SteamRanger Heritage Railway, South Australia

26/05/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Railfest 2025, and what a great way to end National Volunteer Week!

None of the day events would have been possible without our dedicated volunteers across Mechanical services, Operations, Marketing, Track and Customer services teams.
If you have ever thought about volunteering, there is now better time than now! Send an email to [email protected] with your expression of interest.

If you have any photos or videos you would like to share with us, feel free to send them through to [email protected] and they could be featured in future media works!

25/05/2025

The sun is shining, and Railfest 2025 is in full swing!

Due to popular demand, an extra train has just been added, departing Mt Barker at 3.30pm TODAY!

Tickets are on sale at Mt Barker Station NOW! Hurry, as they are selling like the proverbial hot cake!

24/05/2025

Railfest update:
10am and 11am trains are now completely sold out!

Tickets are still available for all remaining trips throughout the day. Tickets will be available from the Mount Barker ticket office prior to each departure.

24/05/2025

Our engines are being warmed up and readied for tomorrow’s Railfest!

Extra seats have been added to the 10am and 11am trains which can be booked online now!
All remaining tickets will be available at the Mount Barker station ticket office from tomorrow morning.

We hope to see you there!

21/05/2025

Cockle Train Update - Wednesday 21st May 2025

Please be aware, that due to a track component failure in Goolwa yard, all Cockle Train services scheduled for Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May 2025 have been cancelled.

Unfortunately, the fault location prevents Cockle Train services being able to access the yard from our depot.

Repair works will commence shortly (weather dependant), with an update on services beyond Sunday 25th May to be provided early next week.

This cancellation does NOT impact The Mt Barker Railfest on the 25th May.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

20/05/2025

Besides our 520 Beanies & T-Shirts we will also be having a large variety of items at our stall inside the depot at Mount Barker RailFest this Sunday!

20/05/2025

Due to unforseen circumstances, the Cockle Train scheduled to operate between Goolwa, Middleton, Port Elliot and Victor Harbor on Wednesday 21st May 2025 has been cancelled.

We apologises for the inconvenience.

19/05/2025

THIS WEEKEND!!!

Our volunteers are putting in the final preparations this week ready for the big day on Sunday!

Come down and look behind the scenes in our Mount Barker workshops or take a train ride to Bugle Ranges and back.

If you have ever thought about volunteering with us, speak with any of our dedicated volunteers around the grounds on the day who will be more than willing to share experiences with you.

We can't wait to see you all there!

Mount Barker RailFest tickets are on sale!

Our annual depot open day is back on Sunday May 25th, where we open the doors of our Mount Barker depot and invite you to come along and see what's involved in keeping the worlds longest Heritage Railway in operation!

There will be lots to see and do around the depot and up at the station. Informative displays, restoration projects underway, live steamers on show, railway memorabilia market stall, food stalls, drink stalls and train rides!

Admittance into the depot will a $5 donation per person, with kids 4 and under free!
All proceeds will be going towards the restoration and up keep of our heritage locomotive and carriage fleet.

There will be 5 train rides between Mount Barker and Bugle Ranges with each one being hauled by our 2x Rx locomotives taking the train up and over the highest point of the line at Philcox Hill and down into Bugle Ranges. Diesel locomotive 958 will bring the train back to Mount Barker for the return leg.
Trains will be departing at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1:30pm & 2:30pm.
Click here to book your tickets: https://www.steamrangerheritagerailway.org/event/mount-barker-railfest/

09/05/2025

Spend the day down south, exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula and riding the famous Cockle Train!

Operating every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday all year round, with extra services through South Australian School Holidays, and on Public Holidays.

Visit our website for all the latest information, ticket prices and special events.

Tickets for the Cockle Train can only be bought at Goolwa, Port Elliot or Victor Harbor Stations on the day of travel. If you wish to join the train at Middleton you must purchase at your destination stations, before your return trip.

23/04/2025

This weekend the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival returns to the newly refurbished wharf precinct in the River Port of Goolwa!

There will be LOTS of exciting things to see and do over the 2 day event. Visit the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival page for all the latest updates and exciting information.

As part of the event, we will be operating 6 return Cockle Trains over Saturday and Sunday, bringing you right into the heart of the action on the Wharf.
So why not park your car in Victor Harbor, Port Elliot or Middleton and catch the train in?

As there will be an increase in activity of both road and rail traffic, we would like to remind everyone to STOP, LOOK, LISTEN & THINK before crossing roads or a railway lines.

21/04/2025

Due to a mechanical issue, Diesel Loco 507 will take charge of today's (22/4/25) Cockle Trains.

Steam locomotive Rx224 will return tomorrow! (23/4/25)

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.