Black Bess

Step back in time and experience the power of Black Bess, our enormous John Fowler & Co. Z7 class steam-powered ploughing engine. Built in England in 1920 and weighing a massive 28 tonnes, she’s one of the very few Z7s still operating in Australia today.

Originally designed to work in pairs, Black Bess once helped clear and drain swampy, bush-covered land. With her immense strength, she even pulled out stubborn Mallee roots to make way for farming across Victoria’s landscape.

After a hard-working life, she was retired in 1946 before finding her home at the Pioneer Settlement.

After a six-year restoration, Black Bess steamed back to life in 2014. Now, she continues to amaze visitors with her size, sound, and rich history.