In abstract, a steam locomotive doesn't seem like a very exciting piece of machinery. An archaic mode of transportion that makes a lot of noise. Yawn. However, I challenge anybody to stare one in the face and to not be a little in awe. What a fascinating contraption. What an understandable one--coal, fire, heat, steam, movement... They don't build them like that anymore.
I spent a lot of time down at Victor Harbor as a kid but had never been on the Cockle Train. My opportunity came recently when my father, a volunteer of the Australian Railway Historical Society (aka SteamRanger), invited me along for a ride. This is a seriously splendid way of viewing the coastline. The journey meanders from beautiful little village of Goolwa (checkout the weekend markets) to Victor Harbor via Middleton and Port Elliot.
Feeling touristy? The Cockle Train is a must. read more