SA has long battled to keep pace with the more populous eastern States and a high-speed rail network that literally leaves Adelaide out of the loop would seriously disadvantage us.

This issue and others affecting SA are examined in the SA Business Monthly lifout in The Advertiser on Tuesday.

The high-speed rail project is a long way off but just as it took many decades to go from wishful thinking to reality for the Alice Springs to Darwin rail track, a high-speed rail network linking the capitals will eventually be built.

Should Adelaide receive a high-speed rail link? Share your opinion here.

In the decades ahead, petroleum prices will soar, making car and air travel considerably more expensive. Coupled with greenhouse gas concerns, this will accelerate demand for rail as an alternative. In pushing our case, SA should enlist an unlikely ally Melbourne.

While Adelaidians frequently compare their city to Melbourne, the Victorians’ real rival is Sydney.

It should be pointed out to Melbourne that with a network extending to Adelaide, Melbourne would be a node equal to Sydney, rather than the last stop at the end of the line.

Victoria could also be sold the benefits of Horsham becoming the only stop on a Melbourne-Adelaide route. This would open up the western Victorian region that would otherwise risk becoming isolated.

SA has a proud history in the rail sector, being home to some of the most important and innovative rail organisations, such as the Australian Rail Track Corporation.

Obviously, it would cost many billions of dollars extra to include the link to Adelaide and it would not be an easy case to mount on strict profit criteria.

But if we do not get in there and stake a claim, future generations will condemn us as we get left behind when the economic benefits of the project begin to flow.

via AdelaideNow

SteamRanger Heritage Railway

SteamRanger Heritage Railway are operating daily Cockle Train services between Goolwa and Victor Harbor throughout the school holidays. The 30 minute trip takes passengers on a journey from Lake Alexandrina, through lush fields and along the pristine sand dunes of the south coast.

Other SteamRanger services operating these school holidays include the Highlander and Southern Encounter, both of which currently have a special 2-for-1 ticket deal.

Pichi Richi Railway

The Pichi Richi Railway will be operating Pichi Richi Explorer services each Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the school holidays. The scenic 2½ hour return journey between Quorn and Woolshed Flat takes passengers through deep rock cuttings, over superb stone wall embankments and spectacular iron bridges.

On Saturday, July 17th, an Afghan Express service will operate between Port Augusta and Quorn in place of the Explorer.

National Railway Museum

A little closer to home, the National Railway Museum at Port Adelaide is holding its annual Thomas the Tank Engine event between July 10th and 18th. There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained with amusement rides, face painting, games, train rides and more.

St Kilda Tramway Museum

Just north of Adelaide, the St Kilda Tramway Museum will open it’s doors each Wednesday and Sunday during the school holidays.

The museum has a number of historic Australian electric trams, trolley buses and horse drawn vehicles on display. Tram rides also operate between the museum and St Kilda adventure playground each open day.

Miniature railways

If you’re looking for something a little bit simpler, we have a list of miniature railways, museums and plenty of other helpful information in our tourism section.