Set in the Southern Flinders Ranges, Peterborough SA is a friendly country town with a fascinating railway history and plenty to discover for those who like to travel at their own pace. Once a bustling hub for steam trains, today Peterborough welcomes visitors with its heritage museums, historic main street, and warm country hospitality.
For caravanners and self-drive travellers, it’s the perfect place to unhitch and stay a while, with excellent caravan parks, easy day trips, and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re keen to step back in time at the town’s famous rail attractions or enjoy the charm of an authentic outback stopover, Peterborough is a destination that’s sure to surprise and delight.
Four Locomotives Welcoming You To Peterborough
One of the most distinctive features of Peterborough is its four town entry signs, each proudly displaying a different type of locomotive. It’s a unique way of celebrating the town’s railway heritage and reminding visitors that Peterborough was once one of the most important railway hubs in South Australia.
As you drive into town from any direction, you’ll be greeted by a different engine:
- From the Adelaide Road (South) – you’ll see a steam locomotive, representing the golden age of rail when steam ruled the tracks and Peterborough was alive with railway workers.
- From the Broken Hill Road (North) – the sign features a diesel locomotive. Symbolising the transition from steam to modern engines and the continued importance of freight.
- From the Jamestown Road (West) – a historic narrow-gauge engine welcomes travellers, a nod to Peterborough’s role as a key junction where different gauges once met.
- From the Terowie Road (East) – you’ll find a classic broad-gauge locomotive, reflecting the engineering achievements that connected the state and carried goods and passengers across vast distances.
Together, these four signs create a living tribute to the town’s railway past, with each locomotive telling a chapter of the story. They don’t just mark the entry to Peterborough. They set the stage for the experience ahead, where attractions like Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre and the Town Carriage Museum bring that history to life.
For many visitors, stopping to admire (and photograph) each entry sign becomes part of the adventure of discovering Peterborough. It’s a reminder that in this town, the railways aren’t just history, they’re part of the identity that still defines the community today.
Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre And Visitor Centre
One of Peterborough’s must-see attractions is the Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre, a fascinating museum that brings the town’s rich railway history to life. Housed in the original roundhouse and workshops, Steamtown showcases an impressive collection of historic locomotives, carriages, and railway memorabilia.
Visitors can wander through the sheds, climb aboard restored carriages, and learn about Peterborough’s once pivotal role in keeping Australia’s rail network moving. Guided tours are available and are a fantastic way to uncover stories of the steam era and the people who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
But the highlight for many travellers is the Sound and Light Show, held each evening inside the historic roundhouse. As the lights dim, the roundhouse transforms into a theatre, with powerful sound effects, archival footage, and colourful lighting that tell the dramatic story of rail in Peterborough and beyond.
It’s an immersive experience that brings history to life in a way that appeals to all ages. For caravanners and self-drive visitors, the show makes a perfect evening outing after a day of exploring the town, and it’s often remembered as one of the most unique attractions in regional South Australia.
Update About Steamtown
Visitor Tip: Since we were at Peterborough SA, they have shut down Steamtown. They are considering other options for the future of Steamtown, and it will hopefully be reopened to the public in 2026.
Peterborough Hotel
The Peterborough Hotel, one of the town’s most prominent landmarks, was originally built in 1881 from locally quarried stone, which gives it the solid and imposing character it still retains today. As the railway brought prosperity and growth to the area, the hotel quickly became a popular meeting place for railway workers, travellers, and locals alike.
To accommodate the increasing demand, a second storey was added in 1891, providing additional rooms and enhancing its status as a grand country hotel. The combination of stonework and the later brick extensions has ensured that the building remains a striking feature in Peterborough’s main street, reflecting both the town’s early optimism and its importance as a railway hub.
