In 1922 the Railways and Harbours Board recommended the construction of a railway between George and Knysna, a distance of approximately 67 kilometers, at an estimated cost of 296 820 pounds. The building of the line was started simultaneously from George and Knysna in 1924. Although the railway from George to Knysna was available for and passenger traffic since May 1928, it was formally opened by the Minister of Railways and Harbours, the Hon.C.W. Malan, on Wednesday, October 17^th. When this line was built it was regarded as the most expensive piece of clickety clack in the world.

The George – Knysna line was declared a preserved railway in 1992 and officially handed over to the Transnet Foundation, Heritage Preservation in 1993. At that time there was only daily return trip from George to Knysna with an average of 40 000 passengers per year. Up until August 2006 approximately 
115 000 passengers travel the line annually of whom 70 % are foreign tourist.

During August 2006 severe storms hit the Southern Cape and extensive flood damage was caused to the railway infrastructure resulting in the closure of the line. Damage runs into millions of rand with major constructions worked required clearing the many landslides and at certain places the construction of culverts and rebuilding of the line.  

     
    Captions: Damage to the track during floods of 2006

Between the Kaaimans River Bridge and Wilderness imminent landslides above the railway line is a huge concern and some engineering magic is required to stabilize and secure the embankment.

Since November 2006 the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe resumed operations between George and Hartenbos, a scenic route traversing the farmlands outside George with the Outeniqua Mountain in the background before descending down to the Indian Ocean.

In April 2007 the service has been revised and now ends at the Dias Museum Complex in Mossel Bay.


Captions above: Photos taken at the Dias Museum Complex