South Australia Steam Safari

After breakfast we head to the National Railway Museum in Port Adelaide to learn about the history of the Australian Railways. With all three mainline gauges in Australia represented and over 100 trains on display, mainly from the South Australian and Commonwealth Railways and including rolling stock from the Silverton Tramway in Broken Hill and the Victorian Railways, it’s the largest railway museum in Australia. In addition to the extensive train displays, there’s a large collection of historic buildings, some original to the site, including the Port Dock Station Goods Shed, the Callington Shelter Shed and Booking Office – a typical building used at small country stations in the state, the Woodville Signal Cabin, and the Eudunda Gang Shed.

We’ll enjoy lunch together in Port Adelaide before heading north to the bayside suburb of St Kilda for a visit to The Tramway Museum. Until 1958, trams formed a network spanning most of Adelaide, with a history dating back to 1878. Adelaide ran horse trams from 1878 to 1914 and electric trams from 1909, but has primarily relied on buses for public transport since the mid-20th century, with the historic Glenelg tram line being the only one to survive the tram network closure. Established in the 1950’s, the museum is dedicated to this history, showcasing an extensive fleet of preserved trams ranging from the horse-drawn era right through to the very last tram built in Adelaide in the 1950s, and offers rides on the heritage trams.

We’ll return to our hotel in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Adina Apartment Treasury Hotel, Adelaide (B, L)

After breakfast and check out, we say goodbye to Adelaide and travel north by private coach to Peterborough. We’ll make a few stops along the way to explore historic towns and homesteads, including the magnificent Martindale Hall, made famous by the iconic film ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’. This Georgian-style mansion is considered one of South Australia’s grandest stately homes, built in 1879 and sitting within a 45-acre pastoral property. You’ll have time to explore its charming character and enjoy morning tea served in the period kitchen before continuing on to Farrell Flat.

On arrival at the old Farrell Flat Railway Station, enjoy a convivial lunch hosted by the proprietor and learn about how he and his partner restored and transformed a dilapidated former Railway Station building into a residential and studio space. Previously on the Roseworthy-Peterborough railway line, it was one of six stations built to a specific design for the main route north out of Adelaide in 1899.

After lunch, it’s a short journey to Burra, a historic town that played a pivotal role in the state’s mining history. Established in 1845 after the discovery of copper, Burra quickly became one of the world’s major copper mining centres. The “Monster Mine,” as it was known, attracted a diverse workforce, including Cornish, Welsh, and German miners, leading to a population boom and the establishment of a vibrant community. Although mining activities declined by the late 19th century, Burra’s historical significance has been well preserved, attracting visitors from all over.  Here, we’ll visit the quaint Burra Railway Station, complete with a small museum displaying an interesting giant marsupial fossil!   You’ll have some free time here to explore the town before we pay a visit to the open-air museum at the Burra Copper Mine site.

It’s then back on the road to Peterborough, with a photo stop at the famous ‘Midnight Oil House’, a derelict homestead a short drive north of Burra, and the cover image of the 1987 ‘Diesel and Dust’ album by the iconic Australian rock band, Midnight Oil, and a quick detour into Terowie.  This incredibly preserved ‘ghost’ town holds a notable place in railway history due to its strategic role as a break-of-gauge station and a critical junction where the broad gauge railway from Adelaide met the narrow gauge line extending to the northern regions. This necessitated the transfer of goods and passengers between different gauge trains, making Terowie a bustling hub of activity. The town’s significance was further highlighted during World War II, when it served as a key military transit point. A memorable historical moment occurred in 1942 when General Douglas MacArthur, during a brief stopover, famously declared, “I shall return,” marking a pivotal point in the Pacific campaign.

On arrival in Peterborough, we’ll check into our hotel and freshen up, and enjoy dinner at the hotel before heading off to the Steamtown Heritage Rail Museum for an entertaining Sound and Light show.  There’s a hiss of piston, a rush of steam, the cry of a guardsman – and an incredible industrial legacy slowly comes to life before your very eyes.

