707 Operations Inc

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

Merry Christmas to our members, supporters and guests who travelled with @707 Operations Inc and Slow Rail Journeys in 2...
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!

Yesterday and today, the award winning WINELANDER Slow Rail Journey has toured much of the Goldfields region of Victoria...
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.

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

If you're booked to travel with @707 Operations Inc on our annual members and friends train on Saturday, 23 November ple...
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,

Our members and friends train to Ballarat in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting of 707 Operations is this Satur...
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

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



On behalf of the entire volunteer team at Slow Rail Journeys, we wish to welcome you on board THE VINELANDER Slow Rail J...
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.

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

A table for two, or a table for four! Fine dining on board your next 707 Operations Inc Slow Rail Journey! www.slowrailj...
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

They’re racing at Manangatang, Victoria!It’s a beautiful day in the Mallee today, with our GRAINLANDER passengers enjoyi...
12/10/2024

They’re racing at Manangatang, Victoria!

It’s a beautiful day in the Mallee today, with our GRAINLANDER passengers enjoying optional excursions within the local area.

A very large group of guests have enjoyed the Manangatang Racing Club’s 2024 Manangatang Cup, a day where the usually sleepy town of just over 200 residents comes to life, with over 2500 visitors! Did you have a win on the cup today? 🏆

Another group area travelling around the Mallee, visiting some of the Silo Art Trail within this region by luxury coach.

Both groups come together later tonight over dinner in Ouyen, with 707 Operations Inc proud to support Regional Victoria.

This fully sold out GRAINLANDER Slow Rail Journey has taken 100 guests into regional Victoria, to places off the beaten track that you usually wouldn’t think about visiting.

While our 2024 program of Slow Rail Journeys has fully sold out, we’re very close to announcing our 2025 program and we’ll have some exciting news to share about these trips and more in the coming week. Bookings will open to members first: membership has its advantages!
https:/bookings.slowrailjourneys.com.au/checkout/view-event/id/4317697/chk/fe68/?modal_widget=true&widget=true

slowrailjourneys.com.au

On behalf of the entire volunteer team at Slow Rail Journeys, we are excited to welcome you onboard tonight’s Grainlande...
11/10/2024

On behalf of the entire volunteer team at Slow Rail Journeys, we are excited to welcome you onboard tonight’s Grainlander Slow Rail Journey to Manangatang, with touring options including journeying along the awe-inspiring Mallee Silo Art Trail or attending the 2024 Manangatang Cup in the exclusive Slow Rail Journeys marquee.

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

Sleeping Berth Allocations
Your cabin allocation on board our beautiful heritage train will be provided to you at check-in.

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

Weather
The weather in the Mallee is forecast to be spectacular over the weekend – sunny and partly cloudy days with high temperatures around 26-28 degrees and lows around 14 degrees. Please note that both off-train experiences do involve time outdoors and we recommend bringing suitable attire.

Our amazing team of volunteers look forward to welcoming you all aboard the Grainlander. If you are booked to travel and you have any queries or questions about your journey with us, please do not hesitate to contact our team at 1-800-707-677.

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

Get on board the 707 Operations Members and Friends Christmas train to Ballarat on Saturday 23rd of November 2024.Subjec...
30/09/2024

Get on board the 707 Operations Members and Friends Christmas train to Ballarat on Saturday 23rd of November 2024.

Subject to fire restrictions, R 707 will haul our members train to Ballarat and return, travelling via Gheringhap in one direction and Bacchus Marsh in the other direction.

Non-member rail only fares are just $135 for adults and $60 for children. There is so much to see and do in Ballarat, with many restaurants and cafe’s close to Ballarat’s main railway station.

Or become a member with 707 Operations Inc and enjoy lunch provided. Membership has its advantages: https://bookings.slowrailjourneys.com.au/events/sevenosevenoperationsinc/1300088

** NOTE: you must be a fully financial member (2024-2025) to book a member fare or a member friends fare**

Making moments matter: a great day out with family and friends, only with 707 Operations Inc

Only 30 tickets remain for our third and final VINELANDER Slow Rail Journey for 2024.Melbourne Cup long weekend, 1 - 5 N...
24/09/2024

Only 30 tickets remain for our third and final VINELANDER Slow Rail Journey for 2024.

Melbourne Cup long weekend, 1 - 5 November 2024.

Departing Melbourne, Southern Cross on Friday the 1st November our broad gauge steam train with R 707 will travel to Ballarat with connections to the RACV Goldfields Resort for the first overnight stop.
On Saturday 2nd of November, our standard gauge heritage diesel hauled train will run from Maryborough to Mildura in daylight hours, with stops along the way at Donald and Ouyen.

