Castlemaine Vintage Train - Saturday 10th Oct 2026
Location
About
Celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Vintage Train!
Experience the Golden Age of Rail as we transport you back in time onboard The Vintage Train to Castlemaine.
Experience the Golden Age of Rail as we transport you back in time onboard The Vintage Train to Castlemaine.
Departing Southern Cross Station, the train will steam north from the heart of Melbourne. Sit back in your comfortable compartment and enjoy the scenery as our classic steam locomotive powers through the countryside. Nearly 50 miles of climbing is to be expected from Melbourne to the peak near Woodend, 1902ft above sea level. Spectacular views can be had as we steam through Sunbury, crossing Jacksons Creek and up towards the Macedon Ranges. Pass over the 1862 built Malmsbury and Taradale Viaducts and through Elphinstone Tunnel before arriving at Castlemaine.
CASTLEMAINE
A charming town with a rich history and a vibrant culture, Castlemaine was once a booming gold mining town, and you can still see the traces of its glorious past in its impressive public buildings, monuments, and museums. You can also explore the beautiful natural surroundings of the town, with scenic creeks, forests, and parks. Castlemaine is also known for its artistic and creative community, with many galleries, studios, festivals, and markets to discover. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or art, Castlemaine has something for everyone.
A charming town with a rich history and a vibrant culture, Castlemaine was once a booming gold mining town, and you can still see the traces of its glorious past in its impressive public buildings, monuments, and museums. You can also explore the beautiful natural surroundings of the town, with scenic creeks, forests, and parks. Castlemaine is also known for its artistic and creative community, with many galleries, studios, festivals, and markets to discover. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or art, Castlemaine has something for everyone.
While our volunteers service the locomotive, explore Castlemaine and find lunch in one of the many local pubs, cafes and restaurants. It is encouraged to call and book ahead for lunch with local venues.
Reboard the train for departure from Castlemaine. The engine will work hard to climb towards Elphinstone Tunnel before picking up speed and topping over the Great Divide against the setting sun. Arrive back at Southern Cross after a memorable day out onboard The Vintage Train!
FIRST CLASS
Go first class! Relax in your comfortable air-conditioned and heated 1930s-vintage compartment. All seating is reserved.
EXCURSION CLASS
Experience our 'E Type' Carriages dating back to 1906 with beautiful timber work and pressed-tin ceilings, walk-through corridors and comfortable compartment-style seating. Featuring 'old-school air-con', with the windows wide open to listen to the engine working hard up the hills. All seating is reserved.
PRIVATE CARRIAGE HIRE
We can provide private carriage hire for groups of up to 88 passengers. We have a range of carriages to choose from including compartment, saloon (open), club cars, sleeping cars and vans.
More information on carriage hire can be found on our website. Please contact the Steamrail Office to discuss hire options for this tour.
ON-TRAIN SERVICES
Our on-train facilities include a kiosk stocking a wide range of light refreshments, snacks and hot & cold drinks. A licensed bar will also be operating, serving a range of beers, wines and spirits. A range of souvenirs will also be available for purchase on board.
THE VINTAGE TRAIN
Ride with us onboard 'The Vintage Train’, fully restored by Steamrail as an important part of Victoria’s rail heritage. Our steam locomotives are coal or oil fired and date from 1889 to 1952, while the carriages range from as early as 1906. The train features beautiful timber work & pressed-tin ceilings, walk-through corridors, comfortable compartment style seating, a licensed bar and kiosk, and toilets with washrooms. All rail seating is reserved.
TIMETABLE
<< SUBJECT TO CHANGE >> Please check the final times as shown on your seating allocation which will be emailed 2 days prior to the tour operating.
SATURDAY 10th OCTOBER 2026
9:44am dep. SOUTHERN CROSS (Platform 2)
12:22pm arr. CASTLEMAINE (Platform 2)
3:35pm dep. CASTLEMAINE (Platform 2)
6:26pm arr. SOUTHERN CROSS (Platform 2)
Please ensure you are on the platform no later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TryBooking Terms and Conditions.
Steamrail's Terms and Conditions are located on the Steamrail Website.
- FARES -
Excursion Class (Opening Window Seating)
Adult $141.95 (including $0.50 ticket fee + 2.5% processing fee)
SRV Member $108.13 (including $0.50 ticket fee + 2.5% processing fee)
Become a Steamrail Member to save - www.steamrail.com.au/membership
Under 17 $79.43 (including $0.50 ticket fee + 2.5% processing fee)
Under 3 $0 - (Children under 3 years travel free, they must still hold a valid ticket, however they are not provided with a seat)
First Class (Air Conditioned Seating)
Adult $153.23 (including $0.50 ticket fee + 2.5% processing fee)
SRV Member $119.40 (including $0.50 ticket fee + 2.5% processing fee)
Become a Steamrail Member to save - www.steamrail.com.au/membership
Under 17 $90.70 (including $0.50 ticket fee + 2.5% processing fee)
Under 3 $0 - (Children under 3 years travel free, they must still hold a valid ticket, however they are not provided with a seat)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Can you join/leave this Tour at a location other than Southern Cross Station?
A. No, Southern Cross Station is the only location where you may join/leave this tour.
Q. Do you offer a reduced price for one way travel?
A. No, passengers are welcome to book a ticket and travel one way, but as we cannot guarantee we will fill the seat on the other leg of the journey, all tickets are priced for return travel only.
Q. What is the price for Seniors?
A. Steamrail Victoria does not currently provide seniors discounts on all tours. As Steamrail is a volunteer run, not-for-profit organisation, all funds are returned to the maintenance and restoration of our heritage train fleet. We encourage anyone who travels regularly to apply for Steamrail membership, which provides discounts on most day tours. - www.steamrail.com.au/membership
Q. Do you accept companion cards?
A. Steamrail Victoria is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation. All proceeds from tours, go into the restoration and maintenance of our rollingstock and other associated costs. As such Steamrail Victoria is not subscribed to the Companion Card program. However, we do provide Companion Card bookings on our Shuttle trips in accordance with our Conditions of Travel, which can be booked via www.steamrail.com.au/tours
LOCATION
Southern Cross Station, Melbourne VIC.
Southern Cross Station, Melbourne VIC.
Contact Details
