The SteamRanger Heritage Railway operates a number of different heritage steam and diesel hauled tourist trains between Mt Barker in the Adelaide Hills, up over the crest of the southern Mt Lofty Ranges, down to Strathalbyn and on through the coastal holiday towns of Goolwa and Port Elliot to the tourist resort town of Victor Harbor.

Trains operate on up to 140 days a year and are manned by volunteers from the Australian Railway Historical Society, who are also responsible for maintenance of the rail line and the heritage locomotives and carriages.

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 Murray mouth. It was a great day's outing and thus gained its name.

Come and Travel with us soon!

We will guarantee a great day out for you, your family or your colleagues. Our philosophy is that when you buy a ticket you are not just buying a train ride but a whole new experience!