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 to Strathalbyn and on through the coastal holiday towns of Goolwa and Port Elliot to the tourist resort town of Victor Harbor.
The Southern Encounter
The Southern Encounter usually operates on the first, third and fifth Sundays from May until the end of November.
The journey takes you from Mt Barker, down the southern Mt Lofty Ranges, calling in at Strathalbyn, Goolwa, Port Elliot and Victor Harbor. Passengers can experience some of the most picturesque coastal scenery in South Australia, with uninterrupted views of the beach and the Southern Ocean below, in winter the home of Southern Right Whale.
The Southern Encounter arrives in Victor Harbor for a 2 hour 45 minute stopover.
Bookings are essential.
Note: Trains in November are scheduled to be diesel-hauled due to fire risk
Details:
- The Southern Encounter operates from Mount Barker station to Victor Harbor with a 3 hour stopover
- Departs Mt Barker 9.30am, returns to Mt Barker 6.10pm
- Reserved Seating
- BOOK ONLINE or call 1300 655 991 to book your seats
- See Timetable HERE
- Mt Barker Railway Station | Dutton Rd, Mt Barker
CLICK HERE FOR PRICING & TO BOOK ONLINE
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
Pick Your Own Cherries | Cherry Season | Adelaide Hills & Fleurieu Peninsula
The 2024/2025 Cherry Season has begun! Pick Your Own Cherries around Adelaide and find your local Cherry Farm Gate Sales in South Australia. Christmas has come early for all the cherry lovers out there! The 2024/2025 cherry season is officially ...
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 ...
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 ...
Summer Cockle Trains | Goolwa to Victor Harbor | Dec & Jan
Summer Cockle Trains - Goolwa - Port Elliot - Victor Harbor The Summer Cockle Train season will start from 27 December 2023 with 6 trains running daily until 3 January 2024, plus 26 January, when they will then continue to ...
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 Review
Pick Your Own Strawberries at Harvest the Fleurieu in Mt Compass. Review by Jo Parkinson 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 ...
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 ...
Woodstock Wines | Family-Friendly Winery | Wildlife Sanctuary | McLaren Vale | Review
Family-friendly winery with wildlife sanctuary, playground & beautiful grounds to explore 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 to the playground, ...
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 ...
New Hurricane Vortex Water Slide & Double Bucket | G’Day Parks Victor Harbor Holiday & Cabin Park
Victor Harbor Holiday & Cabin Park's New Water Play Area Expansion Victor Harbor Holiday and Cabin Park has announced that it will be undergoing an expansion to its water play area and as part of this, it will be home ...
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. by Brooke Hendry Have you been ...
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
Goolwa Skate Park New Pump Track The seaside town of Goolwa in South Australia now has a brand new asphalt pump track, designed and constructed by TrailScapes (in front of the skate park). The new pump track will be 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 ...
GT Fisher Playground (Victor Harbor Train Park) | Playground Review
GT Fisher Playground aka Victor Harbor Train Park *** EDITORS NOTE: This playground is now reopen as of 6 July 2019 after redevelopment. Read more here. You can’t miss this brightly coloured playground as you drive along the foreshore at ...
d’Arenberg Cube | d’Arenberg Winery | McLaren Vale | Review
d'Arenberg Cube at d'Arenberg Winery. Recently, 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 whim, we decided we ought to ...
Oceanic Victor In Sea Aquarium | Victor Harbor
Oceanic Victor Experience life beneath the waves in Victor Harbor. Oceanic Victor opened their in-sea aquarium in Victor Harbor, South Australia in 2017. Located just off Granite Island in the clear, clean waters of Encounter Bay, the experience offers fun, ...
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
Guest Post by Becky Hirst A family day trip to the McLaren Vale wine region 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 ...
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 ...
Kangaroo Island | Discover a Holiday Destination with Natural Beauty, Wildlife & Adventure | Review
Kangaroo Island South Australia's Kangaroo Island is a true natural paradise, perfect for families wanting a getaway with that real holiday spirit. There is so much to see and do on Australia's third largest island from action adventures to peaceful ...
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 & Normanville | Places to Eat for Families
Yankalilla & Normanville - Places to Eat for Families One of the great things about Normanville & Yankalilla is that there are many great options for food. If you want a night off (or three) from cooking (why not when ...
Normanville Beach – A little bit of SA paradise | Review
Normanville Beach - a little bit of SA paradise 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 ...
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
Granite Island, Victor Harbor 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 ...
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 Silver Sands Beach - 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 a breeze and the ideal ...
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!
