Old Tailem Town - Tailem Bend

Just north of Tailem Bend on the river side of the road, a vision is reaching completion. Each day a little more is added, today an old photo, tomorrow, maybe a hand made chair, next week another historic building may appear, carefully lifted from its seat one or two hundred kilometres away and authentically relocated in one of the many streets which comprise the unique collection of Old Tailem Town. There are nearly 100 buildings in the village now, each carefully re-assembled and furnished exactly as it was where it stood.
Rapidly developing into one of the highlights of the highway between Adelaide and Melbourne, I have watched this wonderful complex develop for over 30 years. Each time I call in there are new buildings to see and the old rolling stock, which is an important and interesting feature of the rail display, has been featured on Ian McNamara's 'Australia All Over'. When I visited in April 2013 there was one of Adelaide's famed Pie Carts sitting at the entrance ready for display, an old Adelaide tram, and a row of vintage trucks facing the road.
More recently I called in to see what had been added and found a whole collection of period furnishings added to the displays and a comprehensive display of maps and information for travellers in the front section where you can get a cuppa, cold drinks, snacks and souvenirs.
In 1990 a massive reception building was added and a fence was built around the several acres to add to its appearance. There are now nearly 100 individual buildings in the town. Real buildings furnished with curios, memorabilia and furniture from the period. The 'hands-on' feeling is strong and you can easily imagine the way people lived all those years ago. Homes and stores are well appointed and natural in their appearance and contents. You will see the emporium - filled with merchandise and fashion, the general store, chemist, motor works, police station, bootmakers, butcher, dentists, and everything which makes up a community. Recent additions include a fire station fully equipped and supported by firemen, a church and cemetery and a couple of Clydesdales in the blacksmith shop and stables who will take you around the complex in the comfort of a dray.
This place is truly fantastic. I have visited most of the reconstructed villages around Australia but this one reeks of authenticity and character. Somewhere around the place you will see Peter Squires with his Akubra set back on his head working away at some new exhibit. Stop and say hello and he will probably stop for a cuppa with you.
He is creating a wonderful replica which will last well into the future and bring nostalgia and happy memories to the thousands who visit....and it is easily affordable.
5 star recommendation - Don't miss it !