The best spots to see trains in Adelaide – miniature trains, train rides and parks

We are lucky in Adelaide that there are plenty of spots for a fun day out for train enthusiasts, big and small. If you’re looking for train rides or somewhere to go to see model trains then we hope this list will help. We’ve also included a few playgrounds in Adelaide with good spots to view trains from – little train lovers will be overjoyed by their proximity to railway tracks. All aboard!

Miniature Railways in Adelaide

Miniature ride-on trains are a fun way to show kids how trains work, but on a smaller scale. It’s fun for the whole family – both children and adults can ride on the trains. Please remember that you need to wear totally enclosed footwear for safety. The railways are generally staffed by volunteers and miniature train enthusiasts. Be aware that many only accept CASH.

Adelaide Miniature Steam Railway Society – PROSPECT

Take a trip back in time and experience the world when steam engines were the only way to travel. See miniature buildings and artefacts that add a touch of realism to the railway. 

The Adelaide Miniature Steam Railway Society have public field days on the 4th Sunday of each month from 1pm to 4pm. Park entry includes all train rides – $10 per adult and $6 per child.

370 Regency Road, Prospect

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Image credit: Adelaide Miniature Steam Railway Club

Morphett Vale Railway Miniature Ride On Trains – MORPHETT VALE

Set amongst the leafy natural bush landscape in Morphett Vale, south of Adelaide, is the MV Rail organisation which runs train rides for countless families on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.

The club runs large-scale locomotives including diesel and steam, pulling along open carriages with wooden seats to fit both adults and children. 

Run days are every 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month from 1pm to 4.30pm.  Tickets $8 per person for unlimited rides (children under 2 ride for free).

Wilfred Taylor Reserve, Wheatsheaf Road, Morphett Vale 

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE HERE

READ OUR REVIEW HERE

Penfield Park Miniature Railway – EDINBURGH

This ride on miniature railway has a total track length of about 1.9Kms supporting both 7 ¼” and 5” gauge trains. A covered passenger loading station (PENFIELD No1) allows for three trains to load and unload passengers.

Penfield Park Model Railway also features a model railway track inside the clubrooms where you can watch the little trains running.

Miniature steam/diesel hauled train rides and radio controlled racing car displays will ensure you have an enjoyable family afternoon/evening.

Public open days are held on the last Sunday of each month except December (12 noon- 4:30pm) and the second Saturday from October to March (6:00pm.-9:00pm). Entry to the park is $12 per person or $40 per family – this includes unlimited rides.

6-30 Woomera Avenue, Edinburgh | Read more here

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Image credit: Penfield Park

SASMEE – South Australian Society of Model and Experimental Engineers – MILLSWOOD

SASMEE run miniature train rides at Millswood twice a month throughout the year. The park is run by volunteers who maintain the park and the trains.  The grounds offer picnic tables and seating with plenty of shady trees. There’s also a canteen which sells a range of soft drinks, tea, coffee, ice cream, hot chips, hot dogs and other snacks.

This is a wonderful day out for families, especially for train lovers. There are grassy areas for a picnic, and the pond is also popular for remote control boats. There are two stations within the park where you can catch the miniature steam trains. Your entry ticket gives you unlimited rides for the day.

SASMEE is open on the first Sunday of every month and the third Saturday of every month. Entry is $6 per person (children under 2 yrs free entry) for unlimited rides.

Millswood Cres, Millswood | Read our review here

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

MINIATURE RAILWAYS – REGIONAL SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Clare Valley Model Engineers Club  – CLARE

Their run days are held on the 2nd and 4th weekend each month.

Melrose Park, Clare (Melrose Park is situated off Phoenix Avenue) 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Image credit: Clare Valley Model Engineers

Kadina Miniature Trains – KADINA

Trains generally operate between 10am and 3pm on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. The engineers love to release their little trains from their sheds, and carry both the young and young at heart around their track at the Visitor Information Centre in Kadina. 

50 Mines Road, Kadina 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Image credit: Kadina Miniature Trains

Roseworthy Railway Club Inc. – ROSEWORTHY

Roseworthy Railway Club Inc. is an operating 7 1/4″ gauge miniature railway at the Roseworthy Campus of the University of Adelaide. They offer BBQ meals, ice creams and drinks from their canteen.

The Railway runs for the public every third Sunday of the month from April to October from 12:30pm to 4:30pm, and from November to March on every third Saturday night of the month from 6pm to 9pm.

Tickets are $3.00 per ride.

University of Adelaide Roseworthy Campus, Mudla Wirra Rd, Roseworthy

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Image credit: Roseworthy Railway

Train Rides in Adelaide (& surrounding regions)

Pichi Richi Railway

The Pichi Richi Railway is a Flinders Ranges tradition and is the last remaining operating portion of the “Old Ghan” narrow-gauge line. Watch gum-lined creeks, bluebush-studded hills and ancient rocky outcrops roll past at the relaxed pace of years gone by. All trains use historic steam or diesel locomotives and immaculately restored timber carriages up to 100 years old.

Open selected dates from March to November each year.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Image credit: Pichi Richi Railway Flinders Ranges

Semaphore Train – Semaphore to Fort Glanville

The Semaphore and Fort Glanville Tourist Railway is a scenic 2km long 457mm gauge railway operated by the National Railway Museum.

Steam locomotive No.6 ‘Bill’ pulls open carriages and travels parallel with The Esplanade and the sand dunes.  The view from the train overlooks Semaphore’s beautiful swimming beaches before passing through the dunes near historic Fort Glanville at Point Malcolm.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

SteamRanger Train Journeys

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 up to 140 days a year and are manned by volunteers.

The Cockle Train operates between Goolwa and Victor Harbor. Trains depart Goolwa at 10am, 12.15pm, & 2.45pm and Victor Harbor at 11am, 1.30pm, 3.45pm. Tickets are available at stations on the day of travel

The Bugle Ranger is great for a little adventure not too far from Adelaide with its journey through the hills. Read our review here.

The Southern Encounter operates on the first and third Sundays from June until the end of November.

The Highlander Experience operates on the first and third Sundays from June until the end of November.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Image credit: Southern Encounter

Where to go to see Trains in Adelaide

Croydon Playground Train Park

“Train Park” is a train-themed, fenced playground in Croydon and it’s a great location for some trainspotting. It’s right next to the Croydon train stop and you can see the trains arrive at the train stop just through the fence. There’s also a train in the playground that you can climb inside.

1 Day Terrace, Croydon

READ OUR REVIEW HERE

Princess Margaret Playground, Black Forest

Princess Margaret playground in Black Forest is located next to railway tracks, so you’ll have the added bonus of regular commuter trains zooming past which are sure to make every toddler stop and stare in amazement!

Cnr Byron Road & Canterbury Terrace, Black Forest

READ OUR REVIEW HERE

National Railway Museum

Step back in time and learn all about Australia’s locomotive history. Kids will enjoy seeing engines up close and getting to climb aboard the carriages. There are also free train rides included in the entry price.

76 Lipson Street, Port Adelaide | Open daily 10am-4:30pm

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change, including prices.

Image Source: individual websites/Play & Go

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