EVENT FAQ
QUEENSCLIFF – VICTORIA
Please note that the information provided applies to the October 2026 event.
About the Event
What is included with admission?
Family Event Planner and Map
The October 2026 planner and map will be emailed to pre-booked patrons in early September to help families plan their day together.
It is a great way to plan your adventure, select your must-do activities, and make the most of every moment.
Unlimited Rides with Thomas – queue at Gate 1
Take a 5-minute ride in those Troublesome Trucks and remember to grab a photo with Thomas.
- Patrons ride in open-air wagons; an enclosed carriage will be available in wet weather.
- To make room for Douglas or Oliver and his passengers to return, Thomas takes a short break each hour. Rides resume once they have departed.
- Rides are scheduled between 10.35-11.05; 11.35-12.05; 12.35-1.05; 1.35-2.05; 2.35-3.05; however, times may vary based on operational needs – please listen for announcements or speak to our Volunteers on the day.
Train Ride with Douglas or Oliver – queue at Gate 2
Go on a 45-minute scenic journey along Swan Bay to Lakers Siding in one of eight carriages.
The character hauling each of the different trips will be revealed on the day
Select your preferred departure time when booking: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, or 2:30.
*** Please note that this is not your entry time to the event – All pre-booked patrons may enter from 10 am ***
- Families and friends should be together before queuing to ensure they are seated together.
- The trip lasts 15 minutes each way with a 15-minute stopover.
- During the stopover, patrons may disembark to watch the crew ‘water’ the locomotive and take photos in front of the engine.
They will then move to the Queenscliff end of the train to prepare for the return trip.
Event Rides, Activities and Children’s Pack
Families are welcome to enjoy the rides and activities in any order throughout the day.
Refer to the event booklet provided (one per family) at check-in for:
- Event site map
- Train departure time
- Character Hunt activity sheet
- Entertainment schedules for Music and Stories
- Number of children in your booking
- Space for the Event Pack collection stamp
Children’s Event Packs can be collected from Hall (No. 2 on the map) by presenting your event booklet, so please keep it with you throughout the day. Volunteers will check the number of children shown on the front of the booklet and stamp it when packs are collected. Each pack includes a Thomas-themed A3 poster.
Your ticket also includes the following!
- Toot Henry’s whistle at ground level and make some noise!
- Live music sessions and Thomas and Friends Story sessions throughout the day
- Unlimited mini fire engine rides that kids will love!
- Climb the stairs to explore Henry’s driver’s cab up close
- Get creative with fun art activities using pencils, crayons, and stickers
- And don’t forget — plenty of photo opportunities!
Event Times and Entry
- 🕘 9:00am: Ticket Exchange Marquee opens for ticket scanning.
- 🕙 10:00am: Main Entry Gate opens for all patrons, regardless of the pre-booked train time.
- 🕙 The event concludes 90 minutes after the last advertised train ride with Douglas:
- If the last train departs at 1:30pm, the event concludes at 3:00pm
- If the last train departs at 2:30pm, the event concludes at 4:00pm
All patrons are required to wear their wristband to enter the event, access rides and activities, and re-enter the event area if leaving during the day. Parents may wear their child’s wristband if the child prefers not to wear it.
Ticket holders are responsible for arriving with enough time to present their tickets (printed or on a mobile device) at the Entry gate, and to collect wristbands and printed materials before their train departure time.
Should an additional 9:30 am and/or 3:30 pm trip become available, patrons please note:
- The 9:30 am train will depart Queenscliff before the event has opened, with these patrons able to check in and be directed onto the platform from 9:00am. Please be aware that no other activities will be available until after the train has returned to Queenscliff at 10:15am
- The 3:30pm train, will return to Queenscliff after the event has closed, so patrons should allow plenty of time to enjoy all the other activities before their train departs. eg Entry may be any time from 10am.
Food & Drink Options
The railway has food options for patrons to choose from at the event, with something to suit most tastes either on-site or nearby. Every purchase helps a local small business or volunteer-run charity that makes a difference in the community.
