Altona Miniature Railway in Altona North | Non-profit organisation

Altona Miniature Railway

Locality: Altona North

Phone: +61 3 8820 5362

Address: 1 Blenheim Rd 3025 Altona North, VIC, Australia

Website: http://altonaminiaturerailway.com.au

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25.01.2022 Announcement - 13/3/2020 Altona Miniature Railway wishes to advise, that subject to any further Government announcements directly related to Public Events and the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), that our Public Open Day on Sunday, March 15, 2020, will proceed as planned. It is everyones responsibility to ensure the event is healthy, safe and enjoyable. Please assist us by adopting the following important measures: ... - Not attending this event if you are unwell. - Not attending if been directed to self-isolate. - Maintaining a good level of hygiene (handwashing, covering coughs/sneezes). Altona Miniature Railway wishes to advise that this decision relates only to our Open Day on Sunday, March 15, 2020, and any decision relating to other scheduled Open Days will be made in due course. Gates open at 11am on Sunday with trains running until 4pm. Tickets: $3.50 Per Ride, 12 Rides for $40.00 or All Day Ride Pass $25.00 per person; Infants under 12 months ride Free.

24.01.2022 While we are on our little break, our volunteers have been very busy working on some improvements to the railway, seen here in re-ballasting some track. While 2020 has been a challenging time for everyone, we are excited that we will have some announcements in the comming month with regards to our current projects and when we will start to be able to open back up to the community for some fun filled enjoyment on the trains. So stay tuned!

24.01.2022 Our railway is run by our solely volunteers since our establishment in 1976. These photos show a father and sons enjoyment from over the last 25 years who have contributed like all of our members in growing our railway for the enjoyment of the community.

22.01.2022 Our trains come in all shapes and sizes with some being real steam trains! They run on coal that heats up the water which makes the steam to move the pistons which are connected to the wheels. Join us for our last open day on a Sunday the 15th of December.

22.01.2022 We had a busy day today, where our volunteers have started laying out new track to confirm the final alignment before being joined together. This is an exciting project which will extend our ride and experience that can only happen with the support of the community from riding our trains on our open days. We look forward when we can open again and have trains running on this new section of track.

20.01.2022 With the Victoria Government re-introducing COVID-19 restrictions in the Melbourne area, Altona Minaiture Railway would like to share an update. With a further 6 weeks of stay at home orders, we are unable to provide a date on when we will be able to re-open to the public - be that at a reduced operation. We will be monitoring the situation and will provide further details as they are determined. While we are closed to public running, some annual maintenance is being undert...aken on our club equipment. Here our CP Rail SW1500 is on a pair of transfer bogies, allowing for work to be undertaken on the powered bogies and still be able to move it around easily. Much like the full size railways. We look forward to seeing you for a ride in the near future and we hope you stay safe and well.

20.01.2022 All aboard for miniature train rides tomorrow, Sunday the 16th of February. There will be many trains to ride on between 11am till 4pm. Tickets are purchased on the day which start from $3.50 per person... We have an special 12 ride pack for $40 as well as an all day pass for $25. Eftpos is available. Choo Choo https://facebook.com/events/s/february-open-day/870396520071736/?ti=icl

20.01.2022 Now they have started to multiply! The second CP Rail carriage has been delivered. They really have come up a treat and we look forward to having them full with happy passengers in the future. Although we are currently unable to open for the community during this time, our dedicated volunteers have been busy cleaning, painting, mowing and maintaining our trains over the unique circumstances we all currently face.

19.01.2022 All Aboard for miniature train rides this Sunday the 13th of December! We are pleased to announce that we are able to return to offering train rides, albeit slightly different. This will be a ticketed event sold prior to the day. Tickets will not be sold on the day. Click on our Event link for details and how to book.... Choo Choo!

19.01.2022 All aboard for miniature train rides this Sunday the 16th of February. There will be many trains to ride on between 11am till 4pm. Tickets are purchased on the day which start from $3.50 per person... We have an special 12 ride pack for $40 as well as an all day pass for $25. Eftpos is available. Choo Choo https://facebook.com/events/s/february-open-day/870396520071736/?ti=icl

19.01.2022 Going through our archives we have come across a number of photos that we through to share from the 90s and early 00s. If anyone has any photos of our Railway pre 2000, please share them in the comments below!

