Where does the train depart from?

Swan Bay Express departs from Queenscliff Station. 20 Symonds Street, Queenscliff.

Seaside Explorer departs from Drysdale Station. 2-10 Station Street Drysdale

Where does the train go to?

Swan Bay Express departs from Queenscliff, travels to Lakers Siding (which is only accessible by train), before returning to Queenscliff.

Seaside Explorer departs from Drysdale, travels to Queenscliff, before returning to Drysdale. There is 2 hours 20 minutes to explore Queenscliff.

How long is the train journey?

Swan Bay Express is 15 minutes in each direction, with a 15 minute stop at Lakers Siding (making a 45 minute experience).

Seaside Explorer is 55 minutes in each direction, with a 2 hours 20 minute stop at Queenscliff (making a 4 hour experience).

Will there be a steam train?

Every attempt is made to provide a steam locomotive to haul our heritage experiences, though sometimes this is not possible due to maintenance needs, or Extreme Weather restrictions (ie Total Fire Bans). The Bellarine Railway reserves the right to change motive power (steam to diesel or vice versa) without notice.

Are there toilets onboard the train?

No, there are no toilets onboard the heritage train itself. Accessible toilets are located at Queenscliff and Drysdale Stations.

Is the train air conditioned?

No, the heritage train is not air conditioned or heated. Being of a heritage design, you may open windows for more airflow.

Are there any allocated seats?

No, there is no individually allocated seating on any heritage experiences, with the exception of reserved accessibility zones. Swan Bay Express has a booking option to reserve a “private compartment”, which reserves you a private room capable of seating seven passengers. This option is not available on the Seaside Explorer.

Can I reserve a carriage for a special event or large group?

Yes, there are booking options available for carriage reservations, for groups of various sizes. These must be arranged in advance. Contact us for details.

What if I am running late?

Swan Bay Express operates three times on each running day, so if you miss either the 11am or 12pm services, your booking can be moved to the next train. 2:15pm is the final train of the day. Please note if Seaside Explorer is operating on the same day as Swan Bay Express, the Swan Bay Express will only operate at 12pm, patrons arriving late accept that there will be no following train to be moved to.

Seaside Explorer operates once on each running day, patrons arriving late accept that there will be no following train to be moved to.

Can I purchase tickets on the day?

Yes, subject to availability. Our trains tend to be very full, so please book online to avoid disappointment. Online bookings close at 10am on each running day. Any available tickets are sold to walk-up patrons on a first-come, first-served basis. No telephone bookings are possible. 

When booking tickets you agree to receive an email requesting feedback after your visit, to give us valuable information on ways we can improve.

Where do I go when I arrive?

Pre-booked patrons must present their tickets at the booking office window before boarding the train, to confirm their arrival and collect souvenir ticket(s). Our volunteer train conductors may also check and punch the souvenir tickets.

Do you accept companion cards?

The Bellarine Railway accepts Companion Cards for our heritage experiences. A companion is able to travel on the Swan Bay Express and Seaside Explorer free of charge when their client purchases an adult or concession ticket online. To arrange a companion ticket, please forward the booking confirmation email, with a scan of the companion card HERE. Please note that email requests will only receive responses during business hours. On days when trains are running, our Booking Officers will be available at Drysdale and Queenscliff Stations to assist you with any inquiries or requests in person.

How do I redeem a Gift Card or Voucher?

Booking requests for voucher holders are accepted by email within business hours. Alternatively, present the voucher at the gate, however, tickets are subject to availability. Please note that family tickets are excluded, as they are already discounted.

What is the refunds policy?

Tickets are non-refundable unless the operator cancels the service outright. Requests for day-of-travel changes will only be considered when received via email – HERE – no less than 48 hours before the pre-booked date. While The Bellarine Railway will make reasonable efforts to contact patrons, trains must depart on schedule. Patrons who miss their departure or return trip are responsible for arranging alternative transport at their own expense. Refunds are not available if a patron misses part or all of a journey.