The Town Carriage Museum
Another gem to discover in Peterborough is the Town Carriage Museum, located right in the main street, inside a beautifully restored railway carriage. This little museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past, with displays that celebrate Peterborough’s history, people, and unique stories. Step inside and you’ll find a collection of photos, memorabilia, and artifacts that capture everyday life in the town during its railway heyday and beyond.
What makes the Town Carriage Museum so appealing is its personal touch. Many of the displays have been lovingly curated by locals who take pride in sharing their heritage with visitors. It’s an easy stop while exploring the main street, and because it’s right in town, it’s also a great place to pop into while enjoying a relaxed wander through Peterborough’s shops and historic buildings. For travellers keen to connect with the character and charm of this friendly outback town, the Town Carriage Museum is well worth a visit.
You can sit in a carriage box, which is similar to sitting in a train from the early days. There is the noise as if you are sitting on the train, and looking out through the windows is like you are travelling through the South Australian countryside.
Visitor Tip: The Town Carriage Museum is located on Main Street in Peterborough. Entry is free, and opening hours can vary slightly depending on the season and volunteer availability, so it’s worth checking at the local Visitor Information Centre for up-to-date details before you go.
Meeting Bob The Railway Dog In Peterborough
While in Peterborough, we heard a story that captured our hearts. Right in the centre of town, outside the Visitor Information Centre, stands a beautiful bronze statue of Bob the Railway Dog.
At first glance, Bob might just look like a faithful four-legged friend cast in metal, but once you learn his story, you realise he was much more than that. Born in the 1880s, Bob developed a fascination with trains and quickly became a constant companion to railway workers.
He would jump aboard locomotives, sometimes riding up front with the driver or nestled into the coal tender, his ears flapping in the wind. Over the years, he travelled widely through South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, attending railway openings, rubbing shoulders with dignitaries, and becoming a legend of the railways.
Standing at his statue, I couldn’t help but picture the excitement he must have brought to workers and passengers back then. A symbol of freedom, loyalty, and adventure. Later, after picking up a book about Bob’s life, I found myself even more enchanted. The stories of his journeys, the special brass collar he wore, and the affection people had for him made it clear why Bob remains such a celebrated figure today.
Peterborough honours him well. The statue has become a favourite photo stop, but more than that, it represents the spirit of the town and its strong connection to the railways. For us, it was a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected characters, like a wandering dog with a love of trains, can leave the biggest pawprints on history.
Visitor Tips For Seeing Bob The Railway Dog
- Where to Find the Statue
You’ll find Bob’s bronze statue in front of the Town Carriage Museum, on Main Street. It’s hard to miss, and the Carriage Museum is worth a browse for local history and maps. - Photo Stop & Local Charm
The statue makes for a great photo opportunity; don’t be surprised if you see locals leaving treats, hats, or scarves for Bob. It’s a little tradition that shows how fondly he’s remembered. - Make a Railway Day of It
If you’re planning a visit, combine the statue with Steamtown, the Town Carriage Museum, and even a walk through the heritage-listed railway precinct. Together, they tell the full story of why Peterborough was once such a vital hub for the nation’s railways.
The Burg Panorama
The Burg Panorama is a hidden gem in Peterborough, set up in a room beside the local newsagency. This display celebrates the town’s proud railway history and offers visitors a unique insight into how the railway once shaped the community. Inside, you’ll find a carefully arranged panorama that captures the look and feel of Peterborough during its busiest railway years.
The Panorama highlights the importance of the railway to the town, illustrating not just the trains themselves but also the buildings, workshops, and infrastructure that kept the network running. It’s a great way for visitors to picture what life was like when the railways were at their peak and Peterborough was alive with the constant movement of locomotives and workers.
The Miniature Railway Train Track
One of the standout features of the Burg Panorama is the miniature railway train track. This intricate model brings the history of the rails to life with moving trains winding their way through a detailed landscape. The tiny buildings, bridges, and tracks have been designed with impressive accuracy, offering a scaled-down version of the town’s rail past.
