To book your family into this event, visit https://www.trybooking.com/DODHC
Join us on this action packed visit to Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement and step back in time to experience life in a typical Mallee township in the early 1900’s.
Students can explore a range of historic buildings from Australia’s pioneering past – including early settler’s cottages, a working blacksmith, schools, hotel, various shops, and an extensive collection of working tractors and machinery. Students can further connect with Australia’s pioneering history through a variety of guided and self-guided activities covering domestic life, pioneer technology and change, agricultural machinery, the natural environment, Aboriginal Culture, and more. Many activities also include a hands-on, or practical component, to fully engage students.
Our program will run from:
A one hour cruise aboard the Pyap departs from the Horseshoe Bend Wharf. Our journey along the Murray River is narrated, and includes the riverboat history, the influence of this form of transport on early settlement along the river, and the natural environment. The Pyap, originally built in 1896 in Mannum (SA), connects students with the reality of navigating the physical environment of the Murray River.
Families will have the option of attending a Laser Light Show after dark (with brilliant colours, water, light, lasers, special effects, and booming sound!). A captivating display, students learn about the history and legends of the Mallee region. This is an optional extra, and can be booked at the camp.
Doors open 8pm, show runs from 8:30pm to just after 9pm in the Pioneer Settlement. $16 to attend one show, $31.50 to attend two. Heartbeat of the Murray plays on Monday Night, Legends of the Mallee on Tuesday. Last camp quite a few families wanted to return for the second show after experiencing the first. https://www.pioneersettlement.com.au/Visit/By-Night
Complete the experience by staying onsite in The Lodges, just a 2 minute walk from the Pioneer Settlement. The Lodges is bunk accommodation (for the full school camp experience!) in family groups in 2, 4, 6 or 8 bed rooms with shared bathrooms. Common areas include dining and recreation areas, TV and DVD, fire pit, BBQ and kitchen facilities for self-catering. BYO all bedding.
Three nights accomodation: check in Sunday 6th from 2pm, check out Wed 30th by 9:30am. It is free for 0-4 year olds (who are not guaranteed a bed). Book early if you require accommodation as it may sell out.
If you are needing accomodation and The Lodges bunk accomodation doesn’t suit you, these options are all within about a 10 minute walk of the Pioneer Settlement:
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea breaks of 30 minutes will be scheduled between activities.
If you wish, you may pre-order morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea from the onsite cafe (morning tea only on the last day). Meals are set, everyone receives the same, although they are able to cater for all dietary requirements.
Options might include the following:
On-site Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea for the two main days of the camp, and morning tea only on the last day, can be added to your ticket when booking. All dietary requirements can be catered for, you will be asked for these details when
booking.
Alternatively, families can choose:
One of the highlights of this camp for many families is the chance to dress up. Last time around 80% of children (and some
adults) wore costumes, and it makes for some great photo opportunities. It’s an easy era to dress for, and op shops can be a
source of many suitable outfits. Options include:
It would be possible to attend this camp using vline Train or bus from Melbourne via Bendigo. The Swan Hill train station is a 20 minute walk to the Pioneer Settlement and The Lodges, and some other accommodation options are even closer.
Contact the organisers after booking if you are coming by train, and we may be able to help arrange a lift to your accommodation.
https://www.vline.com.au/getattachment/792ec924-a61b-4102-8892-097f8b6072fc/Swan-Hill-Melbourne
Tickets sales close on 23rd of August 2026. Accommodation is likely to sell out prior to ticket sales closing. Before you book your tickets you will need to know:
To book your family into this event, visit https://www.trybooking.com/DODHC
