Spotlight on the historic train ride at Walhalla Goldfields Railway
The Walhalla train is a fun family-friendly train ride along the Walhalla Goldfields Railway in Gippsland, Victoria. Departing from the historic Walhalla Train Station, the train travels over no less than six large trestle bridges. Pretty cool, hey! Arriving at Thomson Station after around 20 minutes, you will hop off while the train is turned around, and then board again for the return journey home. The whole trip takes around an hour.
The Walhalla train ride along the Walhalla Goldfields Railway is particularly scenic, with a gorgeous river, bridge crossings, lush green surrounds, the original station yards, and valley and mountain scenery. In general, the trip is great at any time of year. Autumn sees the trees light up the valley and winter sees the creek come to life. In the light of both spring and summer, the wild flowers and ferns put on a show.
You can level up your Walhalla train ride by riding in the cab with the train driver and if your dog is well-behaved, they can even come along as well!
This is a sneak peek of the Walhalla train ride in Winter:
History of the Walhalla Goldfields Railway
The town of Walhalla was a gold mining town for nearly 50 years after it was first discovered there in 1862. The railway line wasn’t completed until 1910 but it was expected the train would support the isolated town of Walhalla into a new age of prosperity.
Sadly, the Walhalla mines became uneconmical and by 1914, both mines were closed. With no mine there was no industry and the town collapsed, becoming a much smaller settlement. As a result, by 1960, most of the bridges and buildings along the Walhalla train line had been removed.
In 1991, the Walhalla Railway Taskforce was formed with the aim of reconstructing the line from Erica to Walhalla for tourism purposes. Thus Walhalla Goldfields Railway Inc. was born! The Walhalla Goldfields Railway was re-built in section with the Walhalla Station section completed in 2002. It now boasts a fully operational line of 4kms.
How do I get to the Walhalla Train Station
The Wahalla Train Station can be found in the utterly charming town of Walhalla in West Gippsland, Victoria. It takes around 2.5 hours (183km) to drive from Melbourne City and you should allow the whole day to visit the Walhalla Goldfields Railway and explore the historic town of Walhalla itself.
How do I book tickets?
Is there food and drink at the Walhalla Train Station?
Yep! The Walhalla Goods Shed Cafe is a top spot for food and drink so make sure to arrive earlier or plan to stick around afterwards so you don’t miss out. This place has a charming atmosphere and if it’s winter, make sure to nab a table up the back because the fireplace is super cosy. Grab a hot chocolate or coffee for the Walhalla train ride!
More information
Find more information about the Walhalla train on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway website.
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Resources for booking a getaway to Victoria with kids
Flights and getting around
- Get a great deal on flights to Melbourne on Trip.com.
- Compare car hire across major brands with Discover Cars.
Accommodation
- You can’t go past the Langham Hotel in Melbourne City. It’s upmarket, in a great location with great restaurants, and has an old-school sophistication that’s hard to beat.
- In West Gippsland, Erica Caravan Park is a top holiday spot with both cabins and camping.
- East Gippsland travellers should head to the Dargo River Inn in the high country for cabins and camping. The Big4 Waters Edge is great for families at Lakes Entrance.
- In South Gippsland, Yanakie Caravan Park (it has cabins as well) has the best views over the ocean at sunset and is located just 5 minutes from the entrance to Wilsons Promontory.
Activities and tours
- Legoland Discovery Centre – Get your tickets here.
- Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium – Get your tickets here.
- Arthurs Seat Eagle Gondola Ride – Get your tickets here.
- Puffing Billy Steam Train – Get your tickets here.
