The building of a bustling frontier town.
Mark your calendars for the first weekend in January 2024, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th, as the Kingston SE National Trust Museum extends a warm welcome to both visitors and locals for their Carters and Carriers event. Come and immerse yourself in the firsthand accounts of our transport pioneers who, utilising bullocks, horses and early motor vehicles, forged the essential links vital to communication and trade.
The Kingston SE National Trust Museum has a fascinating collection that illustrates how transportation played a pivotal role in Kingston's development. From an isolated settlement of about 140 people in 1860, to a bustling service hub in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, our exhibits showcase this transformative journey. Come and see their collections, meet local experts and hear their first-hand experiences.
Embark on a unique experience with a ride on a replica Cobb and Co Stagecoach, pulled by four horses—a nostalgic journey reminiscent of the coaches used in the historic Meningie to Kingston service. Operated by retired dairy farmer Rob Fairchild, the stagecoach will take passengers on a 3km route around the town on both days, sponsored by the Royal Mail Hotel, which was the drop-off point for the original coach.
Each day, their program will feature guest presenters eager to meet you and share insights into the hidden gems within our collection. Meet with experts such as Alan Jones, co-author of "South East Mails," a captivating story of mail delivery by pack horse and mail coach in the early days of the colony, and Howard Dicker, whose family has provided freight services between Kingston, Adelaide and Melbourne since the 1930’s. Additionally, connect with other locals, descendants of bullockies, stagecoach operators, carters and carriers, as they bring history to life through personal narratives and expert knowledge.
Enjoy complimentary morning and afternoon refreshments available on both days. Join us in uncovering the rich history of Kingston's transportation evolution and discover the stories that have shaped our community. See you there!
TICKETS(per person):
MUSEUM DAY PASS:
Children $5 | Adults $10
STAGECOACH RIDES:
Children $8 | Adults $15
Bookings for the Stagecoach can be made online prior to 9:30am on each day of the event or purchased from the Museum during the event.
