We urge you to bring yourself, bring the kids, bring the camera and have a great day's getaway in Rayton or Cullinan, travelling there and back on our vintage steam train.

Enjoy an outing as in the golden era of steam-powered transportation and let your troubles drift away like the cloud of exhaust smoke from our beautiful old steam engine.

Departures: 08:30 sharp (unless otherwise advised) from our own private Hermanstad Station near Hercules (click here for a map). Please check in at least 30 minutes before departure.

Return departs at 15:00 sharp from Cullinan station and from Rayton station at about 15 minutes later. Arrives back in the Hermanstad depot at about 17:00.

Planned 2010 running dates:

Train ticket prices (return train travel to either Rayton or Cullinan):
Adults: R175.00;
Pensioners: R150.00;
Children 13 to 18 years: R125.00;

Children 7 to 12 years: R100.00;
Children 2 to 6 years: R75.00;
Children under 2: free.

*Timetable, prices and fares subject to change if necessary without prior notice.

Big group? Special occasion? Just want privacy?. Then why not rent your own private coach or even your own private train? 55-seat private coach: R7000.00, 65-seat private coach: R8000.00, 75-seat private coach R9000.00. Open party or dance coach and a luxury "Regional Manager's" coaches are also available for hire. Did you know that you or your company can charter your own personal, completely private steam train to Cullinan on the date and time of your choice starting from only R45000.00! Contact FOTR Sales on 012 548-4090 for details.

The Trip:

Step back in time as we travel some 40 km eastwards, out of Pretoria along the historic NZASM railway line towards Delagoa Bay (now Maputo). Built into the former Portuguese-owned East African territory by President Kruger to break the dependence of the Afrikaner Zuid-Afrikaansche Republic (the Transvaal) on the British-run colonies to the south and east, this line was completed in 1894. This very route saw both Winston Churchill's escape from Boer custody towards the end of 1899 and Kruger's flight into exile during 1900.

Steaming hard against some gradients, we travel at a leisurely pace through the outer suburbs of Pretoria and Tshwane into the country and up through the scenic Pienaar's Poort. Just over an hour later we pull into the junction town of Rayton where we collect the "train staff", a token device authorising us to take the single-track Cullinan branch line in safety, ensuring that we are its only occupants.

Immediately after Rayton, the train turns out northwards around a sharp 180 degree horseshoe bend onto the scenic 11 km long Cullinan branch line. Completed just over 100 years ago in 1905, this line was built by the Premier Diamond Mine. This line saw frenetic activity during the World War II, when it serviced the large Italian POW camp at Zonderwater and the massive SA military logistics and supply depots established in and around Cullinan itself.

The Premier Diamond Mine is where the world's largest rough gem-quality diamond was found in 1905. Cut into several smaller, polished stones, the gems are currently owned by the British Monarchy. See this Wkipedia article for more information.

Venues:

You can choose from several very different venues for your enjoyment.

1. Cullinan DIY:

Stay on the train all the way through to Cullinan station, then do your own thing and explore the quaint, historic village of Cullinan itself. Enjoy a lunch in the village at one of the several different cafes, restaurants (direct advance booking definately advised) and fast food outlets (like Wimpy) or else bring your own braai meats, utensils and picnic basket. Cullinan Tourism provides braai fires in the old mining village not far from the station. Walk about 500 metres or take a tractor-tram ride.

2. Garden View Resort:
Hop on the transport provided and picnic at Garden View, an informal outdoor picnic resort, just a short ride away. The resort has a large swimming pool and picnic area with braai facilities. Adults: R50 - transport and entrance, Children under 12: R25, transport and entrance. Pre-booking through FOTR is essential.
Garden View provides:
* Lots of shade and trees
* Lapa/Boma’s with braai facilities, tables and chairs
* Swimming pool
* Various sports like soccer, darts and volleyball
* Toilets and shower facilities
* Jungle gyms and doll's house
* Farm stall with home-made products
* Guest House
Call the resort directly on 079-269-3218 for more detailed information.

3. Diamond Mine Tours:

Tours to the Premier Diamond Mine in Cullinan or to local spas and game farms can also be arranged at extra cost. Contact FOTR Sales on 012 548 4090 or cellphone 082-098-6186 for more information.

Tourism links to activities, cafes and restaurants:

The Dinokeng Tourism official website has details of several activities in the area. Click to see this website.

The private Easyfind Dinokeng Tourist Guide also has details about the area. Click here to access this website.

The Cullinan Meander Guide also has details about the area. Click here to access this website.

Options available at the venues:

Garden View Resort (Short road transfer from Cullinan):

Road transfer and entrance fee (if going there):  Adults: R50, children under 12: R25.

Entrance and transport to the resort must be pre-booked and paid to FOTR together with the train booking.

Meal options:

Cullinan Village:

No entrance fees except to occasional special events and tours.

Advance restaurant and cafe booking is highly recommended. Please make reservations directly with the chosen establishments themselves. Contact details available on the Dinokeng and Easyfind websites (see above).

Note: The annual Cullifest festival is held on the fields of the local Rugby Club and requires an entrance fee to be paid on arrival.

Restored miner's cottages in Oak Ave