Steamrail Victoria

01/11/2024

The Vintage Train to Castlemaine – Saturday 2nd November 2024.
Tomorrow 1952 built steam locomotive R761 will haul The Vintage Train to Castlemaine, a second run of this tour due to popular demand, with 292 passengers onboard!

We look forward to a fantastic day out and hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable journey onboard or lineside adventure. The timetable for the train can be found below.

Please note:
It is imperative that if you choose to see the train from a passenger platform, ensure you remain behind the yellow line at all times and if viewing the train line-side, ensure you do not enter the railway corridor or trespass at any time and remain well clear from the edge of any railway track. This includes railway sidings, yards (used & disused) and the main lines where trains pass by. We thank you for your co-operation.

NEWPORT 08:56
SOUTH KENSINGTON 09:07
SOUTHERN CROSS PL 3 arr 09:15

SOUTHERN CROSS dep. 09:51
SOUTH KENSINGTON 09:58
FOOTSCRAY 10:01
SUNSHINE 10:08
WATERGARDENS 10:21 - 10:28
SUNBURY 10:43
GISBORNE 11:06
WOODEND 11:20
KYNETON 11:39
MALMSBURY 11:49
TARADALE 11:55
ELPHINSTONE 12:03
CASTLEMAINE arr. 12:18

CASTLEMAINE dep.15:50
ELPHINSTONE 16:15
TARADALE arr. 16:22
KYNETON 16:37
WOODEND 16:49
GISBORNE 17:03
SUNBURY 17:25
CALDER PARK 17:35
WATERGARDENS 17:38
SUNSHINE 17:48
FOOTSCRAY 17:55
SOUTH KENSINGTON 17:58
SOUTHERN CROSS arr. 18:06

SOUTHERN CROSS dep. 19:13
SOUTH KENSINGTON 19:20
NEWPORT 19:31

Photo: Matt Oaten VR

25/10/2024

Eureka Express – Saturday 26th October 2024

Tomorrow Hudson R711 will head the final Eureka Express for 2024. It has been a massive year with 3 Eureka Express tours hauled by R711 and 3 by R761, and a total of 1,673 passengers carried between Melbourne & Ballarat.
Stay tuned for more with these tours expected to return in May 2025. In the meanwhile, don’t miss our remaining tours to Geelong & Morwell this November.

The timetable for tomorrow’s train can be found below.

Please note:
It is imperative that if you choose to see the train from a passenger platform, ensure you remain behind the yellow line at all times and if viewing the train line-side, ensure you do not enter the railway corridor or trespass at any time and remain well clear from the edge of any railway track. This includes railway sidings, yards (used & disused) and the main lines where trains pass by. We thank you for your co-operation.

NEWPORT PL.2 08:20
FOOTSCRAY 08:27
SOUTH KENSINGTON 08:29
SOUTHERN CROSS (PL.3) arr. 08:37

SOUTHERN CROSS dep. 09:20
SOUTH KENSINGTON 09:26
FOOTSCRAY 09:29
NEWPORT 09:37
LAVERTON 09:49
WERRIBEE 10:00
LITTLE RIVER 10:16
LARA 10:24
NORTH SHORE 10:33
GHERINGHAP 11:00
LETHBRIDGE 11:17
MEREDITH 11:33
LAL LAL 11:54
WARRENHEIP 12:12
BALLARAT arr. 12:20

BALLARAT dep. 15:40
WARRENHEIP 15:55
MILLBROOK 16:04
BALLAN 16:19
BANK BOX LOOP 16:32
BACCHUS MARSH 16:46
PARWAN LOOP 16:51 - 17:07
MELTON 17:16
ROCKBANK 17:23
SUNSHINE 17:47
FOOTSCRAY 17:51
SOUTH KENSINGTON 17:52
SOUTHERN CROSS (PL.3) arr. 18:03

SOUTHERN CROSS (PL.3) dep. 18:32
SOUTH KENSINGTON 18:40
FOOTSCRAY 18:43
NEWPORT 18:49

Photo: James Brook

18/10/2024

Final R Class tours for 2024!

