The Best Train-Themed Activities and Attractions for Families in Melbourne and Victoria
If your kids are obsessed with trains, Melbourne is full of exciting miniature railways, heritage train rides, train-themed parks, and railway museums to explore. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or just looking for a fun day out, here’s your ultimate guide to train-related activities around Melbourne and Victoria.
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Box Hill Miniature Railway
Diamond Valley Railway, Eltham
Miniature Railways in Melbourne
For little train lovers, Melbourne’s miniature railways offer a fun and affordable day out. Here are some must-visit spots:
Diamond Valley Railway – Eltham
📍 Eltham Lower Park, Eltham VIC 3095
🕰️ Open Sundays, 11am-5pm
🎟️ $5 per ride, under 2s free
One of Melbourne’s most popular miniature railways, offering scenic rides through the park on detailed miniature trains.
Box Hill Miniature Steam Railway – Mont Albert North
📍 Elgar Park, Mont Albert North VIC 3129
🕰️ Open 3rd Sunday of each month, 11am – 5pm
🎟️ $5 per ride, under 2s free
A charming railway with steam and diesel engines, perfect for kids and families.
Altona Miniature Railway
📍 1–21 Blenheim Rd, Altona North VIC 3025
🕰️ Open every 3rd Sunday of the month, 10am-3pm
🎟️ $4 per ride or day pass for $30
Enjoy a ride through Altona’s parklands on this family-favourite railway.
Bulla Hill Railway
📍 15 Green Street, Bulla VIC 3428
🕰️ Open every 3rd Sunday of the month, 11am-4pm
🎟️ $5 per ride, under 12mo free
Set in a picturesque location with great views and fun rides.
Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway
📍 Point Richards Road, Portarlington VIC 3223
🕰️ Open every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, 11am-4pm
🎟️ $4 per ride or family day pass for $40, under 2s free
Combine a beach day with a train ride at this bayside miniature railway.
Mooroolbark Miniature Railway
📍 Kiloran Park, Hawthory Road, Mooroolbark VIC 3138
🕰️ Open every 4th Sunday of the month, 11am-4pm
🎟️ $3 per ride, under 4s free
A local gem with charming miniature trains and friendly volunteers.
Springvale Live Steamers
📍 59 Harold Road, Springvale South VIC 3172
🕰️ Open every 3rd Sunday of the month, 11am-3pm
🎟️ $2 per ride or $10 for unlimited rides
Experience steam, electric, and petrol-driven miniature trains in a natural bush setting.
Dinosaur World Somerville
📍 1385 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Somerville VIC 3912
🕰️ Open Friday 10am – 3pm and Sat-Sun 10am – 4pm
🎟️ $18 adults | $16 kids | under 2s free (includes entry fee and mini train ride ticket)
A unique spot where dinosaur attractions meet miniature train rides.
Miniature Railways in regional Victoria
There are also a few more miniature train rides around regional VIC. See the list below:
Cobden Miniature Railway
📍 29 Grayland St, Cobden VIC 3266
🕰️ Open 3rd Sunday of each month, 11am – 4pm, and selected school holidays
🎟️ $4 per ride, under 3s free
Located in picturesque Cobden, this charming miniature railway offers fun rides through scenic parklands. With a mix of steam and diesel engines, plus a playground and BBQ facilities on-site, it’s a perfect family day out in southwest Victoria.
Loddon Miniature Steam Train Rides – Eddington
📍 Eddington VIC 3472
🕰️ Open 4th Sunday of the month, April – October
🎟️ $3 per ride
A scenic miniature railway offering charming steam train rides through Eddington’s beautiful countryside during the cooler months.
Elmore Miniature Railway
📍 Childrens Park, Elmore VIC 3558
🕰️ Open Saturdays, Sundays, and all school holidays
🎟️ $3 per ride
A family-favourite miniature railway in Elmore, perfect for weekend fun and school holiday adventures with the kids.
Euroa Miniature Railway
📍 Kirkland Ave, Euroa VIC 3666
🕰️ Open 4th Sunday of the month, 10am – 3pm
🎟️ $4 per ride
Located in the heart of Euroa, this miniature railway offers delightful rides through the local park, making it a great stop for train enthusiasts.
Clarkeville Miniature Railway – Forge Creek
📍 574 Forge Creek Rd, Forge Creek VIC 3875
🕰️ Open 1st Sunday of the month, 10am – 3pm
🎟️ $3 per ride
A hidden gem in Forge Creek, this miniature railway offers scenic rides and a friendly atmosphere for train lovers of all ages.
Hamilton Miniature Railway
📍 22-24 King St, Hamilton VIC 3300
🕰️ Open every Sunday, 1pm – 4pm
🎟️ $3 per ride
Located in the beautiful Botanic Gardens, the Hamilton Miniature Railway offers a fun-filled train ride experience every Sunday.
