Winelands Light Railway

About us

Welcome to Winelands Light Railway

Located on the R304 in Koelenhof, Stellenbosch, Winelands Light Railway first opened its gates on 14 December 2019. Since then, it has become a special place where families come together to enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories.

Climb aboard at Park Station and enjoy a scenic 7-minute train ride along our 760m track, designed for both little ones and the young at heart. Our park offers a relaxed, family-friendly environment where children can play, explore, and experience the charm of miniature railways.

Our electric trains, Dozer and Fritz, operate between 09:00 and 16:15, keeping the railway running throughout the day.

On weekends, our much-loved steam train joins the fleet and runs between 10:00 and 15:30. Please note that the steam train pauses during the day for lunch and for our popular loco shed tours, which take place from 11:45–12:00 and again from 14:45–15:00. These tours are a wonderful opportunity for families to get a closer look at the trains and learn more about how they work.

Kindly note that the steam train does not operate in wet weather.

Whether you’re visiting for a quick ride or planning to spend a few hours in the park, Winelands Light Railway offers a unique outdoor experience for the whole family.

Food and drinks

Visitors are welcome to bring in their own picnic baskets and spend the day with us. We have beautiful, shaded lawns where families can unwind. Please do not forget to pack your picnic blankets and fold up chairs as picnic tables are limited. We work on a first come basis with the tables, therefore no reservations can be made.

Kindly note that no alcohol nor any heating equipment, including braais and skottels, are permitted. We also do not allow any umbrellas or gazebos inside the park. Our kiosk is open every operating day between 09.00 – 16.00 and will provide you with a variety of refreshments to choose from including coffee, popcorn, and slushies.

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Operating days

Every weekend, public holiday, long weekends, and public-school holidays.

Operating times are between 09:00 – 16:30, with the last train ride departing at 16:15.

Operating dates are at the sole discretion of park management.

Closed on wet weather days.

WEEKENDS
Every Saturday and Sunday

UPCOMING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
27 March 2026 – 06 April 2026 | 26 June 2026 – 21 July 2026 | 23 September 2026 – 06 October 2026 | 09 December 2026 – 13 January 2027

Closed: 25 December 2026 & 01 January 2027

Entry fees

R90 per person: access to the park and one complimentary train ride.

R145 per person: access to the park and unlimited train rides.

R580 per person: annual pass.

A standard access fee of R90 per person will apply to non-riders.

Tickets and train rides are non-transferable. Tickets are sold at the entrance of the park. Card facilities are available.

Please follow our Facebook page for important announcements.

Pet Friendly Park

Why leave anyone at home when our park welcomes the whole family? Well socialised dogs are welcome to join in on the fun, including the train rides.

Don’t forget your leash (compulsory) and your poop bags (also compulsory).

Steam Driver Experience

Step into the cab. Feel the heat. Bring a living steam locomotive to life.

Winelands Light Railway invites you to an exclusive Steam Driver Experience – a hands-on journey into the heart of steam railroading, guided by our experienced crew and offered only when the park is closed to the public.

Join us for an exclusive 3-4 hour hands-on steam experience where you’ll steam up a loco, drive it, and clean it down—guided by our expert team.

What the experience includes:

Steaming up a working steam locomotive.
Driving the locomotive under supervision.
A full behind-the-scenes introduction to steam operation.
Cleaning down the engine at the end of the run.

Package Details:

R2,950 per person
Max 2 people
Weekdays / non-public days
Light refreshments included

Have questions or want to book your Steam Driver Experience? Get in touch at wlr@thetrainpark.co.za.

Winelands Light Railway | Steam Driver Experience

Events

Children’s birthday party

With our train rides entertaining your kids for hours on end, you will find
great pleasure in hosting a jubilant birthday party in Cape Town with us.

Gender reveal party

Our gender reveal parties have grown in popularity due to the exclusivity we have to offer. As the steam train comes puffing through the tunnel, you will either see pink or blue smoke as you exit. Gather all your friends and family and jump on-board for this special moment.

Baby shower | Kitchen tea

Our avenues of trees and lush green lawns is very inviting for exclusive memories to be made by hosting a baby shower or kitchen tea in our park.

Weekday school outing

We offer weekday bookings for school groups at R65pp (scholar / facilitator.) This includes three hours of free play, plus unlimited train rides for two of the three hours on one of our electric engines. A minimum of 20 visitors required. Booking is essential. Starting in 2026, we will offer a school programme to our pre-primary and primary school learners. Please email us for more information.

Weekday corporate events & family day

Our park is welcoming to family-friendly corporate events where children and adults can equally enjoy the day by sharing in a unique outdoor activity.

To find out how we can host your next event, please send us an email at wlr@thetrainpark.co.za.

Please read all the dos and don’ts of the park. This will help eliminate confusion or any upset on the day of your event.

No reselling of tickets will be permitted.