Overnight: Roundhouse Motel, Peterborough (B, L, D)

Peterborough has a rich railway history dating back to the late 19th century. Established as a key railway town in 1880, Peterborough quickly became a vital hub in the South Australian rail network due to its strategic location at the junction of several major lines. The town’s development was closely linked to the expansion of the narrow-gauge railway system, which facilitated transportation of agricultural products, minerals, and passengers across the region.  Its significant railway heritage is preserved at the Steamtown Heritage Rail Museum, and this morning after breakfast and check out, this is where we’ll be going for a guided tour. Here, you’ll find Australia’s only operational triple gauge turntable, a wide range of historic rolling stock including heroic steam trains, powerful diesel locomotives and unique passenger and freight trains – all exhibited in original settings in the heritage listed roundhouse and original work sheds.

Moving on, we’ll cross the Goyder Line and travel north to the town of Hawker for lunch, pausing to visit the old railway line. The Hawker railway station was completed in 1885 and the original Ghan train to Marree, and later to Alice Springs, passed through Hawker until 1956.

Continuing on, we’ll arrive at Wilpena Pound in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, our home for the next two nights, in the mid-afternoon.  The Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park encompasses some of the most picturesque scenery in South Australia and has been made famous by numerous films and the epic paintings of Sir Hans Heysen.

The unique formation that is Wilpena Pound, measures about 17 kilometers in length and 8 kilometers in width, and is encircled by jagged peaks and ridges, creating a stunning natural basin. The area’s geological formations offer a window into the Earth’s history, with layers of rock that date back hundreds of millions of years. Wilpena Pound has been a site of spiritual importance for the Adnyamathanha people for thousands of years, featuring prominently in their Dreamtime stories and cultural practices.

Upon arrival at this incredible natural wonder, we’ll have some time to relax, and soak up the peaceful ambience before heading up to watch the breathtaking sunset from the vantage point of Stokes Hill with canapés and a beer or glass of wine. We’ll return to our resort later on and enjoy dinner together.

Overnight: Wilpena Pound Resort, Flinders Ranges (B, L, D)

This morning after a hearty breakfast, you’ll travel in 4WDs through the spectacular Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges, exploring more than 800 million years of geological history. Marvel at the rugged beauty of the gorges, search for Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies and enjoy sweeping views of Bunyeroo Valley and the eastern wall of Wilpena Pound.

We’ll return to our resort in time for lunch and an afternoon at leisure to really soak up this magical environment. You might like to undertake a self-guided walk to the old Wilpena Station (Hill’s Homestead), one of the most scenic pastoral settlements in South Australia, or  take a scenic flight (at your own cost) over the incredible Wilpena Pound, or you might choose to spend the afternoon lazing by the pool – the afternoon is yours!

Later, we’ll enjoy dinner together at the resort.

Overnight: Wilpena Pound Resort, Flinders Ranges (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we’ll travel south through the impressive landscapes and natural wonders of the Flinders Ranges back to Hawker.  Here we’ll stop to visit the Jeff Morgan Gallery, a unique collection of painted panoramas, rock collections, model cars, and memorabilia that transport you to a different time and place, before travelling on to Port Augusta, where you’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch at a friendly local bistro.

After lunch we’ll visit the Wadlata Outback Centre, home of the award-winning ‘Tunnel of Time’ to embark on a journey through the history of the Outback, beginning with the story of the  Flinders Ranges creation, a time when the dinosaurs roamed the land, be introduced to the people who first owned, explored and settled the land and those who still live there today. You’ll have plenty of time here to explore at your own pace and your Free Pass Out gives you the opportunity to wander the magnificent Mural Trail around the Centre, including the Port Augusta railway station to see the magnificent mural depicting the use of camels to haul materials across the Nullarbor Plain for the building of the transcontinental railway 1911 to 1917.

We’ll regroup in the late afternoon for the journey to Quorn, pausing at the wonderful Australian Arid Lands Botanical Garden located just outside of Port Augusta. You’ll enjoy strolling through this fascinating park, showcasing the arid zone flora of these uniquely Australian ecosystems, all with a view of the train line in the distance.

Upon arrival in Quorn, we’ll check into our accommodation and gather together for dinner next door at the Old Lodge, an atmospheric Victorian-era outback emporium.

Overnight: The Great Northern Lodge, Quorn (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we’ll wander down to the Quorn Railway Station for a private behind-the-scenes tour of the volunteer-run railway workshop, then enjoy a privately chartered steam-hauled heritage train on the iconic Pichi Richi Railway. Our special return trip to Woolshed Flat takes us along the Old Ghan line,  the important story of the great nation building project that was the Trans-Continental Railway, and features plenty of stops, run pasts, photo opportunities, and a unique High Tea served in a serene bush setting at Tickle Belly Hill.

