A decade of dedication has finally reached the finish line, with the Victorian Miniature Railway in Harcourt preparing to welcome the public for the first time on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December. The Grand Opening Weekend marks the official debut of one of Victoria’s most ambitious community built attractions, created through thousands of volunteer hours and a whole lot of persistence.
What began as a passion project has grown into a fully realised 2.7 kilometre railway loop, constructed by hand from the ground up. Every sleeper, track segment and piece of supporting infrastructure was crafted on site by volunteers who spent nearly ten years shaping the miniature network and creating the biggest 7¼” gauge railway in Victoria.
The result is a scenic ride through central Victoria across a 65 acre property dotted with mature trees, creek frontage and sweeping views of Mount Alexander. Visitors may even spot the Melbourne to Bendigo regional line running along the boundary.
Across the opening weekend, guests can hop aboard for a 15 minute loop behind steam or diesel miniature locomotives, taking in the landscape at a leisurely pace. The celebration will also include live music, children’s entertainment and a spread of local food and drink vendors. Picnic blankets are encouraged, with plenty of open space to relax between rides.
Run by a devoted team of members, the Victorian Miniature Railway has been quietly taking shape for years. Now, the group is ready to share the experience with families, train lovers and anyone keen to witness a community dream brought to life.
For more information visit https://vmr.com.au
