Otway Explorer - Saturday 21st November 2026
Location
About
Cruise across the volcanic plains of the South-West and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in Colac or Camperdown behind a pair of vintage diesel locomotives.
Departing Southern Cross Station, the train will pick up speed through the Western Suburbs and head out across the grasslands towards Geelong. After passing through the towns of Little River and Lara, we skirt Port Phillip Bay on the edge of the city, picking up at Geelong Station. From here, our vintage diesel locomotives will work hard with our train to climb the Geelong Tunnel, before entering the rolling hills of the South West.
Reaching the historic rural towns of Colac and Camperdown, spend a short afternoon exploring and enjoying a late lunch before the train returns us to Geelong and Melbourne.
COLAC
Visit the volcanic plains town of Colac, once the busy junction with the Narrow Gauge railway into the Otway Ranges. See the historic buildings or visit the busy main street. Take a stroll to the iconic Lake Colac and have a picnic in the historic Botanic Gardens.
More things to do can be found at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/towns-and-villages/colac/
Please ensure you make lunch reservations in advance as there may be limited availability at local venues.
CAMPERDOWN
Explore historic Camperdown and visit its famous clock tower, court house, museum, or relax over lunch at one of its many fine hotels or cafes. For nature lovers, the avenue of beautiful elm trees or the nearby nature reserves are always worth a look - marvel at the scenery and geological history of the area.
More things to do can be found at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au/towns-and-villages/camperdown/
Please ensure you make lunch reservations in advance as there may be limited availability at local venues.
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 which stocks 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 21st November 2026
10:52am dep. SOUTHERN CROSS
12:21pm dep. GEELONG
2:01pm arr. COLAC
2:47pm arr. CAMPERDOWN
4:40pm dep. CAMPERDOWN
5:17pm dep. COLAC
6:26pm arr. GEELONG
8:09pm arr. SOUTHERN CROSS
Please ensure you are on the platform no later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
- 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)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TryBooking Terms and Conditions.
Steamrail's Conditions of Travel are located on the Steamrail Website.
Frequently Asked Questions
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
Contact Details
