Just got back from a family trip to South Australia. fficeffice" /><O></O> On the way home went through Tailem Bend, thats when we discovered Old Tailem Town.<O></O> Have any of the fellow Aussies on here been there before? The place is amazing.<O></O> It opened in 1982 and pretty much is built using old building from around the area to create a ghost town. It has a heap of automotive related stuff and a shed full of antique speed-boats, dating from 1905, including the worlds first hydroplane, made by Thorney Croft and his first four cylinder engine, known as 'experimental one'. There is also a wooden speed boat with a V12 Rolls Royce Merlin engine.<O></O> Cant believe Ive never heard of this place before<O></O>
Yes it's a cool place that has evolved over the years. I once found at a flea market a dozen or so old silver trophies, some real big, that those early speed boats won, including the V12 Liberty powered "Miss Adelaide". However the owner of the place showed no interest in them, even for nothing. Oh well. Thanks for posting.H.R.D.
Looks like old HAMB town. Can't say I've been there, and it's only sixty miles from here (Adelaide, capital of Soth Australia). On the main drag (Hwy 8) to Melbourne. 'Tailem Town' is clearly visible on the river side of the road, a mile or two back from Tailem Bend (the town) toward Adelaide. I have seen Hot-rod dude's mentioned trophy cups, and they aren't molded in plastic. Up to a foot high, they must be 60- 70- odd years old, more or less. Must also say the place looks in good shape lately. Thanks Rolling Daddy- I like this thread.. p.s. I enjoyed visiting the similar 'pioneer theme' town at Swan Hill 40- odd years ago.
He still has the hull of Miss Adelaide I noticed it was minus the motor. Would love to see some pics of the trophy's. Im sure there are a few clubs out there that would love to get there hands on them. The thing that got me about this place was the amount of stuff he had. But all the same its still just rotting away no maintanance taking place.
Here is a bit oif info on Miss Adelaide and the trophy's I found at a flea market years ago. I dont want to hijack the thread, but it is interesting info on a unique vintage hydroplane on display at Old Tailem Town that will, get ready for it, you have heard this before........"get restored one day" Please enjoy. H.R.D.
a place like that i cant see why it's a ghost town, i'd never leave, or atleast until i ran out of tin....
I've been there a bunch of times it's a cool place to stop as a break between Adelaide and Melbourne. It's as creepy as it gets, watch out for snakes and watch that buildings don't fall on ya head . It's all really old buildings from the area ( as was said) but they don't get looked after and before to long it will be a junk pile , sad but true
You missed 'Old Dadswell' town on your way home. It is not far from the Big Koala. Owner is a Rodder.
Thanks for posting. Its a great place to visit but you cant help but think its nice his got it all there. But its still rotting/rusting away all the same.
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