the over water tank had enough water in it first. Filling the overhead water tank was always a trick for new players without getting wet. Electricity came from a nearly station building. Some nights, you might get a diesel engine rumbling next to the sleeping vans for some time during the shunting process of freight vans, just to deprive you of some sleep. As far as the old hands were concerned, the sleeping vans were pure luxury compared to their early days of sleeping in tents.

[@Outdoorstype]

@@kingsleypurvis8707 thank you for that history, it really makes a difference in understanding the video.

[@MerkMan280se]

Until recently I had never been but I met up with Drew from @DrewsAdentures. I am planning on going back for a better and comprehensive look.

[@Outdoorstype]

Hurry back cos it's all falling apart day by day. Let us know how you go!