The Bellarine Railway
The Bellarine Railway
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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 Drysdale, along with experiences and events which include: * School Holiday Specials * Easter Bunny Trains * Teddy Bear Specials * Halloween Specials * Santa Trains * Day Out With Thomas events * Steam and Diesel Train Driver Experiences * Special occasion and Group charters * New Volunteers are always welcome!
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4.5
115 reviews
Excellent
71
Very good
38
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
2
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.
Dora K
1 contribution
Nov. 2023 • Family
Great experience for the whole family. Keep the train moving!
So wonderful to have fun with our children travelling on the fantastic Bellarine Railway
Thank you very much for our unforgettable trip!
So wonderful to have fun with our children travelling on the fantastic Bellarine Railway
Thank you very much for our unforgettable trip!
Written 13 November 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.
Tracey S
1 contribution
Sep. 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.
Elizabeth F
22 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Very much enjoyed being in a cute restored steam train carriage and loved the views of Swan Bay. Memories of the Red Rattlers from Ballarat to Melbourne
Written 17 September 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.
Georgie C
Melbourne, Australia12 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
Wonderful staff in every aspect of the Bellarine Railway, which my 2 grandsons thoroughly enjoyed even though the trip was relatively short
Written 10 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.
Trip R
8 contributions
Jul. 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.
Lillian
Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Family
The train was a great family time. There was not much to view on the ride just scrubs mostly. My only critique was there was lots of shoe prints on the seats in carriage. Staff was friendly & attentive.
Written 29 June 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.
Amanda C
Brisbane Region, Australia19 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.
Lalala L
3 contributions
Jul. 2022
A fun hour ride from Queencliff return. Nostalgic and peaceful. Would love the ride to last longer, but only because of how relaxing it was. Volunteer run so happy to pay the ticket price. Easy online booking.
Written 8 July 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.
Sarsha C
1 contribution
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.
Brenda M
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia2 contributions
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
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
Josephine123456789
Greater Melbourne, Australia7 contributions
We are having a girls week end in Queenscliff, 2/9--5/9 will the Bellarine Train be operating please.
Betula103
Australia7,903 contributions
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.
Ong Li Rui
Singapore, Singapore628 contributions
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.
AnnieR437
Yarra Glen, Australia224 contributions
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.
Ong Li Rui
Singapore, Singapore628 contributions
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!
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
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Claim your listingThe Bellarine Railway: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Bellarine Railway
- The Bellarine Railway is open:
- Sun - Sun 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Hotels near The Bellarine Railway:
- (0.10 km) BELLA CASA IS IN A FABULOUS LOCATION OPPOSITE THE TRAIN STATION AND BOAT RAMP.
- (0.31 km) Athelstane House
- (0.17 km) Benambra Bed & Breakfast
- (0.18 km) Modern Waterfront Cottage In The Heart Of Queenscliff
- (0.26 km) The Pole House Queenscliff
- Restaurants near The Bellarine Railway:
- (0.17 km) Cliffe's Cafe & Pizza
- (0.17 km) Nivana
- (0.20 km) Queenscliff Brewhouse
- (0.17 km) T&R Asian Cuisine
- (0.22 km) Shelter Shed