What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 8pm Tuesday 9am - 8pm Wednesday 9am - 8pm Thursday 9am - 8pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 11am - 5pm Sunday 11pm - 4pm

707 Operations Inc

Name: 707 Operations Inc
Address: P. O. Box 1051, Newport, VIC, 3015, AU
Telephone: 0420806875
Price range: Not Applicable
Rating: 4.9

Home
Australia
Newport, VIC
707 Operations Inc

707 Operations Inc 707 Operations is a non for profit volunteer organisation that maintains heritage railway rolling st

03/04/2025

Get down to Train World Pty Ltd in Brighton, Victoria and pick up some of 707 Operations’ beautifully restored passenger carriages in HO scale for your model railway!

01/04/2025

Join 707 Operations Inc and Slow Rail Journeys for a weekend of private train travel to some of Victoria's best food and wine venues.

On Saturday join our annual train to Seymour's Tastes of the Goulburn Festival, before enjoying an included night at the Savoy Hotel. On Sunday travel to the award-winning Clyde Park Estate for a leisurely Sunday lunch before returning to Melbourne.

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th April 2025.

=====

Saturday: Join our Annual private train to Seymour's Tastes of the Goulburn Festival:

Join our annual heritage diesel-hauled Single Day Slow Rail Journey to Seymour, attending the renowned Tastes of the Goulburn Festival. Travel by heritage train from Melbourne to Seymour with ample time to enjoy the pre-eminent food and wine festival in one of the most productive regions of Australia.

Goulburn Valley’s favourite food and wine festival is hosted on Seymour's picturesque heritage-lined Station Street. Discover new products and flavours: sample gourmet produce and award-winning beer, cider, gin, spirits and wine. Meet producers and talk to winemakers. Be inspired by chef demonstrations. Learn how to use local ingredients in your home kitchen. And kickback to toe-tapping tunes all at Tastes of the Goulburn.

The rivers and ranges of the Goulburn Valley region in Central Victoria boast mild weather, sandy soils, and abundant water. Our talented local growers, producers, and makers make the conditions to deliver gourmet food, award-winning wines, crisp ciders, unique craft beer, botanical gins, and plenty more. In addition to the fantastic food and wine on show, various bands will provide music and there is plenty of entertainment for kids. Our train will arrive in Seymour in time for you to explore the festival for approximately four hours before returning to Melbourne.

Upon arrival back in Melbourne walk across the road the the adjacent Savoy Hotel for a night of luxury.

Sunday: The Winelander to the much-acclaimed Clyde Park Estate

Join the Winelander and spend a day sampling the best food and wines of Western Victoria as we venture from Melbourne to Inverleigh and the Geelong Wine Region. Relax in our Standard Gauge heritage carriages on a Single-Day Slow Rail Journey to remember, enjoying a gourmet lunch at the highly acclaimed Clyde Park Winery.

=======

BOOKINGS: https://bookings.slowrailjourneys.com.au/events/sevenosevenoperationsinc/1651032?fbclid=IwY2xjawJYsvNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUCII9C2Jr-R3LuutNvcCAovAjpOppNZIpBVMDhuFKJ7kUPnuwA1kdikPg_aem_WExsEOJGpmcAPV6Waexpkg

09/03/2025

What a weekend our amazing guests have just enjoyed on The Riverlander Slow Rail Journey to Piangil and Swan Hill, bought to you by the team from 707 Operations Inc!

Thanks go out to those who joined is over the weekend, on this fully sold out Journey which took in many exciting new tour options for a Riverlander itinerary.

We watching almonds being shaken from trees in the harvest, explored how polystyrene boxes are made, cruised along the mighty Murray River, visiting some of the most amazing silos of the Victorian Silo Art Trail, and along the way we enjoyed some of the best dining that this region of Victoria has to offer.
Thanks also to Jimmy at Nullawil, it’s always a pleasure to have you entertain our guests during our silo art visit.

Along the way, some of our volunteers and guests were interviewed at 1am for a Taiwanese documentary on onboard, we can’t wait to see the final edit.

