Today was one of those days that feels like three adventures rolled into one. We set off from Mount Barker and hopped aboard the SteamRanger Heritage Railway. Think polished wood interiors, brass fittings and windows that frame the Hills like a moving postcard.
Georgia and Dotty absolutely loved it. Dotty looking out of window while we were pointing at sheep, kangaroos looking for koalas, trees and clouds. The old carriage smell, the clacking wheels… it’s was special
.
When we rolled into Strathalbyn, we walked straight into something magical. A Scottish bagpiper, in full traditional kit, was playing outside the station for St Andrew’s Day, and the sound carried across the whole platform. It honestly felt like stepping through a time portal… steam trains on one side, bagpipes on the other. Brilliant.
From there we walked into town just as the big event of the day kicked off: the Strathalbyn Village Duck Race. I’m talking thousands of bright yellow rubber ducks being dumped into the river like someone dropped a bucket of sunshine. The kids were buzzing. The riverside was packed with families, stalls, food stands and locals cheering their ducks to victory like it was the Melbourne Cup.
Georgia got her face painted we snapped a photo with the giant inflatable duck, because you can’t come all this way and not get that one for the fridge.
Later we wandered through the shops, grabbed some treats, and headed over to the park. Out of nowhere an F-35 jet screamed across the sky doing a flyover. Birds scattered everywhere, the kids gasped, and the whole place looked like a scene from an action movie. Australia really does love throwing a bit of random chaos into a Sunday.
The day finished with some playground time, the girls tearing around the slides while the sun finally came out. Then it was the train back to Mount Barker, cosy seats, tired kids, and that perfect quiet moment when the hills roll past and everyone is content.
Honestly, an epic day out. Trains, ducks, bagpipes, face paint, jet fighters and playgrounds. Australia delivered big.
About the Author
