Johannesburg - Weekend and nowhere to go? Why not join one of Friends of the Rail’s train trips to Cullinan?
The fun starts early in the morning long before the scheduled departure time of 8am, with lots and lots of photo opportunities as the locomotive is prepared for the trip. The train departs from Friends of the Rail’s private station and takes you on a three-hour nostalgic trip to Cullinan.
On arrival at 11am it is great to first visit the lookout point of the Cullinan big hole on your way to the village. In that hole the largest diamond in the world was found.
Start the Cullinan experience with a surface mine tour, and for the clever (and lazy) passengers, there is the option of a motorised tour. Why walk when you can enjoy a mine tour on the back of a vintage game-viewing vehicle? Village tours are also available. Or just sit back and relax, visit the museums, craft shops and brewery.
Friends of the Rail provide free braai fires. Cullinan also has 17 restaurants where you can bake your own pizza or opt for the 1kg T-bone steak, have lunch with a beer twist at the brewery. Or you can decide on a 2kg hamburger at the station restaurant. Friends of the Rail can be contacted in advance to discuss the most suitable option for you. At 3.30pm the train returns to Pretoria.
Friends of the Rail’s train trips are good entertainment for families. They are also worth considering for year-end functions, and church, corporate or school groups.
Passengers can visit the locomotive before and after the trip, and also when in Cullinan.
Passengers can bring picnic baskets, but there is also a kiosk for snacks and refreshments. For details call the Friends of the Rail sales office, 012 767 7913 or 082 098 6186, or visit www.friendsoftherail.com. Members get a 20 percent discount, valid until the end of next year.
Saturday Star