19.01.2022 A snapshot of the enjoyment of 2019

18.01.2022 Goods News! We have our regulars food and drink vendors coffee and drinks on site for this Sundays March Open Day along with plenty of trains to ride between 11am till 4pm tomorrow. All aboard!

18.01.2022 All Aboard for our March Open Day with miniature train rides in the heart of Melbourne West at our monthly open day - Sunday, March the 15th from 11am. There will be many miniature trains to ride on throughout the day. Tickets are purchased on the day which start from $3.50 per person... We have an special 12 ride pack for $40 as well as an all day pass for $25. Eftpos is available. Food truck also on site! Choo Choo! https://facebook.com/events/s/march-open-day/205801067138708/?ti=icl

18.01.2022 Merry Christmas from all of our volunteers at Altona Miniature Railway and a Happy New Year. Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the year whether that is enjoying a ride or being apart of a birthday party. These activities ensure that our railway is enjoyed by the community for years to come. We will see you all next year with our 1st open day for 2020 on Sunday the 15th of January.

18.01.2022 The trains that run on our railway comes in all shapes and sizes. Here is a small model that was built by one of our volunteers that is model of a bygone Railmotor that serviced country Victoria. We are always looking for new volunteers to enjoy our hobby with us and continue countless years of enjoyment within the community.

17.01.2022 Join us for our 1st Open Day for 2020 on Sunday the 19th of January. There will be many trains to ride on between 11am till 4pm. Tickets are purchased on the day which start from $3.50 per person... We have an special 12 ride pack for $40 as well as an all day pass for $25. Eftpos is available. All Aboard. https://facebook.com/events/s/january-open-day/621305448676671/?ti=icl

17.01.2022 With great sadness, we must announce that following the recent developments in the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we will be cancelling all public activities. This is the only decision possible to support the communitys efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Our primary concern is the health and welfare of our members and the public. We will be continually reviewing the situation and providing updates through our website (www.altonaminiaturerailway.com.au) and ...our Facebook page. We will be contacting all people with private bookings in the coming days. We thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. Why have you closed? A. To help to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus in line with Government guidelines to reduce mass-gatherings. Our members, many of whom are over 60, are at higher risks of being affected by COVID-19 due to their age. This risk is also significantly increased for members young & old who have underlying health issues. Q. What does this mean? A. Trains will not be operating for the foreseeable future. We will not be open to the public on our regular monthly open days and private bookings will be contacted. Q. When will you re-open? A. It's too early to say when we will re-open, but we will be monitoring this situation daily and discussing within our club. We will re-open when we are confident it is safe to do so following Government advice. Q. Can I still use my tickets? A. Once we re-open, you are still able to use all tickets purchased, as they are valid for 12 months but will extend depending on how long the closure is for. We are not able to offer any refunds sorry.

16.01.2022 Our volunteers have been busy constructing new track for our planned track expansion. Over the next few months, there will be some exciting developments with the start of laying the new track that no doubt will enhance our railway.

16.01.2022 Another one from the archives. This footage is from Altona’s ‘Operation Recreation’ during 1985 and 1994 respectively. Running our original portable track and a pair of our members locomotives hauling happy passenger. We used to run at fetes and festivals before we found our site in Altona North and kept operating our portable track into the mid 2000s. It is also to note our original name of Altona & South Western Railroad displayed.... Do you have some old footage or photos of our club? Please share them with us.

16.01.2022 Here are some photos from 1986 during ‘the big steam up’ at Newport Railway Workshops with steam equipment large and small. Our volunteers ran the railway’s portable track for visitors along side the full size steam trains for this occasion. These photos are from our friend, Darren Hodges.

16.01.2022 All aboard for miniature steam train rides today 17/11. There are many trains to ride on till 4pm with tickets starting from $3.50 a ride. Choo Choo!