Station Kiosk & Gift Shop
Look for the tall green banner near the platform and drop in for:
- Cold drinks – Soft drinks, flavoured milk, bottled water
- Snacks – Chips, chocolates, Streets ice-creams
- Merchandise – Thomas and Friends + railway-themed souvenirs
BBQ Sizzle
Every bite helps a great cause!
Grab a classic sausage in bread, booked by the volunteers from the Uncle Bob’s Club. Add your favourite sauce and onion if you like!
Since 1942, Uncle Bob’s Club has supported children across Victoria living with medical needs.
Wraps & Treats
Local café The Salty Breeze Café returns with a fresh selection of light lunch options and fresh juices.
The café will also be open in Princess Park (just 400m away) for a relaxed breakfast or lunch with the family.
Coffee
Local coffee vendor to be advised
Interested in offering your brew to our event Patrons?
Contact us HERE
Pack a Picnic
Bringing your own food? Great idea! Whether you lay out your picnic rug at the event or wander to a nearby park, it’s a relaxing way to enjoy the day.
Local Eats – Just a Short Walk Away
These Queenscliff eateries are all just a 5-minute walk from the event — perfect for dining in or grabbing something great to bring back to enjoy with the kids at the event!
Your event wristband allows you to leave and re-enter as needed—so feel free to step out for a meal and come back when you’re ready.
- Cliffe’s Café and Pizza – Café, pizza, breakfast & takeaway
1 Symonds St | Open from 11:00am | 2 min walk (160m) - Shelter Shed – Modern Australian with a European & Middle Eastern twist
25 Hesse St | Open from 9.00am | 3 min walk (180m) - Trident Fish Bar – Fish, chips & burgers
4 Gellibrand St | Open from 11.000am | 4 min walk (270m) - Rolling Pin Bakery – Award-winning pies, pastries & sweet treats
40 Hesse St | Open from 7:30am | 5 min walk (300m)
Interested in helping to feed our event Patrons?
Tell us what you would serve HERE
Are animals allowed at the event?
Only accredited Guide Dogs and Assistance Animals are welcomed at Day Out With Thomas events.
To help us make your visit as smooth as possible, please call 5258 2069 ext. 101 or email us HERE with your preferred date and train time, to discuss suitable carriage arrangements
We will then confirm availability in the accessible carriage and help arrange your booking.
Updated May 2026
Does the event proceed in all weather?
The event features both indoor and outdoor elements and will proceed rain, hail or shine.
We recommend dressing for the forecast, as shelter is limited in some areas.
The railway reserves the right to cancel the event due to extreme weather and will notify all pre-booked patrons if this occurs.
Accessibility
Companion Card Holders
The Bellarine Railway welcomes Companion Card holders to our Day Out With Thomas event – there is no charge for a companion to attend.
Please contact us before booking on (03) 5258 2069 ext. 101 during business hours to discuss requirements and check availability.
Specific train times may be limited due to existing bookings and pre-allocated accessibility requirements.
Accessibility and Carriage Space
Due to the heritage nature of our carriages, open space is limited and prioritised for patrons with accessibility needs.
A small amount of open space is available on the Troublesome Truck rides with Thomas.
We also provide a designated undercover parking bay on the platform where parents can safely leave prams or strollers before boarding the 45-minute train ride with Douglas or Oliver.
To ensure all patrons have a comfortable experience, we may need to:
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Reseat passengers together to fill gaps in available seating
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Request that prams etc be placed in the pram parking bay on the platform
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us make the journey enjoyable for everyone.
Event and Activity Access
Event Station Site
The event is held at the Queenscliff Railway Station precinct, which has a mix of sealed roadways, concrete paths, crushed rock and grassed areas. While most of the precinct is level, there are some areas with gentle slopes or slightly uneven surfaces, including:
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Car parking area at the bottom of Learmonth Street
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Entry to the Troublesome Truck waiting area
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Entry/exit to Henry’s Play Space.
Train Carriages
Parents are advised there is a gap between the carriage and the platform. Children need to be monitored when boarding and alighting from our carriages.