Saturday 26th October - Eureka Express - SOLD OUT!

Saturday 2nd November - The Vintage Train to Castlemaine - 6 seats remaining!

Saturday 9th November - Morwell International Rose Garden Festival - Selling fast!

steamrail.com.au/tours

📸 - Gabe Bugeja & J.K. Photos

13/10/2024

History at Bairnsdale!

History was made today when R711 arrived into Bairnsdale for the first time ever.

It is also the first time two R class locomotives have been at Bairnsdale with R761 having run down the night before with the service vehicles.

R class locomotives previously could only travel as far as Sale due to the now replaced railway bridge over the Avon River at Stratford.

R761 will haul the day train back to Melbourne departing Bairnsdale at 1555 whilst R711 will haul the service vehicles back later tonight.

12/10/2024

The Gippslander – Sunday 13th October 2024

The Gippslander is almost ready to roll, with R711 & R761 heading on the first ever R Class day return tour to Bairnsdale tomorrow.
Times are below.

Please note:
It is imperative that if you choose to see the train from a passenger platform, ensure you remain behind the yellow line at all times and if viewing the train line-side, ensure you do not enter the railway corridor or trespass at any time and remain well clear from the edge of any railway track. This includes railway sidings, yards (used & disused) and the main lines where trains pass by. We thank you for your co-operation.

NEWPORT 07:17 PL 1
NORTH MELBOURNE 07:33
SOUTHERN CROSS 07:37 PL13
FLINDERS STREET 07:45 PL 10
SOUTH YARRA 07:55
CAULFIELD 08:04 PL 4
WESTALL 08:19
DANDENONG 08:35 PL 3
BERWICK 08:49
PAKENHAM 09:03 PL 2
LONGWARRY 09:28
WARRAGUL 10:01
MOE 10:23
MORWELL 10:40
TRARALGON 10:51
SALE 11:37
BAIRNSDALE 12:38

BAIRNSDALE 15:55
SALE 16:52
TRARALGON 18:05
MORWELL 18:18
MOE 18:56
WARRAGUL 19:29
LONGWARRY 19:51
BUNYIP 19:56
PAKENHAM 20:19 PL 1
BERWICK 20:34
DANDENONG 20:45 PL 2
WESTALL 21:00
CAULFIELD 21:14 PL 3
SOUTH YARRA 21:24
FLINDERS STREET 21:31 PL 10
SOUTHERN CROSS 21:37 PL 14
NORTH MELBOURNE 21:43
NEWPORT 21:57 PL 2

Photos: Matt Oaten VR

04/10/2024

Lilydale Steam Shuttles – Celebrating 50 years in preservation for K153!

Tomorrow, Saturday 5th October, will see K153 and the Tait train operating shuttles from Lilydale to Ringwood and return.

Tickets - www.trybooking.com/CUXCL

K153 was built in 1940 and operated in Victorian Railways service until 1967 when it was placed into storage at Ararat. In 1974, the pending withdrawal of R class locomotives saw K153 transferred to Newport and reactivated for use on steam specials, with its first outing a tour to Healesville on October 21st, 1974. 50 years and a couple of overhauls later, K153 is still an integral part of the Steamrail fleet and operates regularly on The Vintage Train.

Please note:
It is imperative that if you choose to see the train from a passenger platform, ensure you remain behind the yellow line at all times and if viewing the train line-side, ensure you do not enter the railway corridor or trespass at any time and remain well clear from the edge of any railway track. This includes railway sidings, yards (used & disused) and the main lines where trains pass by. We thank you for your co-operation.

Timetable
Morning Transfer
Newport depart – 9:01 am
Flinders St depart – 9:29 am
Lilydale arrive – 10:30 am

Shuttles depart Lilydale Station at –
11:10 am, 12:10pm, 1:50 pm and 2:50 pm.

