Bellarine Railway in Queenscliff, Victoria | Travel and transport

Bellarine Railway

Locality: Queenscliff, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 5258 2069

Address: 20 Symonds St 3225 Queenscliff, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.bellarinerailway.com.au

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25.01.2022 Afternoon everyone. Following the latest COVID Roadmap announcement yesterday, our commitee has been very busy planning out service changes. Its with regret that weve got more cancellations to announce. Please visit http://bellarinerailway.com.au/covid-19 for further details. A massive thanks to everyone for their ongoing support! - Matt

25.01.2022 SUPPORT US The Bellarine Railway has been running trains for over 50 years, with its beginnings at Belmont Common in Geelong. By the end of the 1970s, the Not For Profit volunteer railway had moved its operations to the Queenscliff to Drysdale section of the original South Geelong branch line. Since 1980 dedicated volunteers have welcomed many passengers for scenic trips and family events, driver experiences, community events and train charters. One particular charter The ...Blues Train , began running in 1994 and the partnership is still going strong over 26 years later. Another partnership was formed in 2017 when the Q Train approached us with a concept to showcase the region's food and wine products on the railway. Like countless other business, the Bellarine Railway, along with its charter partnerships closed (temporarily) at the end of March due to COVID-19. The railway relies on the diverse range of products it has established to preserve the unique National collection of steam locomotives and carriages; and maintain 16km of track, its classic Victorian Railways stations and the heritage-listed Queenscliff Station built in 1881. The railway's closure has also affected local accommodation providers, ferry and transport operators, farm gates and eateries. While there are many appeals for help, your support, whether it be in-kind through volunteering to keep the grounds presentable or with some other hands-on support, purchasing a gift voucher or through donations, would be greatly appreciated. Help us all to keep the lights on through this difficult time and continue to join us in keeping local business in business. Support links: Bellarine Railway http://bellarinerailway.com.au/gift-vouchers/ Blues Train http://gofundme.com/f/thebluestrain2020/ Q Train https://www.theqtrain.com.au/gift-cards/ See more

25.01.2022 Views wrapped in endless canola fields...

25.01.2022 *** MEET CASPER *** Last year our Duty Manager Kia retired and it has taken a little while to find another to fill her safety vest. So we are pleased to announce that Casper was appointed earlier this month and enjoys meeting passengers - especially those that give him pats! ... Tickets still available for this Sunday at: http://bellarinerailway.com.au/heritage-train-rides/

24.01.2022 PROJECT UPDATE Catch up with the ASG restoration teams progress since they moved the locomotive undercover last month. http://bellarinerailway.com.au/australian-standard-garratt/ ... #steamtrain #restorationproject #volunteering #queenscliff

23.01.2022 *** THROWBACK THURSDAY *** The V-Class steam locomotive was returned to service, back in March 1991, following restoration sponsered by Alcoa Australia. Since then 'V' has been used for the Heritage Service, Driver Experiences and the Blues Train. While currently out of service, it features at our Day Out With Thomas events in Queenscliff!... http://bellarinerailway.com.au/special-and-event-calendar/ #steamtrain #scenictrips #traindriver #dayoutwiththomas #visitgeelongbellarine #thebluestrain #alcoaaustralia

23.01.2022 B = Benito's Treasure It may surprise you to learn that you could be passing over an enormous bounty of gold and treasure when you next take a trip on our railway. Share your 'B' memories and photos or let us know you think the next letter 'C' letter should be!... http://bellarinerailway.com.au/a-z-of-the-bellarine-railway/

23.01.2022 TRAIN DRIVER GIFTS Under 10 days until Father's Day Get in touch to arrange a gift that is guaranteed not to be forgotten in a hurry! ... http://bellarinerailway.com.au/steam-train-driver-experien/ See more

23.01.2022 Last month the railway received this old photograph of a Victorian Railways locomotive at Queenscliff Station. It appears to be an 'F-Class' locomotive, which was built in 1874, 18761877 and 18791880 by Beyer Peacock and the Phoenix Foundry in Ballarat. Of special interest is the building with the chimney on the right, which no longer exists - this would have separate to the main station building. As well as the train crew, who are smartly dressed and even carry fob watches! #locomotive #ourhistory #bestdressed #mysterybuilding #queenscliff