Carriages are enclosed, with windows that can be opened/closed by parents.
Seating configurations vary and ‘sets’ of seats range between 2, 4, 7 and 10, and you may need to share with fellow patrons.
Please note that the width of the ramp is 700mm.
Troublesome Truck rides
The ‘trucks’ are open wagons, with bench seating, with open space for wheelchair users. All patrons must be seated while the ride is in motion.
Activity Hall
Entry to the hall for activities and entertainment is available via ramp or 2 steps.
Blow Henry’s whistle
Patrons may blow Henry’s whistle from ground level in the blue marquee or in the Drivers Cab.
Climb the stairs to look inside the driver’s cab and discover what it takes to operate a steam locomotive. Read about the main gauges and controls used by the crew and enjoy a driver’s-eye view of the railway.
Mini Fire Truck Rides
This ride is limited to children and has steps (x2 steps) up to the bench seats. The ride is low, making it possible for children to be lifted onto the bench seating.
Please email us if you have any questions HERE
Toilets and Baby Change Facilities
It is recommended to plan a rest stop at a public toilet shortly before arriving at Queenscliff Station.
For locations, please click HERE to visit the National Public Toilet Map – this is a searchable link.
Patrons are required to check in on arrival to receive wristbands and printed materials, and must wear wristbands before entering the event once gates open at 10:00 am to access activities and rides.
While check-in is in progress and before gates open at 10:00 am, one portaloo will be available outside the venue.
Once inside the event precinct, accessible restrooms and baby change facilities are available.
During the 45-minute train trip, portaloos are located at the east and west ends of the platform at Lakers Siding.
Please refer to the booklet and map provided at check-in for locations, and note that there are no toilet facilities on board the carriages.
Booking Information
When will ticket sales open?
The October 2026 event will open for general sale on Tuesday 9 June at 9:00 am
How To Book
Everyone wishing to attend must hold a valid ticket, regardless of age.
Accessible Bookings:
- Due to the heritage nature of carriage design, there may be limited access options for each trip.
- Before booking, please call 5258 2029 ext. 101 so we can discuss how to best accommodate your booking and check availability.
Online Bookings:
- Bookings must be made via our official website. Tickets purchased via unofficial platforms (e.g. Facebook, eBay) will not be accepted.
- Check your order carefully before purchase, including the number of tickets, event date, and venue location, as all bookings are final.
- Show prices shown on our website exclude booking fees.
- Once bookings are processed, a confirmation will be emailed. Patrons will also receive event communications related to the booked show, including a reminder 24 hours before their visit, important updates, and a post-event feedback request.
If there are any errors with your booking, please get in touch with us immediately via email or call 03 5258 2069 ext. 101 during business hours; however, any changes are subject to availability.
Ticket Payment Options
Patrons may choose from two options when booking their tickets
PAY IN FULL
Pay the full amount by credit card at the time of booking to confirm your seats.
Available for all bookings, unless sold out prior.
SPLIT PAYMENT PLAN – CLOSES 17.8.2026
Make a 25% deposit (for bookings of $50+) to reserve your tickets, with the remaining balance due 28 days later.
Available only for bookings made on or before Monday 17 August 2026, unless sold out earlier.
Split Payment Terms & Conditions
- The fixed deposit holds your seats until you complete full payment within the required timeframe.
- Bookings are considered confirmed until payment has been received in full.
- We process the remaining balance using the same credit card used for the deposit.
- A reminder email will be sent at least two days before the balance payment due date.
- Non-payment: If the balance payment fails on day 28, we will contact you by phone or email before we attempt a final payment on day 30. If the final payment attempt fails, we will cancel the booking, release the seats for resale, and your deposit will be forfeited.
If you have any questions about payment processing or due dates, please call us on (03) 5258 2069 ext. 101 with your booking number to discuss further.
Booking changes: October 2026
We understand plans can change, especially with family life and while all tickets are non-refundable, we offer a few flexible options where possible.
Move Your Booking
Ticket holders may request that their booking be moved to another date/time within the October 2026 event only.
