Join us aboard The Vintage Train as we travel via the Golden Plains to Ballarat, returning 'up the straight' with an R class steam locomotive. Explore the historic goldrush city on your visit to Ballarat.

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 of Geelong, the half-way point of our journey. From here, our R class steam locomotive will work hard with our 7 carriage train to climb the hills of the Golden Plains, travelling along the original mainline between Ballarat and Geelong from 1862.

Our train will enter into the Western District's lush farming country and arrive into the historic gold mining town of Ballarat. Here there will be ample time to grab lunch and explore the city, only a few minutes walk from the Railway Station. The iconic Railway Refreshment Rooms will be open on Platform 1, where you can re-live the time before buffet cars were introduced on Victoria's great express trains. While you are experiencing what the City of Ballarat has to offer, our Volunteers will be busy turning and servicing the locomotive at our Steamrail Ballarat East depot, ready for our journey back to Melbourne in the afternoon.

Our train will depart Ballarat returning to Melbourne via 'the straight'. After passing through Ballan, we descend of the famous 1 in 48 Ingliston Bank, providing spectacular views back towards Melbourne & across the Werribee Gorge State Park. We will then drop into the town of Bacchus Marsh, the half-way point of our journey before passing over the iconic 357-metre Melton Viaduct, built in 1885 to traverse the Werribee River. The train will arrive back at Southern Cross Station.

BALLARAT
Explore the goldrush city of Ballarat. With the CBD only a few minutes stroll from the station, there are endless cafes, restaurants and attractions to keep everyone well fed & entertained. The Art Gallery of Ballarat (Backspace Gallery) and historic buildings such as the 1889 Mining Exchange can be found in close proximity to the station. More things to do in the heart of Ballarat can be found at www.visitballarat.com.au

RESERVED SEATING
Choose to travel in Excursion Class to experience 'old-school' air-con with the windows open in our heritage wooden carriages dating back to 1906. Otherwise, upgrade to our air conditioned First Class carriages to sit back in a comfortable air conditioned & heated 1940s-vintage compartment.

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.

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 able for purchase on board.
 

• - 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.

SUNDAY 27th July 2025 
8:50am dep. SOUTHERN CROSS via Wyndham Vale and Gheringhap
12:08pm arr. BALLARAT

3:30pm dep. BALLARAT via Bacchus Marsh
5:48pm arr. SOUTHERN CROSS

SUNDAY 28th September 2025 
9:00am dep. SOUTHERN CROSS via Werribee and Gheringhap
12:08pm arr. BALLARAT

3:30pm dep. BALLARAT via Bacchus Marsh
5:48pm arr. SOUTHERN CROSS

 

- FARES -

Non-Air Conditioned Seating
Adult $131
SRV Member $100 - Become a Steamrail Member to save - www.steamrail.com.au/membership
Under 17 $73
Under 3 $0

Air Conditioned Seating
Adult $142
SRV Member $110 - Become a Steamrail Member to save - www.steamrail.com.au/membership
Under 17 $84
Under 3 $0

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TryBooking Terms and Conditions.
Steamrail's Conditions of Travel are located on the Steamrail Website.

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.    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
Corner Collins & Spencer Streets, Melbourne VIC 3000

Contact Details

Contact Event Organiser