22.01.2022 For all those planning a 'safe' weekend at home, we would like to share a little bit of magic for the budding magicians in your life to learn! http://bellarinerailway.com.au/online-magic-workshop/

22.01.2022 Thomas Fan Resources Visit Thomas and Friends for lots of games and activities perfect families in lockdown. We especially love the game that lets you design and name your own engine! Don't forget to share your creations with us ... https://play.thomasandfriends.com//games/design-your-engin #dayoutwiththomas #visitqueenscliff #visitgeelongbellarine #lockdownfun #stayhomestaysafe

21.01.2022 Missing our passengers - including the fur ones! Hope everyone is finding positive things to do during the lockdown. #stayhome #iso2020 #passengers

21.01.2022 Did you know? The Suma Park Estate homestead dates back to the 1880's and features a stable large enough for 24 racehorses, which is rumoured to have hidden Phar Lap, prior to racing at the Geelong Racecourse. The Bellarine Railway built Suma Park Station in 1996, in conjunction with Suma Park Estate. It is 'normally used for our Driver Experiences, the homestead's wedding ceremonies and guest charters to Queenscliff, together with The Blues Train and The Q Train services.... This station is 1 of 5 along our 16km scenic railway and a unique spot for rail trail users to rest, especially when a steam train passes by... #steamtrain #bellarinerailtrail #ourhistory #uniquewedding

21.01.2022 "you're doing it wrong' - site supervisor #volunteerwork #fridayfunnies #swanbay #locals

20.01.2022 *** REOPENING WORKS *** With our scenic trips returning in just under 10 days, these 3 hardworking lads were about to depart Queenscliff Station and drop ballast on a new section of track. Online bookings now open: https://bellarinerailway.com.au/heritage-train-rides/

19.01.2022 THE ART OF RE-UPHOLSTERING The railway is extremely fortunate to have some members with the know-how and equipment to re-upholster carriage seats in their home workshops. Each 4-seater bench can take around 20 hours to complete and involves: stripping the old cover; fixing bent springs and damaged/rotten wood; adding new webbing; hand sewing the springs to the webbing and covering with hessian; adding the original horsehair (where possible) and new padding; finally m...aking and fitting the new covers - not to mention some amazing dedication! http://bellarinerailway.com.au/volunteers/ #volunteerism #volunteerswelcome #thanksabunch #reupholstery #handtools

18.01.2022 *** A TRACK WINDING BACK *** The last remaining building at Drysdale Station when the Victorian Railways closed the line in 1976. Our volunteers rebuilt the platform, regauged the track and added the current replica station buildings. #ourhistory #volunteerwork #heritagerailway... https://bellarinerailway.com.au/

16.01.2022 Day Out With Thomas - Queenscliff Station: 23 & 24 January 2021 Sessions times at 10.30, 11.30, 12.30 and 1.30 - Bookings recommended http://bellarinerailway.com.au/day-out-with-thomas/

16.01.2022 Today marks a very sad day for the Bellarine Railway. We said good bye to long time member and dear friend Colin "Jacko" Jackson. Jacko was the longest continuous serving member, having joined the railway in its humble beginnings back in 1973 at the Belmont Common. He was a true railway man with 29 years service and some may remember him swinging the gates at South Geelong. Sadly Jacko passed from a few complications last week. I delivered an eulogy for Colin at his funeral today. Colin was very particular in his railway memorabilia and has his own museum located at Drysdale station. Once the railway returns services the Musuem will continue to operate in his honor. Jacko will be sadly missed by all his family and his friends. R.I.P. Colin.

16.01.2022 VOLUNTEER PROJECT 5 YEARS ON The Queenscliff platform garden has grown quite a bit since the project was completed. Once hidden behind a tall fence, the area was opened up to improve facilities for our passengers. The feature tree is a Paulownia or Sapphire Dragon Tree, which was planted by a member years before. Now more than double in size, it is a lovely spot to wait for the train and one of the gardens many places to hide eggs for the Easter Bunny Special!

