THE POLAR EXPRESS™

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride  FAQ

Event Information

What is included with admission?

All tickets include entry to THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride experience at Queenscliff Station.

Adult, Concession, Child, and Companion admission
Includes the following entertainment, refreshments, and mementoes:

  • Golden Tickets: A souvenir ticket is provided on arrival.
  • Train Ride and Show: A 90-minute experience that includes a 45-minute train trip – 15 minutes each way, with a 15-minute stopover for refreshments
  • Character Interactions: Meet beloved characters from THE POLAR EXPRESS™, including the Conductor, Hero Boy, Hobo, and Santa Claus!
  • Story Book Reading: Listen to the classic story being narrated onboard, with stewards displaying a large-format book to follow along.
  • Entertainment: Watch the Stewards perform the ‘Hot Chocolate’ dance scene mid-journey.
  • Refreshments: Just like in the story, passengers will be served a chilled chocolate drink and a freshly-baked biscuit by our ‘Chefs’
  • Carols: Join the Stewards in singing popular Christmas carols as the train heads towards the “North Pole.”
  • Special Gift: Santa and the Elves will present each guest with the “first gift of Christmas” as a memento of their journey – a sleigh bell.
  • Photo Opportunities:  Capture special moments with your own camera during the experience.

 

Lap Child Admission and Limits
To manage carriage capacity and complimentary Silver Bell supply, we have set a limit of 1 lap child per adult/concession ticket, with a maximum of 2 per booking. Additional lap children may be requested; however, this is subject to availability.

Includes most of the above, with the following exceptions:

  • Lap children are aged 0 to 23 months.
  • No individual seat: Lap children will need to sit on a parent’s or guardian’s lap.
  • No refreshments provided: Parents may share or BYO.

Parents are welcome to purchase a child’s ticket for lap children, if they would like them to have a seat and refreshments.

Patron Check-in and Entry Times

Patrons can check in up to 30 minutes before their show.

Entry to the platform area will begin once all patrons from the previous show have exited the platform, to ensure the show is not seen out of sequence.

The POLAR EXPRESS(TM) Shows involve many moving parts and, as a result, delays may occur due to technical or mechanical issues. This can affect any part of the show, including advertised start and end times.

  • As such show entry and time frames may be altered with little or no advance notice.
  • Patrons will be kept informed as practicable, however please speak to our volunteers or cast members if you have any questions.

Restrooms will not be available until entry has commenced.

  • It is recommended to plan a rest stop at a public restroom, shortly before arriving at Queenscliff Station.
  • For nearby locations please click HERE to visit the National Public Toilet Map – this is a  searchable link
What ages are suitable for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride?

This event is designed for individuals of all ages. Whether you are a curious toddler or a nostalgic adult, the journey captures the imagination and spirit of Christmas for everyone.

What type of refreshments will be offered?

Patrons will be offered a choice of chilled chocolate milk (dairy) or water, served with a freshly baked gluten-free biscuit.

While the movie features hot chocolate, refreshments for this summer season show will be served chilled.

Please note: While we are unable to cater for additional dietary requirements, patrons are welcome to bring their own alternative refreshments if preferred. Please consume milk-based drinks within two hours of service.

Does the event proceed in all weather?

Yes. The event features both indoor and outdoor elements and will proceed rain, hail, shine and even snow!

We recommend dressing for the forecast, as shelter is limited in some areas.

Are animals allowed on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™?

Only accredited Guide Dogs and Assistance Animals are welcome onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™.

To help us make your visit as smooth as possible, please call 5258 2069 ext. 101 or email us HERE with your preferred show date and time, to discuss suitable carriage arrangements

We will then confirm availability in the accessible carriage and help arrange your booking.

Updated May 2026

Accessibility

Do you accept Companion Cards?

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, held at the Bellarine Railway, offers a limited number of Companion Card seats for each show.

Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis at $35.00 per person.

Please contact us before booking on (03) 5258 2069 ext. 101 during business hours to discuss requirements and check availability.

Specific showtimes may be limited due to existing bookings and pre-allocated accessibility requirements.

Updated  May 2026

Event and Carriage Accessibility

Site Access

  • The Queenscliff Station precinct includes a mix of paved, gravel, and grassy areas, with some mild slopes and uneven surfaces.
  • Accessible parking is available at the end of Learmonth Street.

Train Access

  • Our heritage carriages have narrow doors and aisles.
  • A ramp is available for boarding with selected carriages.
  • Up to 7 accessible spaces are available per show and are subject to availability – Please call 03 5258 2069 during business hours to discuss access needs.

Additional Information

  • As space on our heritage carriages is limited, prams and strollers cannot be taken onboard. These may be left in vehicles or stored in the designated pram parking area on the platform for the duration of the train journey.
  • Carriage windows may be opened or closed as needed by accompanying adults.
  • Supervise children carefully when boarding or alighting, as there is a gap between the platform and carriage.
  • Seating configurations vary, and you may be seated with other patrons.
  • Santa’s Hall is accessible via a ramp or two steps. A ramp is also available at the exit upon request.
Restrooms and Baby Change Facilities

We recommend planning a rest stop at a public toilet, shortly before arriving at Queenscliff Station. For nearby locations please click HERE to visit the National Public Toilet Map –  this is a searchable link.

Entry to the platform will commence once all patrons from the previous show have clear the platform, to ensure the show is not seen out of sequence.

Station restrooms will not be available until after entry has begun – approx 30 minutes before the start of each show. However, a portaloo will be provided outside the venue during this time.

Accessible restrooms and baby change facilities are located within the event precinct at Queenscliff Station, including the Queenscliff platform and the Brick Hall opposite the station.

During the journey, portaloos are located at the east and west ends of the platform at Lakers Siding, the halfway point of the 45-minute ride.

