Clare to Peterborough

After having such a great time in Clare there was just one more thing to do before our departure, We travelled out to the small village of Mintaro to visit Martindale Hall, a very grand mansion from the 1800's. Some may recognise it from the film 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' in which it was used as the 'School for Girls'

Martindale Hall

Martindale Hall

It was a pretty dull drissly day, just perfect for exploring all the rooms and grand hall of this magnificent old building. Understandably they do not permit photography inside. Whilst in Mintaro we also made a stop at the Tin Shed gallery where some of us just had to pick up some goodies, then it was back to Sevenhill for some comfort food at the 'Little Red Grape' bakery and Caf'e. 

It is an easy drive through Spalding and Jamestown to Peterborough. Interestingly, Jamestown is the birthplace of R.M. Williams the founder of the famous boot and clothing company. Visitors to Peterborough are certainly left in no doubt that the town has a strong railway heritage because no matter which way you approach you are greeted by a model steam train, all made by a local craftsman.

Although today all the railway workshops have closed, Peterborough is surviving as a crossroads for tourists   just as it was for the railways for more than 100 years up until the early 1970's. No visit would be complete without taking in the nightly sound and light show at 'Steamtown', we really enjoyed it. History and rail buffs will also enjoy a trip to the small town of Terowie, just 24Km away. Unfortunately these days not much more than a ghost town, Terowie, like Peterborough, was once a thriving railway town. History records that it was here that, during WWII, General Douglas Macarthur made his famous "I shall return" speech. Today all that remains of the extensive railway infrastructure are a few crumbling buildings, deserted platforms and rusty rails.

Arial Photo of Terowie Rail Yards 1966

Remains of Terowie Station

One of the strangest sights in Terowie today is a yard full of 'Tin Men' where visitors are asked to take lots of photos, here are just a few:

Back in Peterborough, we were privileged to be able to attend an inaugural dinner and movie at the recently opened Caf'e and bakery in the old Capitol Theatre. Patrons were treated to some excellent local talent during the late afternoon, followed by a 3 course meal and then a new release movie, it was quite an experience.

Capitol Theater