For railway enthusiasts, the miniature display is a real treat, showing the complexity of the network in a way that’s easy to understand and appreciate. Families and children will also love watching the trains as they circle the track, giving a fun and interactive glimpse into Peterborough’s rail heritage. It’s a wonderful mix of nostalgia and storytelling, packed into a small but memorable display.
Together, the Burg Panorama and its miniature railway train track create an engaging tribute to Peterborough’s past. Whether you’re a keen railway enthusiast or simply curious about the town’s history, this display offers a charming and memorable way to step back in time and appreciate the role the railway played in shaping the community.
YMCA Building
Meldonfield Miniatures Collection
The Meldonfield Miniatures Collection is a delightful display that showcases the intricate craftsmanship of miniature buildings, vehicles, and everyday scenes. Each piece has been carefully created with incredible attention to detail, bringing a touch of charm and nostalgia to Peterborough. Visitors can admire tiny replicas that capture slices of rural and town life, offering a unique perspective on Australia’s heritage.
This collection is especially appealing for those who appreciate fine handiwork, with every miniature telling its own little story within the larger display. There is a fee to view this display, and you will need to pay it at the visitor centre to obtain the code to enter the room.
The YMCA Building And Its Displays
The historic YMCA building in Peterborough is home to a range of fascinating displays that showcase the town’s heritage. Stepping inside, visitors are greeted with exhibits that celebrate local history, culture, and the important role the railway played in shaping the community. The ground floor features a collection of displays and memorabilia, each offering insights into different aspects of Peterborough’s story.
Inside the historic YMCA building on Main Street in Peterborough, formerly home to lodging for the town’s railway workers, lies a remarkable miniature model of the old Petersburg Railway Station. This masterful replica was crafted by local artisan Eldon Zimmermann using the actual bricks, stones, timber, and tin salvaged from the original station that was demolished in the 1960s.
The scale model, weighing approximately 1.2 tonnes, stands as a labor of deep historical reverence and painstaking detail, each stone block and timber post meticulously recreated. It is now showcased downstairs as part of the Meldonfield Miniatures display, alongside finely crafted horse-drawn vehicles and miniature figures contributed by Mary Zimmermann.
Lionel Noble- Train Driver
A room on the ground floor has rail memorabilia and information about Lionel Noble. He was an avid photographer, and many of these are displayed in this room.
Lionel Noble began his railway career at a remarkably young age, joining the South Australian Railways (SAR) when he was just 16 years old. Like many young men of his generation, he started in junior roles, working his way up through the ranks with determination and a passion for the railway. Over the years, Lionel progressed from cleaner to fireman, before finally achieving his dream of becoming, at the age of 23, the youngest train driver.
Upstairs, the YMCA houses a museum that delves deeper into the town’s past. Here you’ll find an assortment of artefacts, photographs, and historical items that reflect life in Peterborough through the years. From railway history to community milestones, the museum provides a well-rounded glimpse of the people and events that defined the town. The upstairs setting itself adds to the experience, with the old-world atmosphere of the building creating a sense of stepping back in time.
Together, the YMCA displays and museum complement attractions like the Burg Panorama and Meldonfield Miniatures Collection, giving visitors a richer appreciation of Peterborough’s history and the stories that make the town unique.
Parking Of A Caravan In Peterborough
When entering Peterborough, there is an area behind the main street where you can park your car and van. You will also find a dumping point, toilets, and be close to eating places and tourist attractions.
Conclusion Peterborough SA
Peterborough is a town that wears its history proudly while continuing to welcome travellers with open arms. From its rich railway heritage and fascinating museums to its unique local attractions and welcoming community. It’s a place where stories of the past meet the charm of country life today. Whether you’re stopping by on a road trip or planning a longer stay, Peterborough offers plenty to explore, discover, and enjoy. A visit here is more than just a stopover. It’s a chance to step into the heart of South Australia’s history and experience the spirit of the outback.