Wimmera Miniature Train Rides – Horsham
📍 Wimmera Live Steam & Model Engineering Society, Horsham VIC 3400
🕰️ Open 2nd Sunday of the month, 11am – 4pm
🎟️ $3 per ride
A great spot in Horsham for train enthusiasts, featuring miniature steam and diesel train rides through the park.
Gippsland Model Engineering Society Railway – Traralgon
📍 Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve, Traralgon VIC 3844
🕰️ Open 4th Sunday of each month, Feb – Nov, 11am – 4pm
🎟️ $3 per ride
This popular railway in Traralgon offers scenic rides through the beautiful conservation reserve, making it a must-visit for families in Gippsland.
Lake Hume Engineers Miniature Railway – Wodonga
📍 Lemke Rd, Gateway Island, Wodonga VIC 3690
🕰️ Open 3rd Sunday of the month (excluding January), 10am – 3pm
🎟️ $3 per ride
Enjoy miniature train rides with stunning views of Lake Hume, operated by passionate volunteers who bring the magic of railways to life.
Bellarine Railway, Queenscliff
Puffing Billy Railway, Dandenong Ranges
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Heritage Train Rides in Melbourne and Victoria
Step back in time and enjoy a nostalgic ride on a historic steam train with these heritage railways:
Puffing Billy Railway – Belgrave
📍 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave VIC 3160
🕰️Daily services, with additional journeys Friday – Sunday
A must-do for families, Puffing Billy offers a scenic ride through the Dandenong Ranges on a historic steam train. Don’t miss the iconic Selby Trestle Bridge crossing!
Yarra Valley Railway – Healesville
📍 Healesville Station, Healesville-Kinglake Rd, Healesville VIC 3777
🕰️ Train rides depart Healesville Station every Sunday and Public Holiday (except Christmas Day), with additional services every Wednesday during school holidays and selected Saturdays.
Enjoy scenic rides through the beautiful Yarra Valley, with special events throughout the year like the Easter Express, Santa Specials, and Ghost Train. Check their website for fares, timetables, and event details.
Bellarine Railway – Queenscliff
📍 20 Symonds St, Queenscliff VIC 3225
🕰️ Open Sundays and selected other days for different themes (Thomas, Polar Express, Q-train, Blues Train, etc.
Enjoy heritage train rides along the Bellarine Peninsula, perfect for a seaside adventure.
Daylesford Spa Country Railway
📍 18 Raglan St, Daylesford VIC 3460
🕰️ Operates most Sundays and during special events
Enjoy a relaxing journey through the scenic countryside on this charming heritage railway. Starting from Daylesford Station, this family-friendly ride takes you through beautiful landscapes and offers themed events like the popular ‘Daylesford Sunday Market Train’.
Victorian Goldfields Railway – Castlemaine
📍 Kennedy Street, Castlemaine VIC 3450
Ride a beautifully restored steam train between Castlemaine and Maldon, offering stunning countryside views.
Mornington Railway – Moorooduc
📍 460 Moorooduc Hwy, Moorooduc VIC 3933
🕰️ Selected Sundays; check the website for details.
A relaxing heritage train ride through the Mornington Peninsula.
Kerrisdale Mountain Railway
📍 7523 Goulburn Valley Highway, Kerrisdale VIC 3660
🕰️ Open first Sunday of each month and most public holidays.
Enjoy a scenic ride with breathtaking views of the Tallarook Ranges.
Walhalla Goldfields Railway
📍 2 Main Road, Walhalla VIC 3825
🕰️ Operates Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Experience a journey through the lush forests and historic goldfields of Walhalla.
Bendigo Tramways
📍 1 Tramways Avenue, Bendigo VIC 3550
🕰️ Open daily with regular tram tours through the historic streets of Bendigo.
Portland Cable Trams
📍 2A Bentinck Street, Portland VIC 3305
🕰️ Open daily. Ride the vintage cable trams along Portland’s picturesque foreshore.
Free Menzies Creek Railway Museum
Hawthorn Tram Museum
Railway Museums in Melbourne and Beyond
For train enthusiasts young and old, these railway museums offer fascinating exhibits, vintage locomotives, and rich history:
Menzies Creek Railway Museum – Menzies Creek
📍 Menzies Creek VIC 3159
🕰️ Open Friday – Sunday 10-11.30am
🎟️ Free entry
Explore over 80 railway exhibits, including steam engines and carriages.
Newport Railway Museum – Newport
📍 Champion Road, Newport VIC 3015
🕰️ Open Saturdays, 12-5pm
🎟️ $10 pp, under 4s free, family of 4 $25
Discover Melbourne’s railway history with vintage locomotives and carriages.
Melbourne Tram Museum – Hawthorn
📍 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
🕰️ Open second and fourth Saturdays of each month, 11am-4pm
🎟️ Gold coin donation
Home to a collection of historic trams, showcasing Melbourne’s iconic tram network.