15.01.2022 Sad news from the QMF Team

15.01.2022 *** Bellarine Rail Trail Run *** Have you heard about the annual running event? A run with a difference - where family can join in by following you along the course by steam train. Following this year's cancellation, we are looking forward to when the run can return in 2021!... @brtrun #runningcompany #familytime #steamtrain #visitqueenscliff #visitgeelongbellarine

15.01.2022 STEAM TRAINS TO RETURN IN DECEMBER The Bellarine Railway is excited to announce that our scenic train trips along Sway Bay will be returning on Sunday 6 and 13 December 2020, with further dates to be announced soon. Where: Queenscliff Station: 20 Symonds Street Queenscliff Train times: 11.00am, 12.15pm and 2.00pm ... Trip length: 45 minutes return Seats available: 50 passengers per trip Tickets will be on sale at 9am on 25.11.2020, with bookings essential. For details visit: www.bellarinerailway.com.au/heritage-train-rides #queenscliff #swanbay #daytrip #scenictrip #family #visitgeelongbellarine #holidayherethisyear We look forward to welcoming you back onboard!

14.01.2022 The best sunsets are when our rails start to glow!

14.01.2022 DAY OUT WITH THOMAS TICKETS We thought that the event had sold out but Sir Topham Hatt has just found 4 tickets in his topcoat. A lucky family can snap up the last tickets for:... Sunday 24 January 9.45am session Book here: http://bellarinerailway.com.au/day-out-with-thomas

14.01.2022 Thirsty work #steamlocomotive #heritage #restoration #drysdale #bellarine

13.01.2022 HELP US BE MORE THAN JUST COVID SAFE! In addition to COVID safe preparations, The Bellarine Railway is also focused on the safety of the local community and visitors. As our reopening day gets closer, the number of train movements will be increased between Queenscliff and Drysdale. We would like to remind everyone to take extra care when approaching road-level crossings always look and listen. ... Since temporarily closing down in March, there has been a steady increase in the number of people walking in the middle of the track, which is known as the ‘danger zone’. We ask that you refrain from this practice, not only for your safety but also for the peace of mind of our Volunteers. Thankfully we have a purpose-built rail trail beside the railway to enjoy, that comes with none of the risks. Stay safe and we look forward to welcoming you all back very soon! #safetyfirst #lookandlisten #steamtrain #reopeningsoon

12.01.2022 THROWBACK Thursday !! The DP Rail Cars - The Bellarine Railway owns two sets of DP Rail Cars from Tasmania, DP 28 & 29 These are 2 of the 8 that have been preserved, one in Queensland two with us and the rest around the Apple Island of Tasmania. The DP Class had 8 different styles from wooden body then became articulated units. Some of these were used on the Tasman Limited until locomotive hauled rollingstock became available. There were 27 built between 1937 & 1950 by th...e Drewry Car Company. The rail cars lasted in service until Tasmania ceased all passenger services however one did remain on the main line until 1996 as a track inspection vehicle. Our two units sadly are tucked away in our storage shed waiting their turn for restoration. Hopefully one day we will be able to see these great units trundling the shores of Swan Bay once again. The photo shown here is of one of our units on a midweek service about 10 years ago. This photo was taken by one of our members Michael Fedor.

12.01.2022 The remnants of a 2-ton hand-worked Britannia goods crane built in 1876 can be found within the Queenscliff Station precinct. http://bellarinerailway.com.au/a-z-of-the-bellarine-railway/ #victorianrailways #queeenscliff #bellarinerailway

11.01.2022 We highly recommend you BYO camera and capture their reactions #makingmemories #familytime #visitqueenscliff #HolidayHereThisYear #photooftheday

10.01.2022 *** RESTORATION UPDATE ***

10.01.2022 Queenscliff Station departure time clock - 1900's style #steamtrains #visitqueenscliff #scenictrip #sundayfunday

10.01.2022 All passengers are encouraged to chat with the locomotive crew - book your seat here: http://bellarinerailway.com.au/heritage-train-rides/

09.01.2022 Just one of the sights that can be seen along our railway Travelled with us before? Share what you captured during your trip!... #sightseeing #outandabout #scenictrip #visitgeelongbellarine #queenscliff #fenceideas #photography

08.01.2022 Inspiration for better times... Back in 2018 HandZaround Video and Photography visited us when preparing their launch video #madeingeeling https://www.facebook.com/HandZaroundVideoPhotography/videos/518437275294156/

08.01.2022 Such a wonderful idea! Share with those who would love to make pompoms to send to Walhalla Railway. ... #lockdownactivity #funforkids #positivity

08.01.2022 =[]=[]=[]= A TRACK WINDING BACK =[]=[]=[]= The Bellarine Vintage Machinery Group has been presenting the Father's Day Display at Drysdale Station, with the support of the Bellarine Railway since 2014. Sadly, it will not be held this coming Sunday - due to the current restrictions. But you can always make plans for 2021, to take Dad to see the vintage machinery in action. Like this traction engine restored by one of their young members in time for last years display - impressive work!