15.01.2022 Ever wondered what a miniature train driver would see while driving around Altona Miniature Railway? Well, check out a recent video from one of our volunteers, who was down checking on the engines. The video was taken from inside the cab and gives an interesting view. Based on current Victorian Restrictions we are still closed. We await further announcements from the Victorian Government around our re-opening.... We will provide updates on our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you down the line shortly. Stay safe!

15.01.2022 Our volunteers are continuing being very busy and proactive during Melbournes Stage 4 Covid restrictions while at home. One of our locomotives, CP Rail SW1500 continues to receive its annual maintenance with work nearing completion on upgrades which includes a refurbishment of its wheels and bogie frames. We look forward when we can give you all a ride in the near future when we can, stay safe.

14.01.2022 Not long now till our 1st Open Day for 2020 on Sunday the 19th of January. There will be many trains to ride on between 11am till 4pm. Tickets are purchased on the day which start from $3.50 per person... We have an special 12 ride pack for $40 as well as an all day pass for $25. Eftpos is available. All Aboard. https://facebook.com/events/s/january-open-day/621305448676671/?ti=icl

13.01.2022 While in the Victorian Stage 4 lockdown, our volunteers have been busy at home manufacturing components for the next batch of points for our track extension. Our points are special as they have many moving parts with moving stub blades and frogs to ensure a smooth ride but keeps the clickity clack. Stay safe and we look forward to when we can have you all riding our trains in the future.

12.01.2022 Just a reminder that we will NOT be open tomorrow for our monthly open day - Sunday the 21st of June - due to current Victorian Government COVID-19 Restrictions. We are currently reviewing options for a partial re-opening in near future, in line with new restrictions and safe practices. Keep an eye on our website and future Facebook posts for details. Even though we remain closed to the public, our volunteer members have been busy working on connecting some new track that wil...l enable a future creek line extension. Heres a sneak peak of what the run will look like. Stay safe!

11.01.2022 Check out a lap of Altona Miniature Railway from the guards van! Watch and hear the sights and sounds as the train winds its way around the track.

10.01.2022 The sun is out for miniature train rides today! Trains are running till 4pm. All Aboard!... https://facebook.com/events/s/february-open-day/870396520071736/?ti=icl

10.01.2022 Our railway being 100% volunteer run wouldnt exist with all of our wonderful volunteers. Our volunteers tackle many tasks which are not limited to running trains but include, maintenance, administration and construction of projects that enhance our railway for the community. If you are interested in helping grow our organisation for the enjoyment of the community feel free to message us or visit our website @ https://altonaminiaturerailway.com.au/join_us/

10.01.2022 All aboard for miniature train rides this Sunday the 17th between 11am till 4pm. We plan to have a couple of steam trains running which are subject to availability. Choo Choo ... https://facebook.com/events/401401287461408/?ti=icl

10.01.2022 Just a reminder that today (Sunday the 20th) we are CLOSED. Currently with Covid density requirements we are unable to host our normal 3rd Sunday of the month open days. With the success of our pre-booked sessions last week we will be hosting more of these events in the new year.... Merry Christmas and a happy new year from all our Volunteers.

10.01.2022 Our volunteers are continuing being very busy and proactive during Melbourne’s Stage 4 Covid restrictions while at home. One of our locomotives, CP Rail SW1500 continues to receive its annual maintenance with work nearing completion on upgrades which includes a refurbishment of its wheels and bogie frames. We look forward when we can give you all a ride in the near future when we can, stay safe.

09.01.2022 This week is National Volunteers Week. While we are currently unable to provide train rides to the community, we want to celebrate the efforts of all our volunteers! Everyone you see on your visit to our railway is a volunteer. On a typical open day, we have approximately 20 volunteers help run the railway. They for fill roles of drivers, guards, station staff and ticket sellers. ... Behind the scenes on days that we are not open to the community our 60 plus volunteers assist with a multitude of other projects and day to day operations of our non for profit community organisation. This includes but not limited to, working on the track, maintaining the locomotives and carriages, complete administration tasks and looking after our grounds. Without our dedicated volunteers, we wouldn't be able to have a sustainable railway for the community to enjoy over the past 44 years and into the future.

