The Southern Encounter | SteamRanger Train Journey

For more information and all enquiries please visit the Steamranger Heritage Railway website.
What: The Southern Encounter
When: May to November
Where: Mt Barker to Victor Harbor
Who: Everyone
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.
Image Source: Steamranger Heritage Railway
DISCOVER THE FLEURIEU PENINSULA

Exploring Second Valley | Fleurieu Peninsula | Review
Put the mid-year Europe trip on pause. Just over an hour’s drive from the Adelaide CBD is a beach that’s every bit as stunning as any you’ll find overseas. Review by Carla Caruso Second Valley Beach should really be called ...

Encounter Bikeway | Scenic Coastal Family Bike Ride | Fleurieu Peninsula
Cycle the family friendly scenic coastline between Goolwa and Encounter Bay on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The Encounter Bikeway is a stunning coastal cycling trail, perfect for a family bike ride. It is a relatively easy ride, with scenic ocean views ...

Summer Cockle Trains | Goolwa to Victor Harbor | Dec & Jan
Summer Train Rides aboard the Cockle Train via Goolwa, Port Elliot and Victor Harbor. A fun filled experience for the whole family, the Cockle Train travels between Goolwa and Victor Harbor along the oldest steel railed railway in Australia. Dating ...

Pick Your Own Cherries | Cherry Season | Adelaide Hills & Fleurieu Peninsula
Pick Your Own Cherries around Adelaide and find your local Cherry Farm Gate Sales in South Australia. Christmas is coming early for all the cherry lovers out there! The 2025/2026 cherry season starts in November and there's nothing that says ...

A Family Day Out in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast
A Family Day Out in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast. With its mix of stunning coastal views, pram-friendly trails, close-up encounters with native wildlife, and one of South Australia's most iconic playgrounds, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast are perfect for ...

Botanista Botanical Emporium | Port Noarlunga | Review
Botanista Botanical Emporium in Port Noarlunga is a magical shop full of indoor plants, fairy garden supplies and the chance to make your own terrarium. Botanista is a small shop packed with fun items to look at, from a huge ...

Explore The Shiraz Trail | McLaren Vale Walking & Bike Track
The McLaren Vale region is synonymous with good quality food and exceptional wine. Whilst this side of town might not be the first place you think of when it comes to planning a family friendly day out, The Shiraz Trail ...

Witton Bluff Base Trail Boardwalk | Port Noarlunga to Christies Beach | Review
The Witton Bluff Base Trail is now fully open, with a new boardwalk accessible from Port Noarlunga to Christies Beach. Review by Carla Caruso and Jo Parkinson Port Noarlunga has that special holiday vibe, which makes you feel like you’re ...

Woodstock Wines | Family-Friendly Winery & Wildlife Sanctuary | McLaren Vale | Review
Woodstock Wines family-friendly winery with wildlife sanctuary, playground & beautiful grounds to explore. Review by Sharon Harrington Woodstock Wines in McLaren Vale is a gorgeous spot for a long sunshiny lunch with the family. Daily kangaroo feeding, outdoor seating next ...

Jubilee Park | Wooden Fort Adventure Playground | Port Noarlunga
Jubilee Park, in Port Noarlunga, is the best playground in the south of Adelaide. A multi-level, wooden adventure fort where kids can climb, slide, swing, hide & explore. The fort provides endless fun for all ages in a imaginative maze ...

The Farm Willunga Cafe | Review
The Farm Willunga Cafe - family-friendly casual dining with a garden setting Review by Claire Davill Just out of Willunga, down a quiet country lane, is a beautiful cafe with rustic food, good coffee and lovely places to eat inside ...

Lions Park Playground | Strathalbyn | Review
The Lions Park Playground in the heart of Strathalbyn has it all for climbing, swinging and sliding for older kids. Review by Adaire Prosser Located in the Lions Park in the middle of Strathalbyn, you will find this fully fenced ...