Both the front of house, and back of house volunteers from 707 Operations Inc had an enjoyableble weekend doing what we really love - showing Victoria to our guests, creating memories that youll chesish for many years to come.

If you missed out on The Riverlander Slow Rail Journey, but really want to experience the very best of heritage rail based Tourism in Victoria, visit www.slowrailjourneys.com.au now yo learn more about our next tours. We cant wait to welcome you on board, and share our passion with you!

07/03/2025

On behalf of Slow Rail Journeys and Seven-O-Seven Operations we are excited to welcome guests aboard tonight’s RIVERLANDER SLow Rail Journey.

Your journey with us will commence at 7:30 pm with an included bon-voyage dinner at the Savoy Hotel. The Savoy Hotel is located on the corner of Little Collins and Spencer Streets, adjacent to Southern Cross Station.

While you enjoy your pre-departure dinner, a Slow Rail Journeys volunteer team member will check you in and provide you with your cabin allocation for the weekend, along with other information about the weekend’s itinerary.

Boarding will commence once the train is placed on platform number 3 at Southern Cross station.

If you’re planning on viewing THE RIVERLANDER Slow Rail Journey as it travels between Melbourne and Piangil in Northern Victoria, we once again remind you that it is not acceptable to enter the railway corridor at any stage, trespassing events are now reported by our train crews. Please only view the train from a safe access point, such as stations or level crossings where public access is provided for. Our train shares the railway network with other high speed trains, and for the safety of other train crews, and for the safety of yourself please don’t trespass.

Seven-O-Seven Operations is an all-volunteer staffed organisation meaning there are no paid staff aboard this weekend's train. Every one of your dedicated crew members is here because we love what we do and are passionate about sharing the best of Victoria, and our rail heritage with you.

Welcome to THE RIVERLANDER.

22/02/2025

The GRAINLANDER continues its three day Slow Rail Journey having travelled from Ultima to Quambatook earlier this morning.

Guests woke to a warm day in Ultima, meeting our drivers and conductor over a hearty breakfast! Once everyone was settled, we started Slow Rail Cruising to our connecting off-train transport awaiting at Quambatook.

Through the Mallee with our coach drivers led by the amazing Jamie, we’ve toured Sea Lake, Lake Tyrrell and some of the famous Mallee Silo Art Trail.

Dinner, and finally some relief from the warm temperatures as the much acclaimed Quambatook Silo Cinema was about to begin, but not before our train hosts John and Darren handed out Ice Creams as we took our seats.

Tonight’s movie, The Dish was projected under a fabulous dark night 🌙 and the stars came out. How amazing if the magnificent mallee night sky? Just perfect for open air cinema!

While The Grainlander is run entirely by volunteers, the Quambatook Silo Cinema is also run by volunteers, Quambatook, residents who take great pride in their community. We thank the volunteers from the Silo Cinema for their time tonight organising such an amazing community event.

Grainlander passengers get a stationary night of rest now tonight, before we continue onward tomorrow. In preparation for our departure, the steps to the train will be packed away at 8.25am, last call to board will at 8.20am precisely.

Thank you for travelling on the GRAINLANDER Slow Rail Journey.

20/02/2025

It's great to be back after our annual Summer maintenance period, and we're excited for what 2025 offers. We're setting new standards with new destinations and new Slow Rail Journey itineraries that will tempt everyone.

With most of our current 2025 program being close to fully booked out already, we'll be adding new Slow Rail Journey dates in the next few weeks, so please watch www.slowrailjourneys.com.au daily to make your bookings and secure your preferred on-train accomodation early.

Tonight, the destination for our GRAINLANDER Slow Rail Journey is Ultima and Quambatook and we'll be viewing some of the silo art, and a very special night at the Quambatook Silo Cinema.
Thank you for booking with us, tonight's GRAINLANDER is running fully booked, there are no remaining beds available on the train. If you're travelling with us on tonight's GRAINLANDER train, we have some important information to share with you ahead of your departure:

IMPORTANT Heat Advisory
The forecast for Saturday is for hot weather with high temperatures around 40 degrees. While this does not impact the operation of the train or the Off-Train Experiences, we recommend staying hydrated (water will be available throughout the tour) and packing weather-appropriate clothing.