National Steam Centre – Scoresby
📍 1200 Ferntree Gully Rd, Scoresby VIC 3179
🕰️ Open weekends, with mini train rides on Sundays
🎟️ Free entry, $2 train tickets
A haven for steam engine enthusiasts.
Ballarat Tramway Museum – Ballarat
📍 100 Gillies Street North, Lake Wendouree VIC 3350
Open weekends, Tuesdays, 🕰️ Thursdays, and public holidays from 11am-4pm.
🎟️ Adults $15, kids $7
Ride historic trams around Lake Wendouree.
Alexandra Timber Tramway and Museum – Alexandra
📍 15 Station Street, Alexandra VIC 3714
🕰️ Open second and fourth Sundays of each month, 10am-4pm
🎟️ $10 adults, $5 kids, under 4s free
Showcases timber tramways and historic locomotives.
Noojee Heritage Centre – Noojee
📍 School Road, Noojee VIC 3833
🕰️ Sundays 12-4pm but you can see the train any time.
🎟️ Free
Explore the history of timber tramways in the Noojee region.
Marie Wallace Bayswater “Train” Park
Noojee Heritage Centre
Train-Themed Parks and Playgrounds in Melbourne
Looking for a playground with a train theme? Melbourne has plenty!
Some fantastic train-themed playgrounds include:
Our favourite playground is Marie Wallace Bayswater “Train” Park, Bayswater, which has a D3 666 steam train under a roof – a must-visit for any train-loving child!
Conquest Park Playground, Werribee – Train with carriage, perfect for imaginative play.
Eildon Street, Doncaster Playground – Willy Wonka train-themed play structure.
Narallah Grove Playground, Box Hill North – Wooden train for kids to climb on.
Gembrook Leisure Park, Gembrook – Wooden train with carriages.
Madeline St Playground, Glen Iris – Small train and carriage for little ones to explore.
Blue Hills Avenue Playground, Mount Waverley – Thomas the Tank Engine-shaped equipment.
Boyd Park Playground, Murrumbeena – Train-shaped play area, perfect for imaginative play.
Train Street Park, Highett – When a street is called Train Street, you know it’s going to be good!
Hansen Reserve Playground, Airport West – Train-themed playground equipment.
Albany Crescent Reserve Playground, Aspendale – Playground with a train theme for endless fun.
Windsor Siding Playground, Windsor – Wooden train with a carriage, great for climbing and playing.
Banksia Reserve Playground, Beaumaris – Train play equipment set in a spacious park.
Central Park Playground, Belgrave Heights – Fun train-themed equipment for kids of all ages.
Dega Avenue Playground, Bentleigh East – A large tram (Deepdene Special service) on springs.
Deepdene Park Playground, Balwyn – Wooden train structure perfect for imaginative adventures.
Elgar Park Playground, Box Hill North – Wooden train with a carriage, ideal for younger kids.
Green Street Playground, Bulla – Train play equipment in a beautiful open space.
Kilvington Drive Playground, Emerald – Train-themed playground equipment for active play.
Cnr Myrtle Rd and Sargood St Playground, Hampton – Wooden train and carriages for climbing fun.
Hartwell Station Reserve Playground, Camberwell – Train with a carriage, great for train-loving toddlers.
Apex Park Playground, Healesville – Train-themed play equipment perfect for a day out.
Lakeside Picnic Area Playground, Mount Eliza – Train-themed playground near beautiful picnic spots.
Boyd Park Playground, Murrumbeena – Train with carriages for endless fun.
Argo Reserve Playground, South Yarra – Partial train-themed equipment for creative pla
City Circle Tram (FREE!)
Emerald Lake Model Railway
Unique Train Experiences in Melbourne
Melbourne offers several unique train experiences for families, including:
Anuki Fairy Park – Home to a huge model train set and a train museum, making it a magical day out for little ones.
Luna Park – Hop on the famous Ghost Train or enjoy the scenic railway for a fun and nostalgic ride.
Emerald Lake Model Railway – An impressive model railway display in a beautiful lakeside setting.
City Circle Tram (Free) – Enjoy a free ride on the City Circle tram while taking in Melbourne’s iconic landmarks.
Scienceworks, Spotswood – Hosts “Machines in Action Family Days” with steam locomotive displays and model train rides.
Carriage Café, Seville – Enjoy coffee and meals in a restored 100-year-old train carriage.
Easey’s, Collingwood – Burgers served in a rooftop train carriage with city views.
Train World, Brighton – Australia’s largest train shop, perfect for model train enthusiasts.
Plan Your Next Family Train Adventure
Whether your kids are train-obsessed or you’re looking for a unique family day out, Melbourne has endless train-themed attractions to explore. From miniature railways and heritage trains to train-themed parks and playgrounds, there’s something for every little train lover.
Ready to hop on board?
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