Construction of a new and improved train depot at Drysdale is complete.
The home for Bellarine Railway’s iconic steam engines was built with the help of a $300,000 state government grant.
Originally serving as a military railway line, the Bellarine Railway today offers unique experiences for visitors to step back in time into an era of steam-powered locomotives that used to travel across regional Victoria.
The railway is operated by the Geelong Steam Preservation Society and travels between Drysdale and Queenscliff.
The upgrades complete stage one of the project with the railway depot in Drysdale giving Bellarine Railway services the option to now start their journeys at Drysdale station. Additional rail infrastructure, power, water and fencing are also installed to improve the efficiency of the iconic railway.
The project will also deliver reduced running costs and positions the rail services near local businesses such as ferry services and accommodation to attract more visitors to the area.
“The progress being made on this iconic railway line will ensure that more visitors can experience the Bellarine Peninsula in a unique way, whilst also supporting nearby local businesses,” member for Bellarine Lisa Neville said.
“I’m delighted to see the first stage of this exciting project now complete with Drysdale providing the perfect opportunity to attract more people to come and see the region.”
The new depot will better serve trains such as the Q Train, which provides passengers with a unique range of local food and alcohol as they journey along the Bellarine Peninsula.
Other tourist attractions including rail-based music experience, The Blues Train, Heritage train rides and the kid-friendly Day Out with Thomas will also benefit from the railway upgrades.
The Victorian government has also funded stage two of the Bellarine Railway project through $3.4 million from the Regional Tourism Investment Fund – Stimulus Round.
The project is upgrading 16.5km of tracks between Drysdale and Queenscliff.
