This village will transport you back in time, to life in Australia between 1860 and 1960. As soon as you walk in the door, you are taken into another era. Even the staff are dressed for the 1800s. Old Tailem Town, as the name depicts, is a historic village just outside the town of Tailem Bend on the River Murray. It’s certainly a step back in time.
The township itself has more than 100 authentic buildings, all transported from various locations across the country. It features everything a town needed back in the day, including general stores, hospitals, bakeries, and a pub, of course!
Once there, you’ll be given a map and sent on your way to explore the dusty streets and old machinery for a self-guided tour that allows you to explore in your own way. Old-time music blares over the speakers and the deserted streets have a beautiful eeriness about them. But be sure to keep your wits about you, perhaps the most fascinating part is that you’ll find some buildings you may have never seen before. There’s a shop dedicated to radio repairs, an ironmonger, a saddler, and even a coffin maker. The park and the town are by no means spotless, and you will likely walk through a spiderweb and get a little dusty, but that’s all part of the adventure.
Tailem Town can be found on the main highway between Tailem Bend and Murray Bridge, and has plenty of car parking available. Be prepared to do a bit of walking! Entry is $25, and it's cash only, as the staff uses a very old cash register.
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