Check-in and Bon Voyage Dinner
Your journey with us aboard the Grainlander will begin with check-in and a bon voyage dinner at the Savoy Hotel. Check-in will start from 6:30 pm, after which you’re invited to join us for dinner.

A luggage storage area is located at the entrance to the dining room, and we kindly ask you to bring all your luggage to dinner. After entering the dining room, please take a seat at any available table (shared seating will be necessary to ensure that every guest has a place to enjoy dinner).

Return time to Melbourne
The Grainlander is set to arrive at Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station at 6:10 pm on Sunday, 23 February.

Sleeping Berth Allocations
You’ll receive your cabin allocation at check-in at the Savoy Hotel.

Provided Amenities
All bedding, linen, towels, and amenities you may need are provided on the train.

Packing Suggestions
We recommend limiting the size of the bags you bring into the cabin due to limited storage space onboard. Generally, one aircraft cabin-sized bag per person, plus a personal item, will fit easily in each compartment, with larger bags requiring more effort to get on and off luggage racks.

Dress Code
The dress code onboard and on the tour is casual, and we suggest wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.

Weather
The weather in the Mallee is expected to be warm over the weekend. Sunny and partly cloudy days are forecast, with high temperatures of 40 degrees on Saturday and slightly cooler conditions on Sunday. Low temperatures are anticipated to be around 23 degrees. Please note that the Silo Cinema is outdoors, so we recommend packing appropriate clothing for the weather.

Power Points
All Standard and Premium cabins feature 240v power points suitable for charging devices and other items. Heritage Cabin guests will have access to 240v power in other carriages on board.

We look forward to welcoming you all aboard the Grainlander. If you have any queries or questions and you're booked to travel with us, please don't hesitate to contact our team by using the message feature on facebook or instagram.

Lake Meran Brewery & Distillery Quambatook Silo Cinema Quambatook, Victoria Silo Art Trail

24/12/2024

Merry Christmas to our members, supporters and guests who travelled with @707 Operations Inc and Slow Rail Journeys in 2024.

It's been a big year, with Slow Rail Journeys covering more distance than any other year. Along the way we've enjoyed your company and as we develop plans for an exciting 2025, we hope to have you along for the ride.

2025 is shaping up to be bigger than ever. Get on board today before you miss out! www.slowrailjourneys.com.au

Seasons greetings also to our beloved volunteers! You're the reason 2024 was so good - rest up so we can do it all again very soon. You guys and girls are the best.

Merry Christmas!

08/12/2024

Yesterday and today, the award winning WINELANDER Slow Rail Journey has toured much of the Goldfields region of Victoria, both on train and by coach.

We thank each and every guest who joined us on this amazing journey, a journey where we’ve all made new friends and enjoyed some of the best food and wine in regional Victoria. 🍷

THE WINELANDER is our final Slow Rail Journey for 2024, a year in which 707 operations and our volunteers have travelled further than any other year, entertaining more people than any other year, making several firsts as we toured to parts of regional Victoria that we’ve not been too in many years.

While 2024 was big, we have some exciting plans in place for a bigger 2025, with new journeys and new itineraries to show you even more of regional Victoria (and beyond).
Remember to check our website for all new tour announcements: www.slowrailjourneys.com.au

Our members get future tour news first, along with an exclusive booking period allowing access to preferred on train accomodation choice. Become a member today: https://bookings.slowrailjourneys.com.au/events/sevenosevenoperationsinc/1300088

Seven - O - Seven Operations, The WINELANDER and our amazing volunteers are very proud to support regional Victoria.

06/12/2024

On behalf of Slow Rail Journeys and Seven-O-Seven Operations we are excited to welcome guests aboard tonight’s WINELANDER SLow Rail Journey.

Your journey with us will commence now at 7:30 pm with an included bon-voyage dinner at the Savoy Hotel. The Savoy Hotel is located on the corner of Little Collins and Spencer Streets, adjacent to Southern Cross Station.

While you enjoy your pre-departure dinner, a Slow Rail Journeys volunteer team member will check you in and provide you with your cabin allocation for the weekend, along with other information about the weekend’s itinerary.

