The Cockle Train

The Cockle Train

Galleries, Museums and Collections
Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Highlights

  • Join the fully restored heritage train for a scenic journey from Goolwa to Victor Harbor along the oldest railway.
  • Experience breathtaking coastal views of the Southern Ocean while traversing the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula cliffs.
  • Discover the rich history of the railway dating back to 1854, connecting the River Murray to the ocean wharfs.
  • Enjoy family-friendly facilities at Goolwa Railway Station, including a kiosk and gift shop for a delightful day out.
Today's Weather
15°C Clear sky

The Cockle Train travels along the oldest steel railed railway in Australia dating back to 1854 when it was constructed to provide a link between the River Murray and the ocean wharfs at Pt Elliot and later at Victor Harbor.

Tickets are available at the Goolwa, Port Elliot & Victor Harbour Railway Stations on day of travel.

The Cockle Train commences its run each day at Goolwa station, in the historic Wharf Precinct alongside the River Murray.

Leaving Goolwa, the line heads off across the plains to Middleton, picking up or dropping off passengers on request, and then to Port Elliot where it reaches the Encounter Bay coast.

After leaving Port Elliot the train climbs to the top of the coastal cliffs and passengers experience some of the most picturesque coastal scenery on the Fleurieu Peninsula, with nothing separating you from the beach below and a perfect view of the Southern Ocean – in winter the home of Southern Right Whale.

After a 30 minute journey the train edges into Victor Harbor station, right in the centre of the town and surrounded with its iconic pine trees.
Here, the locomotive is detached from the carriages and turned on our specially retained 30m long electric turntable before rejoining the carriages for the return journey to Goolwa.

15°C Clear sky

Images and Video

View: 1 of 6

Accreditations

  • Quality Tourism Accreditation
  • Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
  • Tourism Industry Council of SA

Features

  • Carpark
  • Coach Parking
  • Family Friendly
  • Gallery / Museum
  • Kiosk
  • Non Smoking
  • Public Toilet
  • Shop / Gift Shop
Accessibility

Actively welcomes people with access needs.

General access

  • Offers multiple options for booking – web, email, phone is available.
  • Offers a range of contact methods for receiving complaints.
  • Companion Cards are accepted.
  • Assistance with booking arrangements (includes providing clear itineraries with written instructions on what to do at various destinations)

Communication

  • Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)

  • Uses Plain English / easy read signage and information (includes menus and emergency information)

Physical – Wheelchair

  • Caters for people who use a wheelchair.

  • Step free outdoor pathways (includes picnic areas, barbecues and shelters)
  • A step free main entrance to the building and/or reception area (includes ramps or slopes with a maximum gradient of 1:14, otherwise are too steep for wheelchairs)
  • An accessible public toilet which is unlocked.
  • Portable ramps.
  • At least one wheelchair accessible parking space with wheelchair accessible signage clearly displayed (International standards are 3200mm wide x 2500 mm high).

Plan more around this area