Afternoon Transfer
Lilydale depart – 3:50 pm
Flinders St arrive – 4:58 pm
Newport arrive – 5:22 pm

29/09/2024

The Steamrail Victoria Calendar is back for 2025!

Pre-Orders are now being taken with posting estimated to begin in early October.
ORDER NOW VIA OUR WEBSITE -
https://www.steamrail.com.au/product/2025calendar/472

Our 13 leaf A3 calendar is bound with a wire hanger and thumb tab and printed in glossy full colour with images from a variety of locations throughout Victoria.
Each month has large squares for each day to pen in any personal appointments, days of significance and trips or excursions you may book.
Great for a Birthday or Christmas gift, or to keep for yourself in the kitchen, garage, man-cave or train room.

The Steamrail Victoria Calendar is back for 2025!Pre-orders are now being taken with printing underway. Shipping is expected to begin during October.Our 13 leaf A3 calendar is bound with a wire hanger and thumb tab and printed in glossy full colour with images from a variety of locations throughout....

29/09/2024

Lilydale Steam & Tait Shuttles - Saturday 5th October.
Step back in time onboard The Vintage Train at Lilydale Railway Station for a 50 minute journey to Ringwood and return.
Departing Lilydale at 11:10am, 12:10pm, 1:50pm and 2:50pm.
Tickets and more information - www.trybooking.com/CUXCL

Join Steamrail Victoria as we operate a steam locomotive and the heritage electric “Red Rattler" Tait train between Lilydale and Ringwood on...

21/09/2024

R761 and Victorian Goldfields Railway's J549 at Castlemaine loco depot earlier today.

J549 is running the regular Goldfields service to Maldon whilst R761 will depart Castlemaine for Melbourne at 1530.

Photo: Matt Oaten VR

20/09/2024

Departing Southern Cross.

The Vintage Train to Castlemaine – Saturday 21st September 2024.
Today 1952 built steam locomotive R761 will haul The Vintage Train to Castlemaine, celebrating it’s 40th year in preservation service with Steamrail Victoria.

As part of this celebration, R761 has been fully repainted in shiny black & red by Steamrail Volunteers, returning it to the condition it was in following its 1985 repaint. You may notice small differences to the appearance of the loco to match it’s 1980’s look. R761 has operated with Steamrail for 18 years longer than its total VR career!

We look forward to a fantastic day out and hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable journey onboard or lineside adventure. You may even meet some friendly faces onboard who took part in the restoration efforts! The timetable for the train can be found below.

Please note:
It is imperative that if you choose to see the train from a passenger platform, ensure you remain behind the yellow line at all times and if viewing the train line-side, ensure you do not enter the railway corridor or trespass at any time and remain well clear from the edge of any railway track. This includes railway sidings, yards (used & disused) and the main lines where trains pass by. We thank you for your co-operation.

NEWPORT 08:56
SOUTH KENSINGTON 09:07
SOUTHERN CROSS PL 3 arr 09:15

SOUTHERN CROSS dep. 09:51
SOUTH KENSINGTON 09:58
FOOTSCRAY 10:01
SUNSHINE 10:08
WATERGARDENS 10:21
SUNBURY 10:43
GISBORNE 11:06
WOODEND 11:20
KYNETON 11:39
MALMSBURY 11:49
TARADALE 11:55
ELPHINSTONE 12:03
CASTLEMAINE arr. 12:18

CASTLEMAINE dep.15:30
ELPHINSTONE 15:50
TARADALE arr. 16:01
TARADALE dep. 16:22
KYNETON 16:37
WOODEND 16:48
GISBORNE 17:03
SUNBURY 17:25
CALDER PARK 17:35
WATERGARDENS 17:38
SUNSHINE 17:49
FOOTSCRAY 17:55
SOUTH KENSINGTON 17:58
SOUTHERN CROSS arr. 18:06

SOUTHERN CROSS dep. 18:40
SOUTH KENSINGTON 18:49
NEWPORT 19:00.

