Pioneer Settlement

The Pioneer Settlement in Swan Hill is an amazing place. However, some reviews say that it is lifeless and the staff is rude. But that is not the case. It seems they just didn't find the right people. When I visited with my dad and brothers, we took a ride on the PS Pyap and then spent some time exploring the settlement.

The staff were very enthusiastic about their jobs and eager to show the younger generations how people used to entertain themselves in the past. They were happy to answer most questions and initiate conversations with visitors, particularly the volunteers in some of the stores. One staff member named Terry, who demonstrated rope making and butter making, helped us and let us try making rope and butter ourselves (and it tasted great).

If you visit the music store (#16 on the map), the volunteers might play the pianos for you and show you how a few things work, if you ask nicely. Just be careful when they move to the barrel organ, as it can be quite loud.

The industrial area is also worth checking out, as it showcases the development of many things we take for granted today, such as cars and houses.

The Heart Beat of the Murray is a light show that provides insight into the history of the Murray River and the Aboriginal people. The show includes a lot of flashing lights, so those who have epilepsy should avoid it. Other than that, the bubbles, smoke, water, and fire effects are beautiful and don't need any improvement. However, adding another bubble machine above the crowd could enhance the immersive experience.

Overall, the Pioneer Settlement is a great place to visit and provides a glimpse into life before technology. It's definitely worth the price and is only a 4 to 5-minute walk from the BIG4 caravan park. I had no issues during my visit and would rate it 5 stars.

Reason for 3 Stars is that the female deck hand (with short hair) on the Pyab is still as awful with kids as she was 3 years ago. Turn that frown upside down love!

Lots of things to look at. A mix of decades. We found that a few spots weren't manned which would have made it 5 stars if all attended. We attended during school holidays.

Loved the Heart beat of Murray light show and it was a spectacular show to watch. I have watched the same show 3 times now still I would like to go n see the show again. It explains the history of Murray and aboriginal history and how the river helped to evolve settlers.
Better book tickets.

Excellent show.great information. My wife has traveled and said this compared to Las Vegas in many respects. Personally it was a highlight of my trip.

Great experience excellent production, such a pity young people arent taught and made aware of our past history. Light show at night was world class and must see on any visit.

Brilliant show! Kids really enjoyed it! We went on a fairly quiet night and it had a great atmosphere. It nicely complimented our visit during the day. So glad we did both!

Awesome setup to show kids how people lived in the olden days. The blacksmith made a nail for the kids. And they got to ride in old cars and buggies. All the staff were awesome. The paddle ship was also awesome with a shop for refreshments and very comfortable cruising speed.

The settlement is a great step back in time. There's heaps to see. My grandchildren especially enjoyed the horse and cart and car rides. Very clean and staff were very courteous and helpful. Highly recommended.

Great Experience, very worthwhile to see with very helpful staff to assist with your requirements

Unpleasant experience at the start. We were accused by the reception for trying to do the day admission for free after the cruise. 2 volunteers followed us around to make sure we get on the cruise leave immediately after it. At the entrance we have showed them the tickets we bought at Big4. The cruise staff were very rude telling us not to do this and that but when the same thing is done by an Anglo person, the same rule doesn't apply. Overall I would not recommend this place to any coloured person because you will be treated differently.

Amazing step back in time. Very friendly staff. Exhibits very well done extensive displays of turn century chemist saddlery barbershop post office etc. Vintage car ride and horse drawn cart ride.

Very interesting place to visit and easily fills in a day with plenty of different buildings and collections. The laser light show at night is also very worthwhile to watch.

It was clean and tidy. Everyone that we spoke to was pleasant and friendly. The grandkids loved the horse ride the car ride making rope had a ball

Superb tourist attraction, great for kids to become more aware of a time where there were no devices, or even e look electricity.
Staff were excellent, very friendly.
Do yourself a favour and take the 2 day option, the paddle boat, and the Heartbeatnight show.
You won't be disappointed

Absolutely amazing place allow a few hours to really enjoy your day. Make sure you go on the river cruise fantastic day

Nice exhibitions and most working as you walk around on a Sunday. Far too expensive an entry and food/ coffee prices are Sydney airport prices

Come for the light show stay for the settlement. The volunteers, buildings, horse & car rides make this a must do when visiting Swan hill.

So much more than I bargained for! For me the highlights were definitely riding in the horse-drawn carriage and the old car. Amazing to see the volunteers working in the town as well!

What an amazing show! Highly recommend. Overheard the staff saying that the show is going to be 10 times better soon with a new production. Will definitely be back to see it. It was fantastic so very excited to see the new show. We’ll done Swan Hill! An amazing attraction!