Historic train celebrates centenary of historic line

Garden Route – The railway line between Mossel Bay and George is 100 years old this month and Mossel Bay intends celebrating the event in style – and in the company of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, which began operating on the line in April this year.
“The opening of the line had a huge impact on the local economy – just as the opening of the Choo Tjoe’s Museum-to-Museum Tour has had a significant impact on the tourism industry,” said Mossel Bay Tourism’s marketing director, Louis Harris.

“The line opened Mossel Bay up to other towns in the region and linked it to the rest of the country through what was then the most efficient means of overland transport, while the launch of the Museum-to-Museum Tour opened the eyes of the tourism industry to the fact that Mossel Bay offers a wide variety of attractions, activities and adventures.

“It’s become a very important icon for the town,” he said.

Mossel Bay Tourism, Mossel Bay Municipality, the Dias Museum Complex and the Transnet Heritage Foundation have decided to host the celebrations on Heritage Day, September 24th – one day short of the 100th anniversary of the line’s official opening on September 25, 1907.

“We’ll be running two trains for the occasion,” said Mr. Harris, “the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe itself as well as a VIP train which will be hauled by the Transnet Heritage Foundation’s oldest working locomotive.

“Members of the public will be able to book seats on the Choo Tjoe in the normal way, and everyone who travels on that day will receive a special centenary celebration gift.”

The programme of events at the Dias Museum will include a choir competition and a display of vintage motor cars with arts-and-crafts and food stalls. “Entry to the Museum will be free of charge and we hope that everyone in Mossel Bay will join us for the party,” said Mr. Harris.

The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe’s Museum-to-Museum tour links the Outeniqua Transport Museum in George with the Dias Museum Complex in Mossel Bay and provides visitors an opportunity to rediscover the entire spectrum of historic land- and ocean-based travel – without ever having to set foot in a modern vehicle.

The scheduled-departure tours leave George daily (except Sundays) at 10:00 a.m. to arrive at Mossel Bay at 12:00. The return run leaves at 2:15 and arrives in George at 4:35. The stopover provides sufficient time for exploring the Dias Museum (with its historic Post Office Tree and its replica of Bartholomeu Dias’ sail-powered caravel) and for enjoying a meal in one of the nearby restaurants.

Special summer season departures will run in the opposite direction – from Mossel Bay to George and return – from 15 December to 12 January (excepting Sundays and Christmas Day).

More information at www.visitmosselbay.co.za

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