Hop aboard one of the heritage Redhen and Brill Railcars for a scenic ride through the countryside, along coastal cliffs. The 30-minute one-way journey takes you from the sandy beaches of the Murray River to the shores of the Southern Ocean, affording stunning views along the Fleurieu Peninsula. Trains stop in Port Elliot near Encounter Bay, where you can jump out to explore the small heritage museum, and end in the heart of Victor Harbor.
You don’t need to book your train ticket in advance, but places are limited, so it’s recommended to book ahead—especially for weekends and school holidays.
There are several different trains that serve the line, including diesel and steam trains. Be sure to check the schedule prior to booking if you have a preference.
There are no reserved seats on the train—arrive early if you want to choose your seat.
You can board the Cockle Train from either station. In Victor Harbor, the station is in the center of town, within walking distance of most hotels and attractions. In Goolwa, the station is on Dunbar Rd, near the wharf.
Trains depart from Goolwa station three times a day, at mid-morning, lunchtime, and mid-afternoon. From Victor Harbor, the train leaves an hour later than the Goolwa departures. Either pre-book your tickets or show up at the station 30 minutes before your chosen departure time. Trains are often full on summer weekends and during school holiday periods, so get there early to snag a good seat.
As well as riding the Cockle Train, you can take a whale-watching cruise around Encounter Bay, ride a traditional horse-drawn tram across the causeway to Granite Island, and watch the sunset from The Bluff. Victor Harbor is also the gateway to the coastal hikes, wineries, and water sports of the Fleurieu Peninsula.