Limestone Train

The Old Mount Gambier station could tell of better days when the Blue Bird service between Adelaide and the Mount regularly passed this way. Sadly that run closed down almost a decade ago but now the locals have breathed new life into the old broad gauge line, with their own tourist service to the vineyards of the Coonawarra. With its limited finances, you could be forgiven for thinking the Limestone Coast Railway was pretty much a backyard operation. But these volunteers have already made this a feature of the Southeast tourist scene and it's not hard to see why. Bill Towner is just one of the army of rail enthusiasts who've kept the Limestone Coast Railway going since it started operation just over a year ago. Driving one of these old red hens is fairly straightforward, it requires a sound knowledge of the track and in Bill's case a keen desire to use the horn. Bill and his mates purchased three red hens at about seven thousand dollars each. They run one on another line out to Tantanoola and plan to extend it to Millicent in the near future. Finances permitting they'd like to eventually run a train to Naracoorte and its nearby caves and wineries.

For Bill, this piece of South Australia offers plenty for the rail enthusiast and tourist alike. "I love the lower Southeast with all the bush and as you know the wineries are world class so why not combine the beautiful country side with the magic of the wineries. Here we are coming into the vineyards now." It's certainly not the Bullett Train but what it lacks in speed it more than makes up for with a certain old fashioned charm. The Limestone Coast Railway runs regular charter trips to the Coonawarra, you can changeover to specially run tours operating from Penola or head further into the vineyards of this world famous wine region. The day we were aboard the emphasis was not so much on wine but nostalgia for regional rail travel and the role it once played in the lives of locals like Bill who remembers coming home from national service on board the old Blue Bird. Timetables out here are fairly flexible and before you know it the trip out has quickly rolled by along with the scenery. The Limestone Coast Railway operates a regular service to the Coonawarra on Sundays and allows plenty of time to visit the local wineries. The train trip alone costs fifteen dollars. Bookings can be made at the Lady Nelson Visitor and Discovery Centre on 8724 9752 or toll free on 1800 087 187. For more information you can email: info@postcards.sa.com.au