You’ll have ample off-train tours offered around the greater Mildura region on Sunday 3rd of November.

Our return journey begins on Monday 4th November, travelling from Mildura to Maryborough with connections to our overnight accomodation at the RACV Goldfields Resort.

On Tuesday 5th of November, our broad gauge steam hauled heritage train with R 707 will run from Ballarat to Melbourne, Southern Cross where our 5 days together ends having spent some amazing time sightseeing around the Goldfields and Mallee regions of Victoria.

Tickets on THE VINELANDER are inclusive of all meals and off train activites. At all venues, including on-train, a cash bar is available for your convenience.

For more information about this Slow Rail Journey please visit: https://www.slowrailjourneys.com.au/vinelander

To make your bookings please visit: https://youli.io/c/slow-rail-journeys/vlinelander-1-5-nov

Remember: significant member benefits apply to all financial members of 707 Operations, check your text messages for the discount code. Membership does have its benefits, join us today: https://bookings.slowrailjourneys.com.au/events/sevenosevenoperationsinc/1300088

THE VINELANDER is operated entirely by volunteers who are passionate about showing you the very best that Victoria has to offer.

A huge day for 707 Operations Inc with our day return train running from Melbourne to Maldon and return. Thank you to ea...
14/09/2024

A huge day for 707 Operations Inc with our day return train running from Melbourne to Maldon and return. Thank you to each and every guest who supported today’s Slow Rail Journey, an amazing day out in Maldon.

Of course the day would not have been possible without the support givenGoldfields Railway who provided volunteer crews, volunteer signallers, volunteer drivers and guards, along with their locomotives to haul the train between Castlemaine and Maldon and return. Thank you all!

Repainting of T413 and P20 was carried out under the watchful eye of our volunteer Tom Anderson, with the crew from Steel Protection Rail applying the final livery and lining.
Rust removal and fabrication of new components was thanks to Carl Forrester, Rod Stellini, Justin Pendergast, Christian Barrett and Mark Bakes.

Our loco maintenance team comprising of Kim Baxter, Paul Kemp, David Goodie, JA and Spencer made sure all was right with the mechanical overhaul of P20 for today.

In some way, all our volunteer team made a vital contribution to P 20 and T 413 and we’re very proud of each and every team member!
Likewise, we remain greatful to everyone who made donations both in the past, and today following our mainline and branchline run.

Murdoch Model Engineering kindly donated all the cosmetic jewellery that P 20 currently wears and this gear puts the finishing touches on an amazing restoration effort.

But what’s next you ask? We’re always full of surprises and you’ll see our next restoration soon, there isn’t any rest for our wicked crew!

Don’t forget: donate today: https://www.slowrailjourneys.com.au/donate

Today, we welcome you on board our Slow Rail Journey travelling to Castlemaine and onwards to Maldon.We thank our friend...
13/09/2024

Today, we welcome you on board our Slow Rail Journey travelling to Castlemaine and onwards to Maldon.

We thank our friends from the Victorian Goldfields Railway for hosting the 707 Operations train and our amazing guests on their trackage between Castlemaine and Maldon. It’s truely special when two sector based groups work together for the benefit of regional tourism and heritage rail tourism.

Our train departs from Melbourne, Southern cross station just after 10am for the run North to Castlemaine. If you’re booked to travel with us today, please consult your information email sent earlier this week for all train running details.

It’s a very special day for the volunteer team at 707 Operations, with diesel locomotive P 20 being added to this train service operating a test run, its first mainline run since reactivation following acquisition from Pacific National two years ago. Our volunteers have worked hard behind the scenes to present P 20 today, repainted in its former V/Line livery as delivered in 1985.

While P 20 still lacks the on-train communications equipment and wiring required to operate as a leading unit, it is expected that these works will be completed prior to the end of this year!

All work on P 20 to date has been self-funded by 707 Operations, with some added donations from our kind members and supporters. If you like what you see today and want to see more, please consider making a donation to assist future restoration efforts: https://www.slowrailjourneys.com.au/donate
Every dollar can make a difference and we thank you for your donations.

Also running today’s train, T 413 running on the mainline for the very first time in recent years following extensive rust removal and repainting into the Victorian Railways royal blue and gold livery. Another fully self-funded restoration effort by our amazing volunteers.

Our volunteers really are the best of the best, we thank them for their hard work presenting T 413 and P 20 in this amazing condition.

See you onboard today!

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

https://www.slowrailjourneys.com.au/

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