powerstation museum

I'm not too big on these kinds of museums, however my man works for a power company and has done for 40 years, so his excitement was priceless when he got talking to one of the guys there and their info exchange. He could have stayed there for hours, but we had to travel further on that day, however we do intend to stop in again as my man has some information to give to the museum and I"m sure he'll be stuck there talking for hours.

This was an interesting little place to visit where we got a real sense of the progression of electrical appliances used in the past. Staff were very informative which helped to bring it all to life a bit more

Spent several hours being educated by some very knowledgeable experts in their fields who were able to impart this without come across as boring or paternal. Learnt a lot and was entertained

We spent a very enjoyable time being shown around the museun by one of the knowledgeable volunteers.There is a interesting display from the 1888 street light era and the many electrical appliance on disply will bring back many fond memories of visiting grandparents!!Well worth the entrance fee and we will return with our grandchildren when next in Tamworth

The guide of the museum was a very interesting chap and very knowledgeable and obviously was very proud of the museum and so he should be. Well worth a visit.

Having an electronic engineering background, this place was a 'must see' on our recent trip. The last time we visited Tamworth, this place was unfortunately closed (it is only open Wed - Sat, 9am - 1pm), so I could only look at the window displays.As we walked through the door, an enthusiastic (and knowledgeable) volunteer offered to take us on a guided tour, which we appreciated. We spent over an hour looking and chatting - very enjoyable!

I enjoyed my trip down memory lane and the passionate volunteers made it a better experience. The restoration work was amazing and the old appliances with most in working order is great. You got to see how things were done many years ago and that is a reminder of how hard life used to be. Good for the younger ones to get a reality check on how simple they have it. $5 entrance fee is worth it !

We've been here a couple of times, and always enjoy looking over the collection of appliances fro the past - some we (scarily) remember from our own childhoods. Sometimes you are left to wander on your own, which is fine, as there are captions explaining what you see. But if you're lucky, there are a couple of volunteers who will show you around and whose enthusiasm and knowledge will help the history come alive for you. Its also more exciting for the kids to go on days when the engines are fired up.

This fantastic restoration of a working power station(or part there of) is very interesting. It's a trip down memory lane for those over 50 and a reality check for those under 30.There are specific days when the power station engines are actually operated which would make a visit even better.The museum have lots of old equipment and artifacts to look over, give it a try on a rainy day in Tamworth.It's all voluntarily run and free!!

Tamworth was (surprisingly!) the first municipality in Australia to have electric street lighting installed in 1888 which was only about 10 years after the invention of the light bulb. The museum in the restored Municipal Electric Showroom building and there is a reconstruction of the original engine house adjacent complete with working engines (only in actual operation several times a year, although there is a good video you can watch...the volunteer guide will talk you through it as there is no sound)There is plenty to see at the museum: a room on the history of electricity with working models, restored engines, range of globes /light fixtures from 1880s etc. For me, the most interesting section was the tour of the old domestic appliances (washing machines, irons, mix masters etc) from 1900s to modern. The majority of the collection is well displayed with informative labels -there is a small back section that looks like it is still being sorted and is basically just items on shelves.The museum is staffed by volunteers who give a fascinating and free tour. The tour starts when you arrive, or you just tag along if a group is already in progress, and redo the sections you missed at the end. I was joined by a family of 4 and the children (ages 9 and 12) had an absolute ball, generating electricity (and giving their parents light zaps), lifting the old heavy irons, they loved the old mixmasters and milkshake makers.I went there planning to spend perhaps 30 minutes, and left an hour and a half later...Cost: Single $4, Family $8Open: Wednesday to Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pmLocation: 216 Peel Street, on the corner of Darling and Peel Streets in Tamworth.Free parking nearby on the street, all pretty level access from memoryClean toilets