The Victorian Goldfields Railway – a moment in time, capturing the essence of a Steam Railway through regional Victoria joining Castlemaine and Maldon.
Be it travelling on our First Class, waiter service, end balcony – exquisitely restored and maintained premium carriages or enjoying classic Victorian Railways Excursion style family fun seating with opening windows and marvellous views of the Central Victorian Iron Bark Forest, the VGR has a memorable experience available to everyone!
1976 saw the Victorian Railways close the line between Castlemaine and Maldon, quickly the Castlemaine and Maldon Railway Preservation Society took to reclaim the closed railway and secure its future. A long and arduous road laid ahead, with the First Train Departing Maldon Station on a short 1km section of restored track in Easter 1986.
Bit by bit, the line was restored, finally reaching back to Castlemaine once again in December 2004. Castlemaine station offers a unique opportunity, with V/Line trains to Melbourne and Bendigo departing from just across the platform, while the old railways refreshment rooms on Platform 3 (VGR Platform) have been opened up to showcase some of the railway’s history, heritage and character with a small museum display – with accompanying refreshments and souvenirs available for all to enjoy.
The journey to Maldon takes a you through a range of bush and farmland, passing over our 6 Historic Wooden Timber Bridges. Hear the Steam Engine working hard as you wind your way up the steeply graded track to the gold mining town of Maldon.
Plenty of time is made available to explore all the delights of Historic Maldon – Australia’s First Notable Town – as proclaimed by the National Trust back in 1966. Wonderful Cafes, Shops, a Pub, galleries, museums and many stores line the small streetscape – giving visitors plenty to explore. Historic self-guided walks of Maldon are also an option, with many impressive old buildings located within an easy stroll of the Railway Station.
While you’ve been away exploring the town, the Engine has been watered, turned on the turntable and placed on the front of the train ready to whisk you back to Castlemaine – it’s always smiles and delight upon arrival at Castlemaine, reliving a slice of history so rarely experienced in the modern life.
Our Goldfields Explorer trains operate every Sunday and Friday (plus Saturdays in the term school holidays), with a great range of special trains on offer including, Ales on Rails, Murder on the Orient Express, Wine and Cheese Trains, Colonial Express Trains, Riding with the Driver and even Driver Experience Trains (Where you get to the drive the train for a whole day!!)
We do swap over to a Heritage Diesel Engine during the hot and fire risk months (Mid December to the end of March), however these Diesel Engines are almost as rare and old as the Steam Engines!
Castlemaine is a treasure trove of different and unexpected, with amazing eateries, breweries, wineries, festivities, incredible coffee and all the wonders of a charming country town with a vibrant community – the perfect place to stay for a few days.
Seniors and Concession card holders
