All aboard for a pleasant evening's journey from Mt Barker to Strathalbyn, Goolwa or Victor Harbor
621 prepares to work the 2015 Christmas in July Dinner Excursion
The journey commences from Mount Barker station - a pleasant 20 minute drive from Adelaide along the South Eastern Freeway. Your ticket includes a twilight two-course dinner at the Goolwa Hotel and return travel from Mt Barker or Strathalbyn,
Leaving Mt Barker mid afternoon, listen to our heritage steam locomotive (or diesel locomotive during the summer months), as it hauls the train up to the crest of the line at Philcox Hill and then winds down the eastern escarpment of the southern Mt Lofty Ranges, passing through several long abandoned station sites which bear testimony to the importance of this branch line a century ago.
Crossing the Angas River you then enter the historic township of Strathalbyn where many Scottish migrants settled in the early 1800s, influencing the early architecture which is still evident today. The town is well worth a return visit during the day to explore its well stocked antique shops and cafes. From here, the train may continue on across the mallee scrub, through the former station sites of Sandergrove, Finniss and Currency Creek, before arriving at Goolwa. Some services may also continue on, along the coast to Victor Harbor.
Enjoy a country cooked meal, before returning to Mt Barker.