09.01.2022 COVID Update - 9/11/2020 Inline with current Victorian COVID Third-Step restrictions - Altona Miniature Railway will remain closed until further notice. We are in the process of reviewing how we can reopen as a COVID safe venue, ensuring the safety of our volunteers and the public.... At present, we are unable to take booking requests or provide a time at which this will reopen. We will provide periodic updates via our Facebook Page as decisions are made. Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you on the rails soon!

09.01.2022 All aboard for miniature train rides today! (19/01) Rides start from $3.50 per person We have coffee and pizza trucks onsite for some yummy snacks... Choo Choo

08.01.2022 There is still time to ride some miniature trains today till 4pm All aboard!

07.01.2022 Another one from the archives. This footage is from Altonas Operation Recreation during 1985 and 1994 respectively. Running our original portable track and a pair of our members locomotives hauling happy passenger. We used to run at fetes and festivals before we found our site in Altona North and kept operating our portable track into the mid 2000s. It is also to note our original name of Altona & South Western Railroad displayed.... Do you have some old footage or photos of our club? Please share them with us.

07.01.2022 Dont forget our last open day for 2019 is this Sunday the 15th of December! There will be many different miniature trains to ride between 11am till 4pm. Tickets start from $3.50 per person and are purchased from our ticket box on the day.... All aboard! https://facebook.com/events/542478702979613/?ti=icl

06.01.2022 Here are some photos from 1986 during the big steam up at Newport Railway Workshops with steam equipment large and small. Our volunteers ran the railways portable track for visitors along side the full size steam trains for this occasion. These photos are from our friend, Darren Hodges.

05.01.2022 Choo Choo for miniature train rides today till 4pm All aboard

05.01.2022 We have re-opened to the public today - with a pre-ticketed sessions till 3:30pm. Tickets are available at https://www.trybooking.com/BNDYZ and are $20 per group of 4 people for two laps.

04.01.2022 All aboard for our next open day on Sunday the 17th of November. There will be many trains to ride between 11am till 4pm. Rides start from $3.50 per person.... Choo Choo!

03.01.2022 Today, we excitingly took delivery of the first of a number of new passenger carriages which is painted up to match our CP Rail SW1500 locomotive. Some of you may have seen it going for a test run during our March Open Day without its finished detailing and seating. This is one of several projects that were planned to be completed this year but unfortunately due to the current circumstances have been put on the back burner or scaled back until we all see some normality and ...we can start running for the community again. Stay safe and we will see you when the current situation improves.

03.01.2022 A shout out to the Hobsons Bay City Council who are currently upgrading Blenheim Rd which includes sealed car parks and the extension of the footpath. This will be a safer and user friendly addition for the community who come and visit us and our neighbours at the Australian Islamic Centre.

03.01.2022 Lets have a look back into our Railways archive. Back during the mid 1980s when our Railway was a Co Op Limited and was looking for a home to call our own. The Werribee Park Trust had a 7 1/4 gauge Railway that ran along the Werribee River and their petting zoo. During August and September 1983 our members had the opportunity to bring up a train and help run trains. ... One of our members documented this activity which can be viewed at; https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ajUkIC61FfQ This lead to in-depth discussions with both parties in running and developing this railway that would have seen a very interesting and a vast different outcome if it came to surpass for our organisation. During these discussions over the course of 1983-1984, our current site in Altona North presented itself as a part of the Paisley Park development which ultimately for various reasons was more suited than combining with the Werribee Park Railway. Unfortunately after a few years in the late 1980s, the Werribee Park Railway disappeared into history.

02.01.2022 Our dedicated members are continuing to be busy while ‘working from home’ with the overhaul of our locomotive, CP Rail 1238. This locomotive is undergoing some modifications to ensure trouble free running when we can reopen to the community. Here are the refurbished bogies with new wheels and axles being reassembled to the locomotive.

02.01.2022 What a fantastic day we all had yesterday with many smiling faces. Dont worry if you missed the train, join us for our next open day on Sunday the 15th March. https://facebook.com/events/s/march-open-day/205801067138708/?ti=icl