08.01.2022 WE'RE PLANNING TO REOPEN! While we are yet to announce our reopening date - we are excited to say that we are getting closer to welcoming you back for steam train rides along the shores of Swan Bay! The Operations Team are fine-tuning our Covid Safe Plan and setting up the railway for social distancing to ensure passenger safety during visits. Please stay tuned and we will keep you posted on when bookings open and what will be happening. ... http://bellarinerailway.com.au/subscribetonewsletter-2/ #steamtrainride #reopening #visitqueenscliffpointlonsdale #visitgeelongbellarine #holidayherethisyear

08.01.2022 The Bellarine Railway would like to thank everyone once again for all the support during the COVID-19 Pandemic! Whilst everyone is away from the railway, here's a time-lapse one of our CCTV Cameras captured on Monday! Hail, Rain, Sunshine, hopefully this brightens everyone's day! - Matt

07.01.2022 A different perspective by Lostnomad photography #visitgeelongbellarine #queenscliffrailway #narrowgauge #heritagetrains

07.01.2022 Pozieres took a delivery of concrete sleepers up to the new bridge last week, as a 2nd test run following a major overall to the motion gear. As part of this, the side-rods have been sanded and clear coated to help prevent rust. Fingers crossed they will remain shiny after the care and attention they have been given. #steamlocomotive #shinythings #attentiontodetail #norust #bellarine

07.01.2022 D = DEFENCE One feature of the Queenscliff Railway which makes it unique is the fact that it was primarily built to support the defence of Victoria. Share your 'D' memories and photos or let us know you think the next letter 'E' letter should be!... http://bellarinerailway.com.au/a-z-of-the-bellarine-railway/

07.01.2022 HAPPY FATHER'S DAY We hope that Dad's find a special way to be with their children - together or apart! #fathersday #familytime #traintracks #backrub #stayhomestaysafe #etsyfinds

07.01.2022 As planning continues for resuming services, we thought wed share some drone footage of our railway prior to our temporary shutdown. Check it out via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIrZJm0VKxU We cant wait to see you all back again soon!

06.01.2022 *** Wind back Wednesday *** A trackside view of the T-Class taking passengers on a trip to Drysdale. #planatrip #steamtrain #stayhomestayafe #visitgeelongbellarine #visitqueenscliff... https://youtu.be/VIVRDxFgv9U

05.01.2022 *** NEW SESSIONS RELEASED *** Our Day Out With Thomas sessions are close to selling out, so we have released an extra 2.30pm session on both Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 January Make their day, book online today! ... http://bellarinerailway.com.au/day-out-with-thomas/ #dayoutwiththomasqueenscliff #creatingmemories #visitgeelongbellarine #visitqueenscliff

05.01.2022 Queenscliff & Point Lonsdale Day of Old posted footage of a Summer Excursion Train from Melbourne to Queenscliff in December 1967. #reidgck #queenscliff #steamtrain #wewillbeback #StaySafeStayHome

03.01.2022 QMF live streaming tonight at 7pm ! https://www.facebook.com/queenscliffmusfest/videos/913140855847061/

03.01.2022 SUNDAY = STEAM TRAIN RIDES As rail trail users approach Queenscliff they can enjoy Swan Bay views, wave to steam train passengers or better still jump on-board and wave back to trail users! Book online to reserve your seats here: http://bellarinerailway.com.au/heritage-train-rides/

02.01.2022 YOUTH SOCIAL GROUP With restrictions now eased for Melbourne, our younger volunteers were keen to hold their first monthly working bee last weekend. See what they achieved on our Behind The Bellarine Railway page and send a private message if you would like to find out more about joining the group. ... #volunteering #thanksabunch #reopening

02.01.2022 After the storm, there is a rainbow #apartbuttogether #wearamask #staysafestayhome

02.01.2022 16kms of open space #staylocal #wearamask #staysafe #socialdistancing