Johannesburg - Winter is almost here with many weekends to fill. 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. There are many photo opportunities as the locomotive is preparing for the trip. At 8am it departs from the Friends of the Rail’s private station and takes you on a three- hour nostalgic trip to Cullinan.
On arrival in Cullinan at 11am, it is great fun, first of all, to visit the lookout point of the Cullinan big hole on your way to the village.
It was in this hole that the largest diamond in the world was found in 1905.
Start the Cullinan experience with a surface mine tour and for the clever and inactive 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. Those not interested in a tour can just sit back and relax, or visit the museums, craft shops and brewery.
Friends of the Rail provides free fires for those who would like to braai.
Cullinan also has about 17 restaurants to choose from.
Bake your own pizza at the Italian restaurant or opt for the 1kg T-bone steak, have a lunch with a beer twist at the beer brewery and remember to buy some beer to take home or you can have a 2kg hamburger at the station restaurant.
You are welcome to phone the friendly Friends of the Rail sales office to discuss which restaurant would suit you best.
At 3.30pm it is time to return to Pretoria. It’s popular to relax and take a nap on the return journey.
Friends of the Rail’s train trips are great family entertainment, but also suited for functions and church, business or school groups.
Passengers are welcome to visit the locomotive before and after the trip and also when in Cullinan. And remember to bring your camera.
Passengers are allowed to bring picnic baskets. However, there is also a kiosk where you can buy snacks and refreshments.
A photo posted by 🔻ｙｖｅｔｔｅ 🔻 (@the_peach) on May 2, 2016 at 12:29pm PDT
More information is available from the Friends of the Rail sales office. Call 012 767 7913 or 082 098 6186 or see the website at www.friendsoftherail. com.
Travel members qualify for a 20 percent discount until the end of the year.
Saturday Star