There's a well-kept secret on the platform at Port Elliot Railway Station. It's only open when the
Cockle Train is scheduled and it's so tiny you could easily overlook it.
It's called 'Port Elliot Historic Railway and Seaport Display' and it's definitely worth a visit if you are interested in Port Elliot's rich history.
Port Elliot Historic Railway and Seaport Display
In 1850 Horseshoe Bay at Port Elliot was controversially selected as the major seaport for the Murray River trade. Wheat, wool and other products were brought to the river port of Goolwa by paddle steamer or barge, and taken to Port Elliot by train. A jetty was constructed at Horseshoe Bay in 1851 but the rough seas and rocky coastline were a bane to sea traffic.
Shipwrecks
There were seven recorded shipwrecks in just twelve years including that of The Flying Fish, now immortalised by a popular, nearby restaurant of the same name.
Flying Fish
Here, at this tiny museum, you'll see old images and models of the ships as well as items from the wreckages. Storyboards outline information currently known about the ships, crew and their plights.
Wreckage item
You'll see information and models of the trains that brought the goods to the town. Initially the trains were drawn by horses.
Horse-drawn Train
Steam trains were introduced in the late 1880's and the service has been proclaimed as Australia's first public railway.
Australia's First Public Railway
This flurry of trade, although short-lived, resulted in other industries being established nearby. Among them blacksmiths for the railway horses, breweries, a saw mill and a flour mill.
The Story of Basham's Flour Mill
This cute mini-museum is a perfect source of local history and an ideal accompaniment to a ride on
The Cockle Train. I plan to board from Port Elliot and introduce the Grand-girls to it next school holidays.
