News A Journey Aboard the Walhalla Goldfields Railway
Hop on board this stunning heritage train, departing from Walhalla, Victoria, deep in gold rush country.
The scenic train ride is one of the best things to do in Walhalla, and has been a family favourite for decades. You can even bring your dog aboard!
This charming Walhalla railway journey takes you from the historic town through the lush green Stringers Creek Gorge to Thomson Station. Surrounded by fragrant Australian bush, you'll zig-zag your way through the steep gorge across an engineer's obstacle course taking in six trestle bridges.
A highlight of the trip is crossing lovely Thomson River, just before arriving at Thomson Station. Here you can stretch your legs while the crew turn around the locomotive, or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy the surrounds and wait for the next train for your return to Walhalla.
RIDE IN THE CAB OR DRIVE THE TRAIN
If you’re more of a railfan, try including one of the unique add-on experiences to your trip. You can ride in the cab, up front with the crew, and experience the excitement and heat of the locomotive’s footplate. See what the driver sees, from the tracks stretching out ahead, to the historic trestle bridges and stunning views of the rivers below.
Still keen? Why not try being a driver for a day! This incredible add-on experience allows you to drive the train yourself. No prior train driving experience is required – they will teach you what to do. This is the perfect gift for anyone who likes to nerd out about locomotives.
WALHALLA GOLDFIELDS RAILWAY
Trains depart from Walhalla Station, Walhalla Rd.
The return journey takes 60 minutes (or 20 minutes one-way).
STAY IN WALHALLA
Walhalla makes a perfect shortbreak destination. Blessed with the beauty of its mountainous bushland surroundings, there are many walks nearby and you can also venture underground in the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine.
There are lots of places to stay close to the Walhalla Goldfields Railway. Walhalla has a long, storied history as a gold rush town, but it is also one of the most photogenic villages in Victoria. No matter the season, it’s picturesque in Walhalla – from the blossoms in spring, to the fiery leaves in autumn.
THE HISTORY OF WALHALLA GOLDFIELDS RAILWAY
Catching the Walhalla Goldfields Railway is like stepping back in time. Originally intended to support the gold industry, the train line was built only as the industry began to dry up. It was hoped that the completion of the line from Moe to Walhalla in 1910 would reinvigorate the town, but with the most accessible gold already extracted, Walhalla's residents had already started leaving the town. Ironically, the train's main use at this time was to relocate buildings and houses from Walhalla to Melbourne and other parts of Gippsland
The train line gradually fell into disuse, until it was lovingly revived as a tourist railway. The Walhalla Goldfields Railway was born, and is a favourite thing to do in Walhalla.
Published on under: Arts, Culture & Heritage