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Join us aboard The Vintage Train as we travel via the Golden Plains to Ballarat, returning 'up the straight' with an R class steam locomotive. Explore the historic goldrush city on your visit to Ballarat.
TICKETS & MORE INFO - www.steamrail.com.au/tours
Departing Southern Cross Station at 9:20am, the train will pick up speed through the Western Suburbs and head out across the grasslands towards Geelong. After passing through the towns of Little River and Lara, we skirt Port Phillip Bay on the edge of the city of Geelong, the half-way point of our journey. From here, our R class steam locomotive will work hard with our 7 carriage train to climb the hills of the Golden Plains, travelling along the original mainline between Ballarat and Geelong from 1862.
Our train will enter into the Western District's lush farming country and arrive into the historic gold mining town of Ballarat at 12:20pm. Here there will be ample time to grab lunch and explore the city, only a few minutes walk from the Railway Station. The iconic Railway Refreshment Rooms will be open on Platform 1, where you can re-live the time before buffet cars were introduced on Victoria's great express trains. While you are experiencing what the City of Ballarat has to offer, our Volunteers will be busy turning and servicing the locomotive at our Steamrail Ballarat East depot, ready for our journey back to Melbourne in the afternoon.
Our train will depart at 3:40pm, returning to Melbourne via 'the straight'. After passing through Ballan, we descend of the famous 1 in 48 Ingliston Bank, providing spectacular views back towards Melbourne & across the Werribee Gorge State Park. We will then drop into the town of Bacchus Marsh, the half-way point of our journey before passing over the iconic 357-metre Melton Viaduct, built in 1885 to traverse the Werribee River. We will arrive back at Southern Cross Station at approximately 5.55pm.
BALLARAT
Explore the goldrush city of Ballarat. With the CBD only a few minutes stroll from the station, there are endless cafes, restaurants and attractions to keep everyone well fed & entertained. The Art Gallery of Ballarat and historic buildings such as the 1889 Mining Exchange can be found in close proximity to the station. More things to do in the heart of Ballarat can be found at https://www.visitballarat.com.au/
RESERVED SEATING
Choose to travel in Excursion Class to experience 'old-school' air-con with the windows open in our heritage wooden carriages dating back to 1906. Otherwise, upgrade to our air conditioned First Class carriages to sit back in a comfortable air conditioned & heated 1940s-vintage compartment.
THE VINTAGE TRAIN
Ride with us onboard 'The Vintage Train’, fully restored by Steamrail as an important part of Victoria’s rail heritage. Our steam locomotives are coal or oil fired and date from 1889 to 1952, while the carriages range from as early as 1906. The train features beautiful timber work & pressed-tin ceilings, walk-through corridors, comfortable compartment style seating, a licensed bar and kiosk, and toilets with washrooms. All rail seating is reserved.
ON-TRAIN SERVICES
Our on-train facilities include a kiosk which stocks a wide range of light refreshments, snacks and hot & cold drinks. A licensed bar will also be operating, serving a range of beers, wines and spirits. A range of souvenirs will also be able for purchase on board.
TICKETS & MORE INFO - www.steamrail.com.au/tours
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Southern Cross Station, Witchery, Spencer St, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia,Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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