Very disappointed after ringing to check if steam train was running being told it was loaded up the car with family only to get there and NO steam train most views of coast are very small rest is just houses and trees
I feel that they advertise steam train but it only runs on very few occasions won’t be doing it again very pricy for what u get also found staff behind window to be abrupt and got told that it’s doesn’t matter what’s pulling the carriages as I won’t know anyway !!!!!

My boys loved this one. We chose to take the cockle train when staying over night in Victor Harbor for something different. My children 2 and 9 both got great enjoyment out of the ride for different reasons. Their was something the whole family enjoyed be it the train ride itself, the scenery or the little bit of adventure. An outing filled with history diligently preserved by the many volunteers that make it possible for us and many others to experience this kind of journey. It is not expensive and is excellent value for money and a great way to spend time together as a family. The service, of course, was superb.

Approximate cost: $30

A fantastic experience. We boarded the Cockle Train at Goolwa and travelled through to Victor Harbor, about a half hour journey. The view of the coast is great, in one section near Port Elliot, you are travelling right along the edge of the beach.
After about 45 minutes in Victor, we reboarded and returned to Goolwa. You can stay longer, if you wish, and catch a later return train.
This is a fun trip for all ages, great for families and kids. We were with a group of 8 'older-ies', (50-ish), and we all really enjoyed this trip.
Well worth the money ($29 each, return, full-fare), and kudos to the volunteers, who keep this piece of history operating for all to enjoy.

Approximate cost: $29 return, full-fare. Concession, children & families cheaper.

The Cockle Train is run by the Steamranger company which has 180 volunteers on its books. The cockle train begins its 30 minute journey from Goolwa railway station dashes across the Middleton plains and will stop at Middleton if requested. It then heads to its highest point overlooking Horseshoe Bay, a magnificent sight as it heads to Port Elliot. It then traverses along the coast with constant views of Encounter Bay as it heads into Victor Harbour. It remains in Victor Harbour for about a half to three quarters of an hour before returning to Goolwa to start all over again. The train does the return trip three times a day. In the school holidays the stream locomotive is used but on other days the red hen diesels or rail cars are used. The cost is quite reasonable at $25.50 return for seniors who receive a discount of about $3.50 on the round trip from Goolwa to Victor and return. If you travel in the centre wooden carriage you will experience the return of a nostalgic train journey of yesteryear. The train, carriages track and all other facilities are constantly maintained by the diligent and committed volunteers who seem to really enjoy their work. We were also entertained with some expert, interesting and informative commentary about the train and the surroundings by Andrew, and as we passed various locations of interest Andrew would enlighten the travellers with his wisdom. There are souvenir and craft shops at Goolwa and Victor Harbour to help to remind you of your experience. A truly great adventure well worth the time and money.