Whale Watching Season | Victor Harbor | May – October
The Whale Watching Season around Victor Harbor, South Australia is typically from May to October, but sightings can begin as early as April. Only an hour's drive from Adelaide is the majestic southern Fleurieu Peninsula and each winter we are ...

Cuddle a Cow l The Farm – Clarendon l Review
Family-friendly Highland Cattle experience in Clarendon, South Australia. What do you get when you combine cuddles, cows and cuteness? The Cuddle a Cow experience at The Farm - Clarendon! This adorable, hands-on activity will melt your heart as you get ...

Normanville Beach – A little bit of SA paradise | Review
It's not hard to see why Normanville Beach is one of our most favourite places to be, and a great place for a family beach holiday in South Australia. Over the years we've spent countless hours on holiday at Normanville ...

Harbourmasters Walking Trail | Port Elliot
The Harbourmaster walking trail is a 1.9km family friendly circuit along the coast of Port Elliot and is suitable for all abilities. If you are visiting Port Elliot with the family, the Harbourmaster trail takes you along the coastline from ...

Horseshoe Bay Reserve Playground | Port Elliot | Review
An updated playground located at a family favourite beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Review by Adaire Prosser Horseshoe Bay in Port Elliot is a favourite beach for families on the Southern Coast. Located 80km from Adelaide, it is the perfect ...

Flying Fish Café | Port Elliot | Review
A family friendly coastal café in Port Elliot boasting picturesque views of Horseshoe Bay. Review by Adaire Prosser The Flying Fish Cafe in Port Elliot is a long time family favourite on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Boasting amazing beach views and ...

Here’s to Strength | Community Wellness Hub l Aldinga | Review
Here's to Strength All Day Cafe and Wellness Hub in Aldinga. Self-care, fresh air, babycinos and bunnies… there is lots to love about Here’s to Strength all day café. Review by Jo Parkinson Situated on Old Coach Road in Aldinga, ...

SteamRanger Heritage Railway Journeys | Timetable & Station Locations | South Australia
SteamRanger Heritage Railway operates a number of different heritage steam and diesel hauled tourist trains between Mt Barker in the Adelaide Hills and Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Train rides are a fabulous family friendly activity for all ages ...

Fleurieu Cherries Farm l Pages Flat l Review
Discover Fleurieu Cherries at Pages Flat, South Australia. A visit to the fabulous Fleurieu Cherries farm is a fun and relaxing way to spend a Sunday with family and friends. They have cool play areas for kids, a cute bar ...

Yankalilla & Normanville | Places to Eat for Families
One of the many great things about Normanville & Yankalilla is that there are plenty of great options for food. If you want a night off (or three) from cooking (why not when you're on holidays?) you can check out ...

McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre l Review
McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitors Centre, Cafe and Play Space. Don’t be fooled by the name... McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre is so much more than a place for tourists. With its cute kitchen garden café, art ...

Family-friendly Holiday in Middleton, South Australia | Review
Just 81km from Adelaide, this thriving hamlet on the Fleurieu Peninsula is brill for beachcombing, surfing, whale-spotting and much more. by Carla Caruso Ah, Middleton … If you’re looking for a sleepy seaside town, which comes alive during the holiday ...

Pick Your Own Strawberries at Harvest the Fleurieu l Mt Compass | Review
Pick Your Own Strawberries at Harvest the Fleurieu in Mt Compass. There’s nothing quite like the delicious taste and sweet smell of freshly picked strawberries. And there’s no better way to experience this, than by spending a day at Harvest ...

Aldinga Biplanes Cafe l Aldinga Airfield l Review
Adelaide Biplanes Cafe at Aldinga Airfield, Review By Jo Parkinson Up, up and away! If you’re a fan of flight, food and fun, then you will love Adelaide Biplanes Cafe! Located at Aldinga Airfield, this is not your usual dining ...

Flat to Vale Trail l McLaren Vale to McLaren Flat l Review
Flat to Vale Trail, City of Onkaparinga, Review By Jo Parkinson It’s time to dust off the walking shoes! The City of Onkaparinga’s fantastic new Flat to Vale Trail from McLaren Vale to McLaren Flat is scenic, peaceful and a ...