20/09/2024

The Vintage Train to Castlemaine – Saturday 21st September 2024.
Tomorrow 1952 built steam locomotive R761 will haul The Vintage Train to Castlemaine, celebrating it’s 40th year in preservation service with Steamrail Victoria.

As part of this celebration, R761 has been fully repainted in shiny black & red by Steamrail Volunteers, returning it to the condition it was in following its 1985 repaint. You may notice small differences to the appearance of the loco to match it’s 1980’s look. R761 has operated with Steamrail for 18 years longer than its total VR career!

We look forward to a fantastic day out and hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable journey onboard or lineside adventure. You may even meet some friendly faces onboard who took part in the restoration efforts! The timetable for the train can be found below.

Please note:
It is imperative that if you choose to see the train from a passenger platform, ensure you remain behind the yellow line at all times and if viewing the train line-side, ensure you do not enter the railway corridor or trespass at any time and remain well clear from the edge of any railway track. This includes railway sidings, yards (used & disused) and the main lines where trains pass by. We thank you for your co-operation.

NEWPORT 08:56
SOUTH KENSINGTON 09:07
SOUTHERN CROSS PL 3 arr 09:15

SOUTHERN CROSS dep. 09:51
SOUTH KENSINGTON 09:58
FOOTSCRAY 10:01
SUNSHINE 10:08
WATERGARDENS 10:21
SUNBURY 10:43
GISBORNE 11:06
WOODEND 11:20
KYNETON 11:39
MALMSBURY 11:49
TARADALE 11:55
ELPHINSTONE 12:03
CASTLEMAINE arr. 12:18

CASTLEMAINE dep.15:30
ELPHINSTONE 15:50
TARADALE arr. 16:01
TARADALE dep. 16:22
KYNETON 16:37
WOODEND 16:48
GISBORNE 17:03
SUNBURY 17:25
CALDER PARK 17:35
WATERGARDENS 17:38
SUNSHINE 17:49
FOOTSCRAY 17:55
SOUTH KENSINGTON 17:58
SOUTHERN CROSS arr. 18:06

SOUTHERN CROSS dep. 18:40
SOUTH KENSINGTON 18:49
NEWPORT 19:00

Photos: Matt Oaten VR & Tim Harris SRV

19/09/2024

50 years have passed since the withdrawal of R761 from Victorian Railways service. The locomotive faced an uncertain future as it lay dormant at Newport Workshops. In 1980 agreement was reached for Steamrail to begin restoration culminating in a triumphant return to the mainline in 1984.

This Saturday R761 will haul The Vintage Train to Castlemaine, celebrating 40 years in preservation service with Steamrail Victoria.

Steamrail Volunteer John Farrell captured R761 on one of its final outings in Victorian Railways service on July 7th, 1974, hauling The Vintage Train to Korrumburra and Foster on the now closed South Gippsland line.

14/09/2024

Good morning from Gippsland! We are ready to go for Day 2 of our Warragul Shuttles featuring 109 year old steam locomotive A2 986.

Tickets - www.trybooking.com/CTOCA

TIMETABLE
Shuttle 1, Warragul dep. 09:35AM, Longwarry 9:59AM to 10:02AM, Warragul arr. 10:20AM

Shuttle 2, Warragul dep. 10:35AM, Longwarry 10:59AM to 11:02AM, Warragul arr. 11:20AM

Shuttle 3, Warragul dep. 11:35AM, Longwarry 11:59AM to 12:02PM, Warragul arr. 12:20PM

Shuttle 4, Warragul dep. 12:35PM, Longwarry 12:59PM to 1:02PM, Warragul arr. 1:20PM

Shuttle 5, Warragul dep. 1:35PM, Longwarry 1:59PM to 2:02PM, Warragul arr. 2:20PM

Shuttle 6, Warragul dep. 2:35PM, Longwarry 2:59PM to 3:02PM, Warragul arr. 3:20PM RETURN

📸 - Matt Oaten VR

14/09/2024

Day 1 of our Warragul Steam Shuttles has concluded and our volunteers are hard at work provisioning A2 986.

