Heidelberg Railway
Reefsteamers, Jozi's very own steam train, has recently introduced a new day tour - the Heidelberg Wanderer! For the
first time since the late 1990s, Susan the Steam Train makes her way into the historic Heidelberg town.
Established in 1866, Heidelberg is one of Gauteng's oldest towns. It lies at the foot of the Suikerbosrand, which once acted as the
country's capital during the South African War. Having seen this war come and go, as well as famous visitors such as
Winston Churchill, Mahatma Ghandi and former president Nelson Mandela, Heidelberg is rich with stories of the past.
In an effort to bring in tourists and local visitors, Heidelberg residents have worked to spruce up the town's museum and attractions. This is one of the main reasons why Reefsteamers are headed back here, as their passengers now have a number of
awesome activities to choose from once they have disembarked the train.
[caption id="attachment_101303" align="aligncenter" width="660"]
Heidelberg Heritage Museum[/caption]
Heidelberg Heritage Tours
The
48km train journey to Heidelberg takes you through breathtaking farmlands and countryside to the border of Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Along the way, you can enjoy a few treats from the on board
Food Truck on Rails. They offer tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cool drinks, water, chips, sweets, chocolates, homemade cupcakes and the famous
Galaxy Fudge. Don't forget to take home a token from your day out. The Reefsteamers memorabilia table has t-shirts, books, DVD's, postcards and other goodies for you to remember your day forever.
The train arrives in Heidelberg at around 10:30. From the station you will take a pleasant
10-20 minute walk with water stops along the way. But, if you feel that you won't make the walk, Reefsteamers will ensure you get a personalized shuttle to the
Heidelberg Heritage Museum, just be sure to mention it to them upon booking.
The Heidelberg Heritage Museum is a treasure trove of archival knowledge, photographs and historical objects. Take a look around to get a real feel for the history of the town and its people. From here, you can go on a variety of different tours, including the town walking tour, or
an hour hike which passes a 'stone-age kraal' built by the Tswana people that resided here prior to the Voortrekkers. These tours are separate from the Reefsteamers Express tour, so be sure to make a
booking beforehand.
Once you have visited the museum, enjoy an amazing lunch at
The Culinary Express restaurant which is housed within vintage train coaches from days gone by. Or, quench your thirst at the incredible
Heidelberg Brewhouse which offers you an array of local crafts to choose from. There is also a lot for the kids to do and enough shade for the whole family to relax under.
Remember to make a
restaurant reservation and to book a
tour of the town to secure your spot. The train departs Heidelberg at 15:30, and is expected to reach the Rhodesfield Gautrain Station by 17:00.
When Is It?
The next Heidelberg Express adventure takes place on
Saturday, 26 October 2019.
Further booking dates can be viewed on the
Reefsteamers website.
Where Is It?
The train departs from
Rhodesfield PRASA Station, Kempton Park, Johannesburg.
How Much Is It?
Tickets cost
R330 for adults and
R275 for children aged 4-12. Children under the age of 4 board for free.
Alternatively, book a family ticket - 2 Adults and 2 Children over 4 years for
R 1045:00.
Book your tickets here.
For More Information
For more information, visit their
website or
Facebook page.
Details:
[email protected] | +27 (0) 62 743 9200.
