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 workshop tours, which take place from 11:00–11:30 and again from 14:00–14:30. This behind the scene tour is a wonderful opportunity to get a closer look at where the trains are made and to 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.

Pinic in the park

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, fresh popcorn, party packs, ice cream, and slushies.

Children are welcome to bring their bicycles, and parents may bring their RC boats and RC cars to enjoy in our designated activity areas.

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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

2026 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
16 June | 10 August | 24 September | 16 December | 26 December

UPCOMING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
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

Well socialised dogs are welcome to join in on your next visit to WLR- they may even ride the train for free.

All dogs must be kept on a leash at all times (compulsory). Owners must clean up after their pets and bring their own waste bags (also compulsory).

We love welcoming your four-legged family members — as long as everyone helps us keep the park safe, clean, and enjoyable for all guests.

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

Make birthdays unforgettable with a day of adventure on the trains.

Our park offers the perfect setting for energetic, outdoor celebrations where children can enjoy train rides, open spaces, and hours of entertainment in a safe and scenic environment.

Parents can relax while we provide the backdrop for a truly memorable celebration

Gender reveal party

One of our most unique and talked-about experiences.

As the steam train emerges through the tunnel, a burst of coloured smoke reveals the big surprise — pink or blue — creating a magical moment shared with family and friends.

Gather your loved ones and join us for a truly one-of-a-kind reveal experience in a scenic outdoor setting

Weekday school outing

We welcome school groups for structured weekday visits at R65 per person (learners and facilitators).

The outing includes up to 3 hours of park access as well as unlimited train rides for 2 of the 3 hours on one of our electric engines.

Minimum group size: 20 guests. Advance booking is essential

From 2026, we will also be introducing a dedicated school learning program tailored to pre-primary and primary learners. Please contact us for details.

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.