Limited tickets are still available for tomorrow at www.trybooking.com/CTOCA - first train at 9:35am.

Did you see or ride The Vintage Train today? Feel free to leave a picture in the comments!

14/09/2024

It’s full steam ahead for our third shuttle from Warragul to Longwarry. It’s cold outside but this group of passengers are cosy and warm inside one compartment riding The Vintage Train. Tickets https://www.trybooking.com/CTOCA

13/09/2024

Good morning Warragul!
It may be a bit cold and wet but the shuttles will steam ahead!
It’s shaping up to be a busy day - book now to avoid missing out, there are still tickets available for shuttles 5, 6 & 7 today and 1, 5 & 6 tomorrow.

https://www.trybooking.com/CTOCA

TIMETABLE

Saturday 14th September 2024
Shuttle 1, Warragul dep. 09:35AM, Longwarry 9:59AM to 10:02AM, Warragul arr. 10:20AM RETURN
Shuttle 2, Warragul dep. 10:35AM, Longwarry 10:59AM to 11:02AM, Warragul arr. 11:20AM RETURN
Shuttle 3, Warragul dep. 11:35AM, Longwarry 11:59AM to 12:02PM, Warragul arr. 12:20PM RETURN
Shuttle 4, Warragul dep. 12:35PM, Longwarry 12:59PM to 1:02PM, Warragul arr. 1:20PM RETURN
Shuttle 5, Warragul dep. 1:35PM, Longwarry 1:59PM to 2:02PM, Warragul arr. 2:20PM RETURN
Shuttle 6, Warragul dep. 2:35PM, Longwarry 2:59PM to 3:02PM, Warragul arr. 3:20PM RETURN
Shuttle 7, Warragul dep. 3:35PM, Longwarry 3:59PM to 4:02PM, Warragul arr. 4:20PM RETURN

Please note:
It is imperative that if you choose to see the train from a passenger platform, ensure you remain behind the yellow line at all times and if viewing the train line-side, ensure you do not enter the railway corridor or trespass at any time and remain well clear from the edge of any railway track. This includes railway sidings, yards (used & disused) and the main lines where trains pass by. We thank you for your co-operation.

Photos: Lionel Camilleri 🤠

11/09/2024

A2 986 returns to Warragul!

Step back in time onboard The Vintage Train this Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September as 109 year old steam locomotive A2 986 hauls our Warragul Steam Shuttles.

Tickets and more information - www.trybooking.com/CTOCA

06/09/2024

Eureka Express – Saturday 7th September 2024

Tomorrow Hudson R761 will head the Eureka Express, returning to our regular schedule travelling via North Geelong C in the morning and via Bacchus Marsh in the afternoon.

The timetable for the train can be found below.

Please note:
It is imperative that if you choose to see the train from a passenger platform, ensure you remain behind the yellow line at all times and if viewing the train line-side, ensure you do not enter the railway corridor or trespass at any time and remain well clear from the edge of any railway track. This includes railway sidings, yards (used & disused) and the main lines where trains pass by. We thank you for your co-operation.

NEWPORT PL.2 08:23
FOOTSCRAY 08:31
SOUTH KENSINGTON 08:33
SOUTHERN CROSS (PL.3) arr. 08:41

SOUTHERN CROSS dep. 09:20
SOUTH KENSINGTON 09:26
FOOTSCRAY 09:29
NEWPORT 09:37
LAVERTON 09:49
WERRIBEE 10:00
LITTLE RIVER 10:16
LARA 10:24
NORTH SHORE 10:33
GHERINGHAP 11:00
LETHBRIDGE 11:17
MEREDITH 11:33
LAL LAL 11:54
WARRENHEIP 12:12
BALLARAT arr. 12:20

BALLARAT dep. 15:40
WARRENHEIP 15:55
MILLBROOK 16:04
BALLAN 16:19
BANK BOX LOOP 16:32
BACCHUS MARSH 16:46
PARWAN LOOP 16:51 - 17:14
MELTON 17:24
ROCKBANK 17:32
SUNSHINE 17:46
FOOTSCRAY 17:51
SOUTH KENSINGTON 17:55
SOUTHERN CROSS (PL.3) arr. 18:02

SOUTHERN CROSS (PL.3) dep. 18:32
SOUTH KENSINGTON 18:39
FOOTSCRAY 18:43
NEWPORT 18:49

Photo: Matt Oaten VR

04/09/2024

Warragul Shuttles - 10 days to go!