Back in Quorn you have the afternoon and an evening at leisure. In the evening, there’s the option to wander back to the railway precinct to experience the stunning Quorn Silo Light Show, a free, starlit audiovisual celebration of the Flinders Ranges and the Pichi Richi Railway, with local stories and images projected onto the silos.   

Overnight: The Great Northern Lodge, Quorn (B, L)

This morning after breakfast and check out, we bid Quorn goodbye and set off along the Gulf Coast on the interesting and revealing journey back to Adelaide.

Our first stop will be the small seaside town of Port Germein, home to the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, reaching over 1.5km into the Spencer Gulf. Travelling on, we arrive at Port Pirie in time for some morning tea.  Located on the eastern shore of the Spencer Gulf in South Australia, Port Pirie is a historic industrial town known for its significant contributions to the state’s economy. Founded in 1845, it developed rapidly with the establishment of a major lead smelter by the Broken Hill Associated Smelters (BHAS) in 1889, which became one of the world’s largest. The town’s port facilities enabled efficient shipping and trade, further boosting its economic importance. The town’s heritage is evident in its architecture, with several historic buildings reflecting its prosperous past.

We’ll travel on to the Yorke Peninsula town of Moonta in time for some lunch at leisure in the historic town centre. Moonta is renowned for its rich mining history and Cornish heritage. Established in the 1860s following the discovery of copper, it quickly flourished into one of the most significant mining centers in the region, earning the nickname “Australia’s Little Cornwall.” The influx of Cornish miners shaped the town’s culture, architecture, and community life, with their influence still evident today in local festivals, cuisine, and traditions.

After lunch, we’ll visit the Moonta Mines State Heritage Area, where we’ll learn more about the town’s unique heritage and take a ride on the charming “Moonta Mines Railway”, a narrow gauge tourist railway that circles the historic landmarks of the former mining operations, including a tunnel, a reservoir and ore sorting floors, all built around the rich Copper deposits that were discovered in the town in the 1860’s.

It’s then on to Adelaide to check into our hotel. After time to freshen up, we’ll re-group for a special dinner in the hotel restaurant. While our farewell dinner is usually the last night of the tour, we want you to enjoy this restaurant that is not open on Sundays.

Overnight: Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury, Adelaide, (B, D)

This morning after breakfast we head up into the hills to Mount Barker and the depot of the SteamRanger Heritage Railway organisation.

We’ll ride the New Highlander double headed steam locomotive down the eastern escarpment of the southern Mount Lofty Ranges, passing through abandoned station sites bearing testimony to the historical importance of this branch line. Upon arrival in the historic township of Strathalbyn, there’ll be a chance to wander this charming town to see the influence of the Scottish migrants who settled here in the early 1800s.

Our private coach will then take us to Goolwa at the mouth of the Murray River, where we’ll board the famous Cockle Train and travel along the Encounter Bay coast to Victor Harbor. This line was originally constructed to provide a rail link between the Murray River and the wharfs at Port Elliot and Victor Harbor and the maintenance of the original line make parts of it the oldest steel-railed railway in Australia. In times past, local residents would take a horse drawn train from Victor Harbor to Goolwa to collect Cockles from the beaches near the Murray River, hence the name of the train. With nothing separating you from the beach below and views of the Southern Ocean, this journey is one of the most scenic in the country.

Upon our arrival in Victor Harbor, there’ll be time to wander this popular resort town and enjoy some lunch at leisure.  Later, we’ll take a ride on one of the very few horse-drawn tram routes remaining in public transit service anywhere in the world across the 630 metre causeway to Granite Island. These double-decker tramcars are each hauled by magnificent Clydesdale horses, on a broad gauge track. The island is one of the most recognised ecological attractions in Australia due to its unusual granite formations with crashing white waves, elevated views, and flora and fauna, including a colony of just 20 rare Little Penguins.   

In the late afternoon board our coach back to Adelaide. Unfortunately the hotel restaurant and bar is closed on Sundays but for those who would like to kick on, we’ll head out to a nearby locale to enjoy one last drink together.   

Overnight: Adina Apartment Treasury Hotel, (B)

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning.