By Melissa Grant
Toot toot! It’s all aboard Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway for Whittlesea and Hume residents this summer.
The railway is getting back on track after Covid lockdowns, offering families a fun and low-cost day out on Sundays.
Located on the foreshore with stunning bayside views, the railway is a unique attraction.
Although the miniature railway has been operating since 1999, some families in Geelong and the West don’t even know it exists.
That’s why Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway Inc vice-president Brian Coleman is getting the word out.
“It’s the only miniature railway situated by a foreshore in Australia,” he said.
“Come on down and have some fun.”
The railway stretches 1.2km and is situated on eight hectares of open picturesque and native parklands and overlooking Port Phillip Bay.
The train does two laps of the track in eight to nine minutes.
“The kids get a great thrill,” Mr Coleman said.
The miniature railway operates every Sunday from 11am-4pm throughout the summer months.
Mr Coleman is hopeful many people will be able to enjoy the attraction over the holidays, following a spate of closures due to Covid-19 restrictions.
He said the railway is entirely run by volunteers, with any revenue ploughed into upkeep or expansion and, at times, donated to charity.
“We don’t pay anybody, we are not out to make a quid,” Mr Coleman said.
“We are out to make fun!”
There’s plenty of fun to be had too, with a children’s adventure playground part of the attraction.
There is also a kiosk, plus sheltered BBQs, toilets and ample parking.
The railway’s summer season began on 3 October and will last until June.
In winter, the train only runs on the first and third Sundays of the month between the hours of 11am and 3pm.
Tickets for adults and children are $4 each. Family passes and seasonal tickets are also available.
The railway is located is situated within the grounds of the Portarlington Bayside Family Park, Corner Point Richards and Boat Roads, Portarlington.
For more information, visit miniaturerailway.com.au/ or check out Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway Inc on Facebook.
