Outeniqua Transport Museum
AVAILABLE: Guided Tours | Family Friendly | Wheel Chair Friendly | Accommodation | Tourist Experiences | OPEN: Monday – Saturday | MORE INFO: Museum Website | Facebook Page | Phone: +27 (0)44 801 8289
Introduction
If you are a history buff, an engineering enthusiast, or simply curious about the past of South Africa’s transportation system, a visit to the Outeniqua Transport Museum in George is a must. Located in the heart of the picturesque Garden Route, this museum offers a unique and immersive experience of the region’s railway and road history, showcasing a vast collection of vintage vehicles, locomotives, and other transport-related artifacts.
About the Museum
The Outeniqua Transport Museum was established in 1992 by the South African Railways and Harbours (SAR&H) as a tribute to the country’s transportation heritage. The museum is housed in a former locomotive shed, built in 1932, which adds an authentic atmosphere to the exhibits. The museum’s collection consists of over 50 steam locomotives, carriages, and other rolling stock, as well as vintage buses, cars, and motorcycles. There are also interactive displays and models that illustrate the evolution of transport in the region, from the first ox-wagons to modern highways.
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One of the most striking displays in the museum is the collection of steam locomotives, some of which date back to the early 20th century. Visitors can climb aboard and explore these giants of the rails, learning about their mechanisms and history. The museum also offers train rides on a restored steam train, which takes passengers on a scenic journey through the picturesque Outeniqua Mountains.
Interesting Facts
- The museum houses the last surviving Victoria Class locomotive in the world, which was used to pull trains along the Garden Route in the early 1900s.
- The museum also has a replica of a Cape Cart, which was the primary mode of transport for settlers and farmers in the Cape Colony during the 1800s.
- The museum showcases the “Wagon of Hope,” which was used by the Red Cross during the Second Boer War to transport wounded soldiers. The wagon was donated to the museum by the French government in 1997 as a symbol of reconciliation between South Africa and France.
- The museum has a collection of vintage fire engines, including a 1938 Ford, which was used to fight fires in George until the 1950s.
Photo Gallery
Physical Location
Tourist Experiences
Make a trip of it and visit some of the other recommended museums, tourist attractions and experiences in the area.
Conclusion
The Outeniqua Transport Museum is a fascinating and educational destination for anyone interested in the history of South Africa's transport system. The museum's exhibits and interactive displays offer a glimpse into the past of railway and road transport, showcasing some of the most iconic and well-preserved vehicles and machinery. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a curious local, a visit to the Outeniqua Transport Museum in George is a journey worth taking.