Requests close at 5:00 pm on the Monday before your booking date and are subject to availability
Please note that bookings will not be separated.
If your booking cannot be moved (EG event is sold out), you have the option to transfer to family or friends.
Please email us HERE with the following details
- Your booking number
- The last four digits of the card used (for verification)
- Include an explanation for your request and all alternative show dates/times.
Transfers
Original ticket holders may transfer their booking to family or friends, up until 4 pm on the Wednesday before the event weekend.
Please email us HERE with the following details
- Your booking number
- The last four digits of the card used (for verification)
- Include an explanation for the request and the contact details of the person tickets are being transferred to.
Unable to move or transfer?
Where attendance, changes, or transfers are not possible, a voucher for the Swan Bay Express service will be offered.
This allows booked patrons to enjoy a scenic trip from Queenscliff to Lakers Siding and return up until March 2027.
- Vouchers will be emailed within one week and will include details on how to redeem.
Event Terms and Conditions
ALL BOOKINGS ARE FINAL AND NON-REFUNDABLE
It is the responsibility of the person making the booking to carefully check the advertised event location, date, and train time before purchase, as tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. This includes, but is not limited to:
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- Change of mind
- Partial or full non-attendance
- Weather conditions (forecast or on the day)
- Changes to motive power (steam or diesel)
- Missing the pre-booked train time
- Inability to transfer or resell tickets
- The absence of a specific character or advertised activity
Disclaimers
Timetables, event calendars, motive power (steam or diesel), and fares may change with little or no notice.
We reserve the right to operate the scheduled service with a diesel locomotive due to – but not limited to:
- Scheduled maintenance requirements
- Unforeseen operational issues, such as engine breakdowns
- Days of declared Total Fire Ban or Extreme Fire Danger.
Photography and Video
From time to time, The Bellarine Railway captures photography and video during events, which may include images of visitors.
By booking, you consent to the use of such images by The Bellarine Railway in any promotional, advertising, or publicity material, in any format, in perpetuity. Copyright in these materials remains with The Bellarine Railway.
Photographers will be identifiable in orange high-visibility vests. Patrons may request not to appear in photos or videos being captured.
Travelling To The Event
Where is the event held?
The event is held at the Bellarine Railway – Queenscliff Station
20 Symonds Street
Queenscliff VIC 3225
PLUS CODE: PMP6+7M Queenscliff, Victoria
Where can I park?
Free parking is available at Queenscliff Station on a first-come, first-served basis.
The station precinct can be entered from the northern end of Learmonth Street, by crossing Symonds Street.
Limited accessible parking is located on the right-hand side of the precinct, while general parking available on the left.
What time can we check in?
All patrons may enter the event from 10:00 am.
The time selected during booking is the departure time of your 45-minute train ride with Douglas or Oliver, not your event entry time.
Tickets include access to all event rides and activities, a children’s event pack, and entry to the event between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Please have your tickets ready for scanning, either printed or displayed on a mobile device. Upon arrival, you will receive:
• Event wristband(s), colour-coded to match your booked train departure time
• The event activity booklet containing the site map, your train departure time, and the number of tickets in your booking
I am running late - what should I do?
Please note that while the event is in progress, responses to telephone calls, emails, and social media messages are not guaranteed
We understand that Patrons can experience travel delays, so please see our Volunteers at the Ticket Exchange Marquee when you arrive:
Patrons who arrive less than 5 minutes prior to their departure time, may not be able to board their train.
However our volunteers will do their best to accommodate you on a later train. If the remaining trips are full, Patrons can still enjoy the other inclusions – eg. Rides with Thomas in those Troublesome Trucks.
Purchasers unable to be moved to a later train, will be emailed a voucher for the Swan Bay Express within 1 week, Tand valid until March 2027. Please note that bookings will not be moved to another event date.
Where can I stay for the weekend?
The Queenscliffe Visitor Information Centre can help you find local accommodation – call 03 5258 4843
Alternatively, link the link below to see the accommodation options available on the Bellarine or in Geelong