Boarding will commence once the train is placed on platform number 3 at Southern Cross station.

If you’re planning on viewing THE WINELANDER Slow Rail Journey as it travels between Melbourne and South Western Victoria, we once again remind you that it is not acceptable to enter the railway corridor at any stage, trespassing events are now reported by our train crews. Please only view the train from a safe access point, such as stations or level crossings where public access is provided for. Our train shares the railway network with other high speed trains, and for the safety of other train crews, and for the safety of yourself please don’t trespass.

Seven-O-Seven Operations is an all-volunteer staffed organisation meaning there are no paid staff aboard this weekend's train. Every one of your dedicated crew members is here because we love what we do and are passionate about sharing the best of Victoria, and our rail heritage with you.

Welcome to THE WINELANDER

20/11/2024

If you're booked to travel with @707 Operations Inc on our annual members and friends train on Saturday, 23 November please review the following information:

Parking
The Southern Cross Station Car Park has a weekend rate of $14 on a drive-up basis.

Departure Time
All guests travelling with us have been advised of your departure time by email or text message.

Departure Platform
The train is scheduled to depart from Platform 4. However, last-minute platform changes can occur, please consult on the station departure displays as you arrive.

Ballarat Layover – Seven-O-Seven Operations Members and Friends
Upon arrival in Ballarat, please make your way to the North Star Hotel, where lunch will be served prior to the Annual General Meeting.

Ballarat Layover – Rail Only Guests
Upon our arrival in Ballarat, you will have ample time to explore the town’s many attractions before our return journey. Sturt Street and the Ballarat CBD are within short walking distance of the station, and taxis, ride shares, and local buses are available to access other attractions. Several pubs, restaurants, and the Art Gallery of Ballarat are located on Lydiard Street, within 300m of the station.

Pick-up and Drop-off Stations
Southern Cross is the only station where we can pick up guests.
On our return journey, the train will set-down guests at both Footscray and Southern Cross stations.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to get on or off the train at Newport or any other station.

Onboard Facilities
The Club 1 Lounge will be open and will serve a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, and souvenirs.

Forecast High Temperatures
The current weather forecast on Saturday is for a high of 33 degrees, with showers developing. While the train is air-conditioned, we recommend wearing weather-appropriate clothing.

Seating Assignments
Each guest will receive a separate email and SMS, allocating you to a carriage for the journey. Seats within these carriages are non-reserved.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday,

19/11/2024

Our members and friends train to Ballarat in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting of 707 Operations is this Saturday, the 23rd of November 2024.

Have you renewed your membership with 707 Operations Inc for the current financial year 2024-2025?
If not, please act quickly to renew your membership with the following link: https://bookings.slowrailjourneys.com.au/events/sevenosevenoperationsinc/1300088

Membership with 707 Operations has many advantages including special invitations, tour discounts, exclusive member only events, and volunteer opportunities. Members receive HUDSON NEWS, our bi-monthly publication featuring news and exciting events happening within the organisation, along with early access to future tours ahead of social media and other advertising.

Membership is only $55 for the 2024-2025 financial year for singles and $75 for families. Join today to take advantage of our membership benefits. Show your support to 707 Operations today by joining as a member: https://bookings.slowrailjourneys.com.au/events/sevenosevenoperationsinc/1300088

If you've booked on our members and friends train to Ballarat this Saturday the 23rd of November please check your email and text messages for information about the journey to Ballarat, and our schedule for Saturday.
We look forward to seeing you on board this family friendly outing. Meet the people behind the scenes of 707 Operations and ask your questions - we're all on board to meet our valued members who are joining us on this special day.
If you're yet to make your booking: https://bookings.slowrailjourneys.com.au/events/sevenosevenoperationsinc/1398457

02/11/2024

Today, the VINELANDER continued its onward journey from Maryborough to Mildura with two stops along its journey.

After a seamless connection at Maryborough with the 10.47am Vlocity arrival from Melbourne, the VINELANDER departed on schedule with 150 guests enjoying their second day of Slow Rail Travel with the amazing family of volunteers from 707 Operations.

