In 1888, Tamworth became the first city in Australia to be lit by municipal electric street lighting.
This important moment in national and local history is preserved at the Tamworth Powerstation Museum.
Established in 1988, it is located on the site where the 1888 steam engines powered the street lighting system, and the 1907 Power Station / Municipal Electric Showroom building has been refurbished to display a range of unique exhibits.
It is easy to overlook the important role electricity plays in everyday lives. It has led to numerous developments in technology: from street lights and industrial machinery to kitchen appliances and hair dryers.
Tamworth Powerstation Museum is Australia’s only dedicated electrical museum. They invite you to join in exploring the history of electrical innovation.
The highlight of any visit to the museum is the two John Fowler steam-driven engines, the only two of their type operating in the world and working replicas of the 1888 Crompton Pattern No 15 Dynamos which represent the beginnings of electric street lighting in Tamworth. During the Country Music Festival and at intervals during the year, visitors can experience the excitement of the engines in operation.
