The Horse, the Cockle and the Coast
HIGHLIGHTS
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Adelaide's South Coast to McLaren Vale
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River Port of Goolwa
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Mouth of the Murray River
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Historic riverport buildings including the old Goods Shed
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Paddle Steamer Oscar W
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Picturesque coastal railway
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Steamranger's The Cockle Train between Goolwa to Victor Harbor
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Victor Harbor Horse Tram to Granite Island
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Seaside holiday town Victor Harbor
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Ex South Australian Railways steam locomotives and rollingstock
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1920's Brill railcar
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Lineside photo opportunities
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Disused Willunga railway station and the Shiraz Trial
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The Almond Train at McLaren Vale
Leave Adelaide and travel south following the Adelaide coastline towards Aldinga. Climb up through the Mount Lofty Ranges past Mount Compass and through dairy pastures and vineyards. Learn more about the development of agriculture in the region as we travel towards the mouth of the Murray River and the river port township of Goolwa.
On arrival at Goolwa, explore the wharf area and the rich river history amongst the riverbank. Pay a visit to the old Goods Shed or inspect the paddlesteamer Oscar W.
Step aboard the The Cockle Train and enjoy the journey along one of Australia’s most picturesque railways as the train cuts through the wheat fields to Port Elliot and to the South Coast beaches and sand dunes onwards to Victor Harbor. This line was the states first railway venture and the country's first public railway built to move goods from the Murray River paddlesteamers to sailing ships at the deep sea port of Port Elliot.
Whilst at Victor Harbor enjoy some free time for a bite to eat from one of the many cafes, fish and chip shops or bakerys. After lunch, travel along the jetty to the nearby Granite Island on board the Victor Harbor Horse Tram, a icon of South Australia.
Once we have explored Victor Harbor, depart for the return drive back to Adelaide. Enjoy seeing the vineyards and wineries of the McLaren Vale wine region where we stop at the township of Willunga for an inspection of the disused railway line, now the Shiraz Trial bikeway.
From Willunga take the short drive to McLaren Vale for a visit to the Almond Train shop which has been established in 2 early 1900's timber passenger carriages.
Travel back to Adelaide following the recently extended Seaford railway line.
TOUR INFORMATION
DEPARTS: 09.15 am from Adelaide City and local area.
RETURNS: 17.15 pm (5.15 pm)
DATES OF TRAVEL: Wednesdays during SA school terms, every day of the SA school holidays, on request
MINIMUM NUMBERS REQUIRED: Yes - 2 people
WHATS INCLUDED: Adelaide accommodation pickup and dropoff, travel from Adelaide and return, informative commentary from a local guide, travel on The Cockle Train between Goolwa to Victor Harbor.