At 707 Operations, we love keeping our guests amused and entertained. While we do sell some merchandise and hats, we also give it away! Some lucky guests on board received complimentary merchandise enroute to promote the great Slow Rail Journey trip they’re having with 707 Operations. Get onboard and enjoy the fun soon: www.slowrailjourneys.com.au

Between Maryborough and Donald, we watched the countryside change as we entered the lower Mallee region, enjoying lunch as we travelled North which was proudly presented by Simon and his team from Whiskey June, our guests passing comment that this lunch was one of our very best to date! Thanks Simon and WJ team.

We paused at Donald, where the local community come out in force to meet and greet our touring travellers. Stalls on the platform were doing an abundant trade with our guests, eager to sample some regional produce and souvenirs.
In fact, we needed to stay additional time in Donald to support the people who came out to support us!

At Donald, guests received a regional tourism package provided courtesy of the Buloke Shire Council, one package contained a golden ticket which offered a prize, won by Glenyys! Congratulations

Onward to Ouyen, and the Ouyen Mallee Bakery has just supplied an amazing afternoon tea for the final run into Mildura. Passengers had a chance to stretch their legs at Ouyen, hometown to our driver for the day, Larry Weston. Larry was based in Ouyen for much of his driving career before moving to V/Line and Bendigo where he now works. Larry’s daughter remains in the region and came out to catch up with our train, our volunteers and her father! It’s great to have so much local support and friendships in every part of the state, such are the relationships that the team from 707 Operations have fostered over the many years.

Enjoy your day of touring within the Mildura and Mallee region on Sunday, we have some exciting events planned, and your off-train tours manager will present these events and options on-train and over dinner tonight.

01/11/2024

On behalf of the entire volunteer team at Slow Rail Journeys, we wish to welcome you on board THE VINELANDER Slow Rail Journey as we embark on an amazing 5 day journey to Mildura and Victoria’s mighty Mallee country.

Our journey over the next 5 days is fully sold out, and this is our third VINELANDER train to Mildura for 2024, all of which have been sold out. Look out for a return of The VINELANDER in 2025 and as always, make your bookings quickly to avoid disappointment as they are very popular.

Today, we have two trains out running on the main line network.
The broad gauge steam train with R 707 is on its way to Ballarat with VINELANDER guests on day one of their Slow Rail Journey.
The standard gauge gauge train is currently positioning from Melbourne to Maryborough empty to commence its onward journey to Mildura tomorrow.

Weather
The weather in the Mallee is forecast to be spectacular over the weekend – sunny and partly cloudy days with high temperatures around 30-35 degrees and lows around 16 degrees. Please note that off-train experiences do involve time outdoors and we recommend bringing suitable attire.

Our amazing team of volunteers look forward to making you time with us aboard the Vinelander a truely memorable experience. Please don’t hesitate to ask any of our on-train crew for assistance throughout your journey..

As always the VINELANDER is very proud to support regional Victoria.

17/10/2024

In 2024, we’ve reintroduced a quality tourist based heritage rail service to Mildura, something that hasn’t been done since 2009.

So far this year, we’ve successfully operated two VINELANDER Slow Rail Journey tours to Mildura, with a final train scheduled for the 1-5th of November. We’re pleased to announce that the 1-5 November VINELANDER Slow Rail Journey tour has now fully sold out.

All three journeys that we have or will will operate to Mildura have been fully sold out, meaning over 550 guests have travelled with 707 Operations Inc on board the VINELANDER to Mildura.

While all of our Slow Rail Journey trains have fully sold out for the remainder of 2024, we’re excited to announce that the 2025 program of tours will be announced to our amazing group of members tomorrow, Friday 18 October, giving our members an exclusive period to book their travel requirements ahead of everyone else.

Membership with 707 Operations really does have its advantages - if you’re thinking of travelling with us in 2025, become a member today to secure your preferred on train accomodation, or off-train hotel rooms: https://bookings.slowrailjourneys.com.au/events/sevenosevenoperationsinc/1300088

The VINELANDER returns in 2025, along with all your Slow Rail Journey favorites: look out for our social media announcements for future tours after the members booking period has passed.

