Many of us know the SteamRanger Heritage Railway for its family friendly adventures from Mount Barker, through the picturesque South Australian countryside, and some of us know about it becoming the Wine Train now and then. What you may not have heard of before though, is its festive transformation into a mid-year Christmas adventure, with its Christmas in July experience.
Set to enchant passengers with its scenic rail journeys through South Australia’s picturesque regions this winter, the ‘Christmas in July’ twilight event will be held on July 27th. This adventure sees festive passengers depart from Mount Barker, conveniently located 30-minutes from Adelaide along the South Eastern Freeway. Departing in the mid-afternoon, travellers will enjoy the rhythmic sounds of a heritage steam locomotive, guiding them up to Philcox Hill before descending the eastern slopes of the Southern Mt Lofty Ranges.
Throughout the journey, passengers will traverse past various long-deserted station sites, offering a glimpse into the historical significance of this century-old branch line. Passengers will be able to enjoy the enchanting sunset illuminating the landscape, before arriving in Strathalbyn, a town deeply influenced by Scottish settlers in the 1800s.
The region boasts a collection of antique shops and cafes that merit daytime exploration, perhaps on one of the day adventures that the SteamRanger offers. Following the picturesque journey, guests will be treated to a three-course Christmas-themed dinner a local hotel before their return trip to Mount Barker.
Post-meal, travellers can relax on the return journey, and experience the nocturnal sounds of the locomotive as it navigates the steep grades of the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges.
Tickets for the ‘Christmas in July’ experience are priced at $120 for adults, $110 for seniors, and $95 for children. This fare includes the return rail travel and dinner, with drinks available for purchase separately.
For more information and to book, head to the SteamRanger website here.
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