McLaren Flat to McLaren Vale Scenic Trail
Flat to Vale Trail - a safe and scenic trail connecting the iconic townships of McLaren Flat and McLaren Vale for families, runners, cyclists, walkers and visitors. The 3.6-kilometre Flat to Vale Trail—which runs between Blewitt Springs Road, McLaren Flat, ...

Jungle in Willunga | Jungle, Fairy Garden and Plant Nursery | Review
Jungle in Willunga - Review By Jo Parkinson Are you needing to get your cheeky monkeys out of the house these school holidays? Then let them run wild in the jungle! The Jungle in Willunga is so much more than ...

Tealicious Cakes | Willunga | Review
Tealicious Cakes at Willunga Review by Jo Parkinson If you enjoy cupcakes, coffee and cuteness, then hop on into Tealicious! This pretty little boutique cupcake shop is situated in the heart of Willunga, on Aldinga Road. Owner Natasha has perfected ...

Route 31 Coastal Drive | McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Tourist Drive
Route 31 Coastal Drive from O’Sullivan Beach to Sellicks Beach McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is home to a new tourist drive showcasing 31 kilometres of idyllic coastline that starts less than an hour from Adelaide. Pack up the car ...

The Southern Encounter | SteamRanger Train Journey
SteamRanger Train Journey - The Southern Encounter 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 ...

Willunga Farmers Market | Every Saturday
Willunga Farmers Market Willunga Farmers Market is South Australia’s premier regional farmers market bringing Fleurieu Peninsula farmers, producers and community members together for fresh, locally grown produce. There will be stalls in one convenient location with room to relax and ...

Deep Creek Waterfall | Bushwalking with Kids | Fleurieu Peninsula
Bushwalking with kids to Deep Creek Waterfall. by Katrina Gogel Deep Creek Conservation Park, on the coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, is a fantastic place to spend a weekend exploring. One of the main attractions in the park is Deep ...

Myponga Reservoir | Walking Trails, Bike Tracks, Fishing & Kayaking
Enjoy, Explore, Preserve at Myponga Reservoir Myponga Reservoir on-water access for kayaking available from 28 March 2021. In April 2019, Myponga Reservoir Reserve became ours to enjoy with access for land-based recreational activities, which was then extended with an extra ...

Hurricane Vortex Water Slide & Double Bucket | G’Day Parks Victor Harbor Holiday & Cabin Park
Victor Harbor Holiday and Cabin Park has expanded its water play area and as part of this, it is home to a new and unique giant "Hurricane Vortex" slide and double bucket tower. Each bucket on the double bucket tower ...

Family-Friendly Weekend Stay in Victor Harbor | Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia
Family-Friendly Weekend Stay in Victor Harbor, South Australia Have a whale of a time in the idyllic town of Victor Harbor, known for its whale-spotting, and historic horse-drawn trams. Review by Carla Caruso Victor Harbor is a town I have ...

Family-Friendly Winery Bremerton Launches Tasting Room & Outdoor Area | Langhorne Creek | South Australia
Family-Friendly Winery Bremerton Launches Tasting Room and Outdoor Area in Langhorne Creek, South Australia Feel like you’re on the set of the ABC’s Aftertaste series, amid the vines and countryside, at Australia’s only sister-run winery ... a winery which has ...

Victor Harbor Council Library | Review
Victor Harbor Council Library - Review The Victor Harbor Council Library is a wonderful resource for families, whether you live nearby or if you're just visiting the Fleurieu. As well as books for all ages, you'll find a huge array ...

Reservoirs in South Australia to Visit with Kids
Reservoir Reserves open for public access in South Australia for a fun family day out. Some of South Australia's reservoirs are now much more accessible and feature scenic walking and cycling trails, or access for kayaking and fishing. Other reservoirs ...

