South Australia’s beloved Cockle Train is marking ANZAC Day with a gesture of thanks, offering free travel for veterans and currently serving Australian Defence Force members this Saturday April 25th.
SteamRanger shared the announcement ahead of the commemorative day, confirming eligible passengers can claim a complimentary return ticket by presenting their DVA Card or Military ID to the ticket officer at Goolwa, Port Elliot or Victor Harbor stations.
It’s a simple but meaningful way to recognise service, while giving veterans and defence personnel the chance to enjoy one of the state’s most scenic rail journeys along the Fleurieu coastline.
In its announcement, SteamRanger said the free travel offer is being made “in recognition of and to honour our Veterans, both past and present, as well as currently serving members of the Australian Defence Force.”
The organisation also thanked service members directly, saying it looks forward to welcoming them onboard.
The Cockle Train remains one of South Australia’s most iconic tourism experiences, linking coastal towns with a heritage rail trip that has long held a special place in the hearts of generations of families.
The ANZAC Day offer also comes as the Cockle Train continues its fresh new chapter following the rollout of SteamRanger’s refurbished tourist fleet.
Late last year, SteamRanger unveiled its upgraded air-conditioned Tourist Train, a major step forward for the popular line and a sign of big ambitions for its future. The refurbished H-Cars, brought over from Victoria and adapted for South Australian operation, were introduced as part of a broader plan to improve comfort, boost capacity and support long-term growth on the line.
The project was no small feat, with volunteers and rail teams working through extensive accreditation, legislation and documentation requirements to get the new fleet ready for service in South Australia. Even graffiti vandalism shortly before launch caused delays, but the service still pushed ahead into its new era.
Now, with the revitalised fleet helping shape the future of the Cockle Train experience, SteamRanger’s ANZAC Day offer adds another reason for people to look toward the historic coastal route this April.
Veterans and current ADF members can access free return travel on the Cockle Train on Saturday April 25th by showing a DVA Card or Military ID at Goolwa, Port Elliot or Victor Harbor station.
For more information, click here.
