Shantytown Heritage Park
Recreated 19th-century gold mining town operating as an open-air museum. Offering heritage train rides, gold panning & family-friendly experiences.
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The West Coast: Pioneers by nature!
Shantytown Heritage Park now flourishes amongst the vibrant rainforest. Where gold hatters and saw-millers formerly toiled for a living. An entire township built on preserving the 19th-century West Coast experience. Native birds flourish to the point of nuisance, the sulphurous scent of ancient marine life emanates forth from locomotives, alluvial flakes shimmer in the bottom of every gold pan, and old shop doors are prized wide open for your interest.
Since 1971, Shantytown has been a massive player in the West Coast’s heritage and tourism sector. Over 30 shops and buildings, each reflective of their 19th-century counterparts, provide a glimpse into a time not that long ago but still worlds away from now. The total collection boasts over 10,000 artefacts, documents and images, many on public display, with ample interpretation signage helping visitors make sense of what they see.
On top of the museum aspect, there are, of course, the famous heritage train rides running daily and the panning experience for those with (or looking to acquire) a dose of the gold fever. So, cinch up your bowyangs and come get a feeling for the TRUE West Coast story!
Additional Amenities
- Onsite Cafe
- Old Time Photos
- Venue and Function Centre
- Wheelchair Accessible
Opening Hours
Summer Open Hours: 9am – 4pm
Closed: Christmas Day
Morning Train Times: 10.45 am & 11.45 am
Afternoon Train Times: 1.15 pm, 2.15pm & 3.15 pm
Address
District Grey
Street address 316 Rutherglen Road
Town Paroa
Postcode 7805
