Overview
It's been a long time between drinks — 40 years to be exact — but the Yarra Valley could soon see the return of its chugging steam trains, with plans for a scenic railway to be built through the region.
The Andrews Labor Government yesterday promised it would help bring the project to life if re-elected, and with local residents, community groups and businesses having already raised $2.74 million in funding, this is a railway that we might actually see come to fruition.
The 14-kilometre Yarra Valley Railway would run between Yarra Glen and Healesville, with historic steam trains stopping at wineries, restored railway stations and even a local museum. Cyclists would also be able to hop on and off at certain points, too, with the railway connecting to popular bike route, the Yarra Valley Rail Trail.
The first stage of the build is already nearing completion thanks to that huge community support and funding, as well as the state government's including 17.5 kilometres of steel track pulled up during its series of level crossing removal projects.
Finished elements include hefty restoration works at Yarra Glen and Tarrawarra Railway Stations, 16 new and revamped rail bridges and nine fresh kilometres of track.
If the government gets on board and throws in the final $3.75 million of funding, the next stage of the project will see the railway track run from Healesville to Tarrawarra Estate upgraded, and the historic Healesville Railway Station precinct given a complete overhaul.
At the moment, trains run between Healesville Station and Tarrawarra Estate on the Walker Railmotor. The trains, which run hourly from 10am–4pm every Sunday, are operated by the volunteer-run, not-for-profit Yarra Valley Railway. The organisation has 500 volunteers that have been fundraising and working to restore the Yarra Glen-to-Healesville train.
With the government's $3.75 million of extra funding, the completed project would see 600-passenger steam trains run regularly between Yarra Glen and Healesville, with an expected 250,000 punters riding each year.
Image: Bellarine Rail, Visit Victoria.