The Bellarine Railway
The Bellarine Railway
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Bellarine Railway is operated and maintained by the dedicated volunteers of the Geelong Steam Preservation Society, a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1970. The society was the first Victorian preserved railway to be established entirely by volunteers. It first ran trains at Belmont Common in Geelong, before moving operations to the Queenscliff-Drysdale section of the former Victorian Railway’s South Geelong-Queenscliff branch line in 1976. The line is recognised as the oldest Victorian branch line still in operation. Today the railway runs regular scenic train trips between Queenscliff and Lakers Siding, along with experiences and events which include: Private Carriage Hire * Easter Bunny Specials * Day Out With Thomas * THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
133 reviews
Excellent
83
Very good
40
Average
3
Poor
4
Terrible
3
Amanda C
Brisbane Region, Australia14 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
We booked for Easter today. My daughter is 8 and she was really involved in the competitions and she even wrote Easter Bunny a note. However, I feel the focus was on the younger children so I would not recommend the trip for any children over 5 years old.
My daughter spent hours on her Easter bonnet and children under 3 won the prizes who barely had an entry. I think it is just a young child event. Also, I didn’t see much either so I don’t think it is worth an adult ticket as well.
My daughter spent hours on her Easter bonnet and children under 3 won the prizes who barely had an entry. I think it is just a young child event. Also, I didn’t see much either so I don’t think it is worth an adult ticket as well.
Written 8 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trip R
14 contributions
July 2023 • Family
The steam train was a great experience for the kids and it was free for them and prices were reasonable for adults. There was lots of excitement to see the steam in action and the fact you get to hop off and walk around at the midway point was great. The memorabilia tickets are fun as well:)
Lots of photos and memories made.
Lots of photos and memories made.
Written 9 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandeei
Melbourne, Australia13 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We attended the Santa train ride and really enjoyed it. Great location and the volunteers seem to take great pride in providing a great experience for the kids, and the activites were good too. Thank you for the dedication of your volunteers, particularly the young girl at the Santa queue. The Christmas present was great - a wooden train whistle! And the goodie bag was really generous, lots of stickers and pencils, but the plastic items weren't necessary and not environmentally friendly either - perhaps leave those out next time. Thank you for having us. We'll be back!
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SweetLife
1 contribution
July 2024 • Family
Booked private compartment. Inside was completely covered in black dirt/dust/grime/soot and cobwebs - everywhere - couldn't sit anywhere. Told too bad by staff, as it's a compartment that's never used. Left to clean it by myself with Chux wipes and water for half hour - so much for arriving early. Disgusting experience, especially when paid extra for private seating. Worst train experience ever, makes Puffing Billy (also staffed by volunteers) absolutely superb in comparison.
I too am a volunteer staff for other organisations, and would never provide such appalling and inconsiderate service to any visitors, let alone paying customers!
I too am a volunteer staff for other organisations, and would never provide such appalling and inconsiderate service to any visitors, let alone paying customers!
Written 16 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sweet Life
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback. We're truly sorry for the condition of the compartment and the response you received. This isn't the kind of experience we want for our passengers, and have taken steps to support our volunteers in improving how they interact with guests and maintain the cleanliness of carriages.
If you'd like to share more about your experience, please feel free to call us at 5258 20269.
Written 31 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rod G
Queenscliff, Australia19 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Have been on the Bellarine Railway many times and it’s really a fun day no matter what time of the day or year you travel or whoever you are entertaining.
Dining and drinks on the QTrain with your partner, taking the Grandkids to the Thomas the Tank Engine or Santa train days, dancing the night away with friends on the Blues Train or just relaxing on a steam train with visitors on the journey between Queenscliff and Drysdale.
There’s something for everyone!
Dining and drinks on the QTrain with your partner, taking the Grandkids to the Thomas the Tank Engine or Santa train days, dancing the night away with friends on the Blues Train or just relaxing on a steam train with visitors on the journey between Queenscliff and Drysdale.
There’s something for everyone!
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Rod G for taking the time to write your kind review.
Our volunteers take great pride and pleasure in creating the best experience possible and we love being able to let them know their efforts have given noticed.
Look forward to seeing you and your family back for another trip!
Written 16 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ruth B
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
It was a bit of fun however I thought it could have been a lot more interactive. Hot Chocolate was also advertised but cold chocolate milk was given. Unfortunately there was no milk alternatives except water but we were looking foward to the hot chocolate drinks so that was disappointing. I think a trip at night may make it seem a but more magical.
I also feel like a bit more effort could have been put into decorating the hall as if we were in the north pole. The experience was quite expensive for what we received.