G’Day Parks Victor Harbor Holiday and Cabin Park – Family Fun for Everyone | Review
Time for a holiday in South Australia? G'day Parks Victor Harbor Holiday and Cabin Park is the place to be. We discover everything you need to know about their new fully accessible Hindmarsh Cabin. Review by Brooke Hendry Have you ...

Forktree Brewing – Family Friendly Dining at Carrickalinga – Review
Forktree Brewing - Carrickalinga 935 Forktree Road, Carrickalinga A real gem in the Fleurieu Peninsula, full of country hospitality, good food, family friendly vibes, and the most amazing views across the hills and sea. Forktree Brewing is a must visit ...

GT Fisher Nature Playground Victor Harbor Foreshore – Train Park
George T Fisher Playground - Foreshore, Flinders Parade, Victor Harbor The George T Fisher Nature Playground (also known as the GT Fisher Playground or the Train Park) has always been a popular one in Victor Harbor. After community consultation it ...

Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve | Review
Walking along the dam wall at Mount Bold Reservoir - Review After a moody spot to revel in while the weather cools? This amazing feat of engineering is one of Adelaide's best-kept secrets. by Carla Caruso There’s a spooky scene ...

Port Elliot Bakery Review | Fleurieu Peninsula
Port Elliot Bakery - the iconic bakery destination that's a South Australian favourite in the Fleurieu Peninsula Port Elliot Bakery is an iconic destination for visitors to the Fleurieu Peninsula. South Australians know that a trip to Port Elliot or ...

Environment SA’s 10 Top Spots to Snorkel in South Australia
Environment SA's 10 Top Spots to Snorkel in South Australia South Australia’s marine parks are full to the brim with great spots to snorkel. Here are 10 places to try. From leafy sea dragons to giant Australian cuttlefish, about 85 ...

Biggest Waterpark in South Australia at Normanville Beachside Holiday Park
Splash out at the largest waterpark in South Australia The amazing new jungle-themed waterpark is now open at Top Parks Beachside Holiday Park in Normanville. As soon as you turn down the long driveway towards the holiday park, it's the ...

Goolwa Skate Park Pump Track
The seaside town of Goolwa in South Australia has an asphalt pump track, designed and constructed by TrailScapes (in front of the skate park). The pump track is a great addition for the area and being asphalt means it's a ...

Brownhill Creek Tourist Park, Mitcham & Softfoot Alpaca Farm, Hindmarsh Valley | Review
Softfoot Alpaca Farm in Hindmarsh Valley (near Victor Harbor) and Brownhill Creek Tourist Park Not many local Adelaide tourist parks can claim to have had a pet mascot, except this one. Read about Alan the Alpaca’ who lived at Brownhill ...

Down The Rabbit Hole Cellar Door – A Family Friendly Winery in McLaren Vale | Review
Are you looking for a cellar door in McLaren Vale with a difference? by Brooke Hendry Wanting to visit a cellar door that is actually family friendly? Well then, don't be late and hop right in to Down the Rabbit ...

The Greenman Inn, Ashbourne | Review
The Greenman Inn, Ashbourne Review by Susannah Marks, 2 March 2019 Driving through Ashbourne on the way to the Fleurieu is a pleasant drive and it takes you through some pleasant countryside and small towns. Instead of taking the expressway ...

Soldiers Memorial Reserve | Victor Harbor Playground Review
Soldiers Memorial Reserve Victor Harbor Playground Review Soldiers Memorial Reserve is a beautifully kept park with everything you could need for a fun family outing. Located by the seaside along The Esplanade at Victor Harbor, it’s a great spot for ...

Victor Harbor Skate Park | Review
Victor Harbor Skate Park Victor Harbor Skate Park is in a great location just next to the foreshore. This popular skate park has a quality surface and ramps; and enough to keep skaters, scooters and riders of all ages busy ...

d’Arenberg Cube | d’Arenberg Winery | McLaren Vale | Review
A visit to the d'Arenberg Cube at d'Arenberg Winery in McLaren Vale. On a day trip adventure to Port Elliot, we were passing through McLaren Vale and saw the iconic d'Arenberg Cube jutting out of the flat landscape. On a ...