Please note that there are no toilet facilities onboard our heritage carriages.

Booking Information

When will tickets be released?

The December 2026 shows will open for general sale on Tuesday 9 June at 9:00 am

To avoid disappointment, please book early, as seats are expected to fill quickly.

 

How To Book

Everyone wishing to attend needs to hold a valid ticket, regardless of age.

Accessible Bookings:

  • Due to the heritage design, there are limited access options for each show.  
  • 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.
  • To ensure your group is seated together, please book all tickets in a single reservation.
  • Check your order carefully before purchase, including the number of tickets, show 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 28.9.2026

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, 28 September 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 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.

Carriage & Seating Options
Each carriage offers a variety of seating styles to suit different group sizes and preferences.
  • Booths of up to 4 – Arctic Circle and Northern Lights
  • Paired seating – Silver Bell and Northern Lights
  • Shared Open Seating – Caribou Crossing

PLEASE NOTE

  • All Reserved Booth and Paired seating are filled consecutively as bookings are made.
  • To ensure your group sits together, book all tickets in a single reservation, as we cannot guarantee changes afterwards.
  • Patrons will receive their seat allocations (within your pre-selected carriage) when checking in on the day of your show
 
1. CHOOSE YOUR CARRIAGE 

Select the carriage that best suits your group size and preferred seating style.
Prices shown exclude booking fees and will be added at checkout.

Northern Lights

  • Seating: Reserved Booths (up to 4 with a table) and Paired seating (up to 2 with no table)
  • Pricing: Booths $222.50 • Pairs $111.50
  • Description: A mix of booth and paired seating. Booths may be booked in multiples for larger groups. Aisles must remain clear during performances.

Arctic Circle 

  • Seating: Reserved Booths (up to 4 with a table)
  • Pricing: $222.50 per booth
  • Description: Booth seating throughout. Booths may be booked in multiples for larger groups. Aisles must remain clear during performances.

Silver Bell 

  • Seating: Reserved paired seating (up to 2 with no table)
  • Pricing: $111.50 per pair
  • Description: Classic train-style paired seating facing the same direction. Available in pairs or multiples thereof. Aisles must remain clear during performances.

Caribou Crossing

  • Seating: Shared open seating (with no table)
  • Pricing: Adult $61.95  • Concession $55.00 • Child $43.75
  • Description: Shared seating with a mix of single seats and wooden pew-style benches (4 seats per pew) along each side. Includes room to stand and dance during interactive parts of the show. Select any number of individual seats.

 

2. SELECT YOUR SEATING 

Select the number of seat types for your group offered in your chosen carriage.

Please note that some the following ticket types are limited for each show.
Contact us either by calling 5258 2069 ext. 101 or emailing HERE 

  • Companion Card ticket: $35.00
    • The number of accessible seating available are subject to availabilty.
    • Please contact us to check seating requirements before booking –
  • Lap Children: Travel free 
    • Age range – 0 to 23 months
    • Limits apply – please refer to the What is included with admission? section on this page
    • Additional lap children may be requested; however, they are subject to availability – please call 5258 2069 ext. 101 or email us HERE
Booking Changes: December 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 show date/time within the 2026 season only.
Requests close at 5:00 pm on the Monday before your booked show and are subject to availability
Please note that bookings will not be separated.
If your booking cannot be moved (EG Shows are full) 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

Orginal ticket holders may transfer their booking to family or friends, up until 4pm on the Wednesday before your booked show .

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 tranferred 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 June 2027.

  • Vouchers will be emailed within one week and will include details on how to redeem.
Terms and Conditions

ALL TICKET SALES ARE FINAL AND NON-REFUNDABLE 

Advertised events are held rain, hail or shine and tickets will not be refunded unless the operator cancels outright.

Disclaimers
The POLAR EXPRESS(TM) Shows involve many moving parts and, as a result, delays may occur due to technical or mechanical issues. This can affect any part of the show, including advertised start and end times.

  • As such show times and entry may be altered with little or no advance notice.
  • Patrons will be kept informed, however please speak to our volunteers or cast members if you have any questions. 
  • Patience and understanding in the event of any unforeseen circumstances is appreciate .

We also reserve the right to operate the scheduled service with a diesel locomotive or cancel outright due to – but not limited to:

  • Unforeseen circumstances, such as engine breakdown or service requirements.
  • On days of the Total Fire Ban or declared extreme
  • Regular maintenance requirements.

Photography and Video
From time to time The Bellarine Railway carries out photography and/or video recording which may feature visitors on its premises. By booking, you agree that The Bellarine Railway may use such images in perpetuity in any promotional, advertising or publicity material in any format whatsoever. You further agree that copyright in these materials rests with The Bellarine Railway.

Photographer(s) are usually identified by wearing an orange hi-vis vest. Patrons are welcome to request they not be included in photos/videos.

Travelling To The Event

Venue Location

All shows start and end 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.

Accessible parking is located on the right-hand side of the precinct, while general parking available on the left.

Running late?

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:

  • If you arrive after the train has departed, our volunteers will do their best to accommodate you on a later train.
  • Should the remaining shows for the day be fully booked, you may join your session on the train’s return to visit Santa.
  • Bookings will not be rescheduled to another show date. 
  • If the train ride is missed, purchasers will be emailed a voucher for the Swan Bay Express within 1 week.
Where can I stay for the weekend?

The Queenscliffe Visitor Information Centre can help you find local accommodation – call 03 5258 4843.

Alternatively, visit the link below to see the accommodation options available on the Bellarine or in Geelong.

STAY HERE
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THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WB SHIELD: TM & © WBEI. (s26)
Based on THE POLAR EXPRESS book and characters © & ™ 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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