13/10/2024

A table for two, or a table for four!

Fine dining on board your next 707 Operations Inc Slow Rail Journey! www.slowrailjourneys.com.au

On board the GRAINLANDER Slow Rail Journey from Manangatang to Melbourne today, our guests have enjoyed lunch served over two seatings, in the ambience of our superb dining car.

Later, we’ve got fresh scones, cream and jam for afternoon tea along with icecream deserts, all sourced regionally!

No fancy coloured lighting required in the Slow Rail Journeys dining car, our guests have spoken and they love the natural lighting and great views as our scenery transitions from Mallee country to the Goldfields.

Jump on board a Slow Rail Journey soon, experience the very best of heritage railway tourism on offer! All run and operated by our friendly volunteer team.

www.slowrailjourneys.com.au

Address

P. O. Box 1051
Newport, VIC
3015

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 8pm
Tuesday	9am - 8pm
Wednesday	9am - 8pm
Thursday	9am - 8pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	11am - 5pm
Sunday	11pm - 4pm

Telephone

0420806875

Website

http://www.707operations.com.au/, https://www.slowrailjourneys.com.au/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when 707 Operations Inc posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to 707 Operations Inc:

Videos

Locomotive P 20 update

Some time ago, a Deed of Gift was finalised between Pacific National and 707 Operations that transferred some equipment to our organisation, and one such item was locomotive P 20. Over the Summer months, works in the shed by our team of volunteers have been progressing, and one task was to reactive locomotive P 20 ahead of further restoration and repainting. Already, small sections of rust have been cut out of the body, and welding progresses to ensure the locomotive looks it's best for years to come. Yesterday, P 20 was started for the first time under our ownership and we're excited to share this event with you. While much work remains before you'll see P 20 hit the mainline once again, we're confident you'll see it back in traffic before the end of this year. Can you assist with the restoration of P 20? You can help in two ways: DONATE: https://www.slowrailjourneys.com.au/donate BECOME A MEMBER: https://www.slowrailjourneys.com.au/membership-application If you can picture yourself helping to reactive P 20 with us at 707 Operations, and want to see it in traffic on our Slow Rail Journeys mainline trains, don't be afraid to volunteer with 707 Operations. Our workshop staff and Slow Rail Journeys on-train staff are all volunteers who support our restoration efforts and enjoy travelling to regional Victoria, showcasing the very best in Railway Tourism. There is a role for everyone at 707 Operations and no experience is necessary. If you're interested in helping out, please contact us today on 0420 806 875 We thank Pacific National for their very generous Deed of Gift, along with our volunteer staff members who have worked hard on P 20 to get it going. Thanks to Neville, Jabez, Kim, Lee, Carl, Mark, Rodney, David and Paul for their work thus far - it's appreciated! #slowrailjourneys #volunteers #volunteering #707operations #supportingregionalvictoria

The RIVERLANDER journey rolls on, late last night our lovely guests received a very warm welcome from the township of Elmore and the volunteers from the Elmore Miniature Railway. Great to see the smiles from guests as they continued slow rail travelling on smaller trains around the 1 kilometre loop making up this excellent tourist attraction. As always, 707 Operations is very proud to partner with regional based tourism providers to promote regional Victoria. #supportingthesector #rthv #supportingregionalvictoria

Oh, what might this be? While we’ve been fairly quiet of late, our dedicated team of volunteers have been tinkering away on A62. As work progresses, A 62 is sounding better each day! Now isn’t the time to be speculating about colour or livery, we’ve had some hurdles to overcome getting A 62 this far, and work continues to get it out the door, and onto the mainline very soon. Hopefully you’ll all be able to see and enjoy A 62 running again on our slow rail journeys in the next few months. While work is ongoing weekly, your donations assist with our restoration efforts. We’ve got a few more key components to obtain for A 62 all of which are costly. You can help, and we welcome your assistance, Please donate here 🙏 https://www.trybooking.com/QWNJ Volunteering is an enjoyable way to learn more about these locomotives, make new friends, work on a project that you’re keen to see finished and learn new skills. We welcome new members and volunteers, please email us for further details and membership enquiries: [email protected] To our volunteer team currently: Thank you ❤️