Although we were unable to run The Snow Train in 2024, we have not forgotten about Gippsland! Three fantastic steam tours are about to make their presence known.

Warragul Shuttles - Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September.
www.trybooking.com/CTOCA

The Gippslander to Bairnsdale - Sunday 13th October.
(SOLD OUT)

Morwell International Rose Garden Festival - Saturday 9th November.
www.trybooking.com/CVARA

📸 - A2 986 leads the 2022 Warragul Shuttles transfer through Bunyip. AH137.

24/08/2024

Hurstbridge Wattle Festival transfers and return shuttles - Sunday 25th August 2024

Limited tickets remain and should be pre-booked online at https://www.trybooking.com/CTGYW

For all passengers joining us at Hurstbridge, please listen to announcements and advice from Steamrail Volunteers as to when to head onto the platform to board the train, as our train will be arriving, dropping off passengers and heading into the siding to allow Metro trains to use the platform, we will then arrive back into the platform for the next trip.

The timetable for the train can be found below.
Please note:
It is imperative that if you choose to see the train from a passenger platform, ensure you remain behind the yellow line at all times and if viewing the train line-side, ensure you do not enter the railway corridor or trespass at any time and remain well clear from the edge of any railway track. This includes railway sidings, yards (used & disused) and the main lines where trains pass by. We thank you for your co-operation.

Transfer 1, Newport or Flinders Street to Hurstbridge | Newport dep. 8:02AM or Flinders Street (Platform 2) dep. 8:42AM Hurstbridge arr. 9:40AM ONE WAY

Shuttle 1, Hurstbridge to Eltham | Hurstbridge dep. 10:15AM, Eltham 10:39AM to 10:43AM, Hurstbridge arr. 11:00AM RETURN

Shuttle 2, Hurstbridge to Eltham | Hurstbridge dep. 11:35AM, Eltham 11:58AM to 12:02PM, Hurstbridge arr. 12:20PM RETURN

Shuttle 3, Hurstbridge to Eltham | Hurstbridge dep. 12:50PM, Eltham 1:14PM to 1:18PM, Hurstbridge arr. 1:35PM RETURN

Shuttle 4, Hurstbridge to Eltham | Hurstbridge dep. 2:50PM, Eltham 3:13PM to 3:17PM, Hurstbridge arr. 3:35PM RETURN

Shuttle 5, Hurstbridge to Eltham | Hurstbridge dep. 4:10PM, Eltham 4:33PM to 4:37PM, Hurstbridge arr. 4:55PM RETURN

Shuttle 6, Hurstbridge to Eltham | Hurstbridge dep. 5:30PM, Eltham 5:53PM to 5:57PM, Hurstbridge arr. 6:15PM RETURN

Transfer 2, Hurstbridge to Flinders Street or Newport | Hurstbridge dep. 6:50PM Flinders Street arr. 7:59PM Newport arr. 8:33PM ONE WAY

Please be at the station at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to your departure time.

Photos taken today by Matt Oaten VR where we see volunteer John turning K183 on the Newport turntable, with volunteer James watching on and, K183 and 317M ready to go to Hurstbridge.

18/08/2024

Have you got your tickets to ride The Vintage Train at the Hurstbridge Wattle Festival next Sunday 25th August? This year will feature the best of both worlds with steam locomotive K183 being joined by the Red Rattler Tait train.

Tickets and more info - www.trybooking.com/CTGYW

📸 - TCN353