Middleton Surf Lessons for Families | South Coast Surf Academy | Review
If you've wanted to try surfing but not sure where to start, then having lessons is a great way to go. The kids had lessons last year with Middleton surf school South Coast Surf Academy and loved it, so this ...

10 Family Friendly Places to Visit on a Day Trip to McLaren Vale | Review
A family day trip to the McLaren Vale wine region in South Australia. Visiting a wine region with your kids? Surely that’s no fun, right? Wrong! Visiting a wine region isn’t about consuming as much wine as you can. When ...

Beach Road Wines | McLaren Vale | Review
Beach Road Wines | McLaren Vale Review by Susannah Marks We stopped for lunch at Beach Road Wines on a recent trip to the Fleurieu Peninsula and were immediately impressed by the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful setting. Less than an ...

Goolwa Nature Playground | Fun by the River | Playground Review
Goolwa Nature Playground Review Bristow Smith Reserve | Barrage Road, Goolwa South by Baby & Toddler Destinations Adelaide The lovely ladies of Baby & Toddler Destinations Adelaide have written another fantastic review - this time for the great new Nature ...

The Big Duck Boat Tours | Victor Harbor | Review
The Big Duck Boat Tours Victor Harbor An exciting ocean adventure featuring seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales, beautiful islands and our stunning South Australian coastline. As a family we have been down to Victor Harbor many times, sometimes just for ...

The Bluff Summit Walk & Lookout | Victor Harbor | Review
The Bluff Summit Walk & Lookout Victor Harbor The Bluff, also known as Rosetta Head or Kongkengguwarr, is one of Victor Harbor's favourite tourist attractions offering a fabulous 360 degree view of this picturesque coastal region. From the top of ...

Goolwa Animal Farm | A Family Farm for Great Outdoor Play
Goolwa Animal Farm Since the Goolwa Animal Farm opened recently in December 2013, we have had a few Play & Go readers contact us, sharing positive feedback and telling us we must visit them. We finally fit in a visit ...

Big Rocks, Beach, Cliff Walk, Trees to Climb, Whales, Glorious Views, all from Horseshoe Bay | Port Elliot
Port Elliot on the Fleurieu Peninsula Big rocks, beach, cliff walk, trees to climb, whales, glorious views, all from Horseshoe Bay Port Elliot is a quiet township about 80km south of Adelaide, at Horseshoe Bay on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula ...

Yankalilla Youth Park & Playground | Review
The Yankalilla Youth Park is a great spot to visit with the kids when you want to take a little break away from the beach. The skate park is very popular with anyone with wheels of any sort - bikes, ...

Narnu Farm on Hindmarsh Island | Family Weekend Away | Review
Narnu Farm Narnu Farm on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula is the perfect location for a idyllic weekend getaway or short holiday. Designed with families and children in mind, this quaint coastal destination provides a taste of country living in a safe, quiet environment. The spacious ...

Granite Island Recreation & Nature Park | Victor Harbor | Review
The Granite Island Recreation & Nature Park can be seen from Victor Harbor and is best known for being home to the magical Little Penguins. The island is a must visit destination if spending time at one of South Australia's ...

Horse Drawn Tram at Victor Harbor | Step Back In Time | Review
Horse Drawn Tram at Victor Harbor - Step Back In Time Victor Harbor's Historic Horse Drawn Tram is a "South Australian icon and a living, breathing piece of industrial heritage!" Located at Encounter Bay in the seaside town of Victor ...

Sellicks Beach | Beautiful Silver Sands | Review
Sellicks Beach - also known as Silver Sands - is a South Australian treasure! The view on the drive down Sellicks Beach Road is breathtaking as the coastline comes into sight. Only an hours drive from Adelaide makes getting there ...
SUBSCRIBE
Want to get all the latest events and activities straight to your inbox?
Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter below to keep up to date with our latest posts and find out all the best events & activities for Adelaide families. Newsletters are only sent once a week, and you may sometimes get a special offer exclusively for our subscribers only!