Another milestone has been achieved , following further reactivation work undertaken on loco A 62. Moving (and stopping !!) under its own power under testing today. Whilst there are still a few tweaks requiring adjusting, our volunteers donating their time and knowledge deserve congratulations and acknowledgement of this fantastic step in operation of A62 on mainline heritage passenger trains for everyone to enjoy. To donate towards this and several other restoration projects being undertaken see https://www.trybooking.com/QWNJ

Direct from Maryborough, The Melbourne Grammar School Symphony Orchestra perform on the platform alongside the 707 Operations train - their transport and accomodation for the 9 day tour!

An exciting afternoon for the 707 Operations volunteers and another milestone reached towards the restoration of A 62. Under the guidance of our diesel fitter Kim Baxter, the main prime mover was turned over for the first time in about 7 years following several years sourcing and repairing various components from within Australia and around the world, parts needed to achieve this goal. While there is more work to be done, we’re excited to have reached this goal. To get here we must thank each and every person who has made donations to the A 62 project. Without these donations, the restoration would not be this advanced. More work remains, and we urgently need more donations to get the locomotive rolling. Make your donations today: https://www.trybooking.com/QWNJ

Our volunteer Christian hard at it today on the ongoing cosmetic restoration of loco T 413 , one of several restoration projects being undertaken in our Worksop at the moment, keep an 👀 out for updates on this and many projects over summer , also view our website www.707operations.com.AU to book on upcoming 2022 mainline tours that are selling fast !

R 707 being turned at Bacchus Marsh.

For the first time in many years, the turntable at Bacchus Marsh has been used to assist 707 Operations Inc with the Picnic Express train. Watch as R 707 is turned on the manual turntable at Bacchus Marsh. In order to facilitate the turning of the locomotive, VicTrack and V/Line have come together to ensure the turntable has had the necessary inspections. This shows support for the tourist and heritage rail sector as a whole and we thank both organisations. The recent Ballarat Line Upgrade works that were completed have vastly improved access over the Ballarat line for heritage trains. We are very fortunate that the turntable and access tracks have remained in place and are available for trains. Bacchus Marsh, Victoria and the Picnic Express return tomorrow, next week and then onwards in Mid-2022 giving all Victorians the opportunity to experience rail travel as it was many years ago hauled by steam locomotive R 707. We thank Ben Carroll MP for support with the operation of the Picnic Express trains to Bacchus Marsh - 707 Operations: supporting regional Victoria. Video with thanks to John Green.

Y 127 between Castlemaine and Maldon.

Yesterday, a 707 Operations Inc locomotive and carriage consist ran over Victorian Goldfields Railway trackage between Castlemaine and Maldon. This video was captured by one of our volunteers Christian Barrett during a run past between Castlemaine and Muckleford, with the locomotive performing superbly in the capable hands of the brilliant VGR engine crew. We thank the VGR and their train crew on the day for their amazing work to facilitate our train getting to Maldon.

Video(3861423113911403)

Just one private sleeping compartment (for 2 people) remains on our next excursion, THE GRAINLANDER and Silo Art slow rail cruise. More details: https://tinyurl.com/2wn3v7pk or www.707operations.com.au Book this last sleeping compartment now: www.trybooking.com/BMSRN A great way to pamper your mum for Mothers Day! #happymothersday #thegrainlander #siloarttrail We are proudly supporting regional Victoria! #supportingregionalvictoria

Take a look inside beautifully restored Edwardian Style twinette (for two) sleeping carriage WANDO, which was built for the Victorian Railways in 1923. WANDO features on our next overnight slow rail cruise travelling to Quambatook, which departs from Melbourne's Southern Cross railway station on the 6th of March 2021. Enjoy the atmosphere in this amazing 98 year old wooden bodied carriage as your journey travels through Ballarat, Maryborough, Inglewood and Boort with short stops along the way. More information about this tour can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/y3njpt5s Bookings in WANDO are now available: https://www.trybooking.com/BMSFW #wando Ben Carroll MP Ali Cupper MP - Independent for Mildura Fiona Patten MP Buloke Shire Council