SteamRanger Heritage Railway

Facilities

• Car park

• Waiting Area

Services

Cockle Train Trip - ST01

The Cockle Train travels along the oldest steel railed railway in Australia. The 30 minute journey joins Goolwa near the mouth of the mighty River Murray to the bustling tourist centre of Victor Harbor. Between Victor Harbor and Port Elliot you will travel along some of the most picturesque coastal scenery on the Fleurieu Peninsula, with nothing separating you from the beach below and a perfect view of the Southern Ocean - in winter the home of Southern Right Whale. Why is this icon journey called the Cockle Train? In early days of settlement the local residents would take a horse drawn train to Goolwa to collect cockles from the sandy beaches near the River Murray mouth. It was a great day's outing and thus gained its name. Operates: Every Wednesday and Sunday from Goolwa at 10am, 12.15pm and 2.45pm and Victor Harbor at 11am, 1.30pm and 3.45pm. Daily departures during most South Australian School Holidays. Heritage diesel, railcar or steam locomotive trains are used, please visit website for details.

Highlander Train Trip - ST04

If you are looking for a leisurely way to spend a Sunday and be home by mid afternoon, then this is it. Your journey from Mount Barker to Strathalbyn and return will include a thrilling climb over the crest of the southern Mount Lofty Ranges generally with a real heritage steam locomotive. On arrival, you can spend your stay leisurely exploring the antique shops, have lunch at one of the four hotels or have a picnic on the banks of the Angas River. Operates: From Mount Barker Station on each second Sunday from June to November inclusive at 10.30am to 3pm. Some dates may be subject to fire restrictions. Locomotive type may change.

Southern Encounter Train Trip - ST02

June heralds the beginning of the steam season and the first journey of our 'flagship' train from Mount Barker - the Southern Encounter. Generally steam hauled, this journey is full of excitement and surprises as you make your way over the Bugle Ranges and on down the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula. The two and a half hour journey is a great experience and entertainment for everyone, particularly on a winter's day. When you book on the Southern Encounter you'll also receive a Southern Pack filled with discount vouchers for meals and activities in Victor Harbor and Port Elliot. Operates: From Mount Barker Station on first and third Sunday from June to November inclusive at 10am to 6.15pm. Some dates may be subject to fire restrictions. Locomotive type may change.

StrathLink Train Trip - ST05

While nearly all our services are heading southwards towards the Fleurieu Peninsula, there is one that heads the opposite way. If you're visiting or living on the South Coast between Victor Harbor and Goolwa and are looking for a change of scene for the day, the StrathLink is the answer. Departing Goolwa at 11.30am, you can take in the picturesque scenery as the heritage railcar wings its way to historical Strathalbyn. Once you arrive you may choose to explore the many antique stores and craft shops in High Street, grab a snack at one of the bakeries or cafes or simply have lunch at one of the four country pubs. Operates: From Goolwa Station on selected dates at 11.30am to 3.15pm. You can also take the Cockle Train from Victor Harbor at 11am or Port Elliot at 11.10am and connect with Strathlink. Cockle Train fares are extra.

Twilighter - ST03

The Twilighter operates on selected Saturday evenings in Spring and Summer, using one of our heritage "RedHen" railcars. The journey commences from Mount Barker station - a pleasant 20 minute drive from Adelaide along the South Eastern Freeway. Your ticket includes a twilight country style dinner at one of the town's historic "pubs". Ideal for a Social club or group outing. Leaving Mountt Barker early evening, the train first climbs up to the crest of the line and then winds down the eastern escarpment of the southern Mt Lofty Ranges, passing through several long abandoned station sites which bear testimony to the importance of this branch line a century ago. Crossing the Angas River you then enter the historic township of Strathalbyn where many Scottish migrants settled in the early 1800s, influencing the early architecture which is still evident today. The town is well worth a return visit during the day to explore its well stocked antique shops and cafes. The return train leaves Strathalbyn at around 11.00pm for its climb back up the ranges to Mount Barker, arriving home around 11.30pm. Operates: From Mount Barker station on selected dates at 6.30pm to approximately 11pm.

Experiences

Activities

• Flora/Fauna
• Food and Wine
• Historic/Heritage
• Rail
• The Arts

• Train Ride