I also feel like a bit more effort could have been put into decorating the hall as if we were in the north pole. The experience was quite expensive for what we received.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phillip B
Palmerston North, New Zealand227 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Went for a ride on the steam train when visiting Queenscliff. Great old railway station is only a 3 minute walk from town centre. Easy ticket purchase. Train left right on time and returned on time. Great fun atmosphere on board. Nicely restored carriages.
Written 12 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michelle12091967
melbourne, australia13 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Traveled a long hot journey to get there. Didn’t know what to expect but Mr 5 year old was excited to see Thomas. All volunteers were lovely and in the heat. My opinion $60 plus for us both, no not worth it. After the 2 rides which Thomas was only 5 minutes he was bored. If you in the area next time go but careful consideration of travelling a long distance.
Written 6 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey S
1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Family
Wonderful family day out. The event was so well organised,
I was worried about the parking but no need. Event parking was close to the station and again well organised.
Followed by a lovely walk up the main street to the ice cream shop and down to the beach/park.
Highly recommend. Hats off to City of Greater Geelong and Queenscliff Borough for a collaborative event.
I was worried about the parking but no need. Event parking was close to the station and again well organised.
Followed by a lovely walk up the main street to the ice cream shop and down to the beach/park.
Highly recommend. Hats off to City of Greater Geelong and Queenscliff Borough for a collaborative event.
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarsha C
2 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
Went to the Day Out With Thomas January 2022. We were left a bit disappointed. Train trip was a bit boring. Both the adults and other kids were bored. Needs more Thomas stuff. Perhaps on the train trip have a story playing over the speakers in the carriages and have things set up outside along the way that corresponds with the story being played so it’s more interesting and interactive for the kids to look at rather than overgrown bushes. Couldn’t even get close to Thomas for a nice photo. And instead of Thomas pulling trucks, should have Annie & Clarebelle so people travelling have shade/cover
Written 22 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi I support a gentleman in a wheelchair who would love to go on the Bellarine railway, do you have wheelchair access?
Thank You
Brenda
Written 8 March 2017
The Bellarine Railway
Queenscliff, Australia
Hello Brenda M
Thanks for your message.
We are happy to provide a suitable carriage. Please let us know the day you are planning to visit so can ensure access for you both - 5258 2069.
Kind regards Kathleen
Written 8 March 2017
We are having a girls week end in Queenscliff, 2/9--5/9 will the Bellarine Train be operating please.
Written 11 March 2016
The train runs on Sundays, most public holidays and on other days during school holidays. I suggest that you phone (03) 5258 2069 near to the time.
Written 13 March 2016
For example we sit on the right side of the train, shall we need to change to left side when the train doing return trip so that we can experince the scenery for both side? Kindly advice, Thanks.
Written 2 March 2016
The carriages do not turn around, only the engine, so yes, if you want to see the scenery on both sides of the train you would need to change seats.
A lot of the carriages have seats that go across the whole width of the carriage (you enter each seat through it's own door, so you can easily move around within that area if it is just your group in that apartment.
Also - most of the interesting scenery is on the side where the water is (on the right as you go from Queenscliff, on the left coming back) so if you have a seat on that side of the train you will see the best of the scenery even if you are not able to change sides.
Written 12 March 2016
Hi, we are couple & a active son 4 years old, will travel to Melbourne mid Apr after Victoria school holiday. We are a kind of interested bring our son to ride the steam train but unable to decide either Puffying Billy train or bellarine railway!
Understand that Puffying billy train charge much much higher price but there is family package discount $104 1 hour go then 1 hour return (same as Bellarine $70 1 hour go then 1 hour return)
I am just a kind of worry the Puffying billy is too touristy & the crowd even on a Mon or Tue.
Is there any of you ride both steam train then can give me some advice? I just cannot decide which one to go!
Written 2 March 2016
The Bellarine Railway
Queenscliff, Australia
Hello Ice800908
Thank you for your question and our apologies for late response.
Your family will enjoy a trip with both the Bellarine Railway and Puffing Billy.
The driving time between each of the railways is approx 2.5 hours so may be too much to do in one day, however both railways have other points of interest to do, making it worthwhile planning a day trip to both railways.
The Bellarine Railway is based at Queenscliff - I cannot add a web page link as part of this answer so suggest that you google 'Visit Geelong and Bellarine' and this website provide a clear picture of everything the area has to offer families.
Hope this helps and please let me know if you have any further questions.
Kind regards
Kathleen Kenny
Written 11 March 2016
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