Steam Train Driver Experience

What is the Experience?

The awesome power of a vintage steam locomotive will be in your hands as you progress through an exhilarating and memorable day with the expert crew from the Victorian Goldfields Railway.

The day starts off at 8.30am, with training and going through the manual with railway crew . You will then assist your instructing crew with lighting up the engine and getting steam to correct levels before shunting (arranging rolling stock on the line with the engine and connecting the loco to the goods train) in readiness your first 16km trip.

This trip takes you to Muckleford Station, the mid – point of the journey, where the loco is disconnected and reconnected to the train before returning to Maldon.

After lunch, a second trip will provide you with a more confident driving experience, as by then, you will have developed a much better feel for the loco. On return to Maldon, more shunting is undertaken, prior to placing the loco over pit and putting it to bed.

You'll finish this exciting day off by 5.00pm when you will receive your Certificate of Achievement. You may be tired and dirty , but you will have a sense of great satisfaction.

Cost includes lunch on the day for two. Lunch is available for more people by prior arrangement @ $10 per person. Accomodation can be arranged at an additional cost.

Where & When
Suitability & Guidelines

Venue:

Maldon (Central Victoria). A 90 minute drive from Melbourne.

Session Length

A full Day from 8.30 am - 5.00pm. This experience is offered on non scheduled running days and at the discretion of the company. A mutually suitable date is arranged with participants.

Map

The map below gives you the location of this experience to allow you to plan.

Exact location, directions and meeting place will be available to you once you have purchased your voucher(s).

Guidelines:

You do not require any previous railway knowledge, but you need to be over 21 years of age, of reasonable health and fitness and have a great deal of enthusiasm. It’s not only for men either – women are most welcome to particpate.

Numbers:

The actual Driver Experience is for one person, but family members may attend, and travel in the guard's Van if desired.

Weather:

Weather is generally not an issue. While the program is not active during the official fire danger period, should a Total Fire Ban Day be declared on your arranged day, an alternative day will be organised.

Other Info:

Prior to attending, a detailed set of conditions and a complimentary driving manual will be provided. Included will be a fitness statement, asking you to detai any relevant health matters we should be aware of. The conditions of participation are signed and returned to us prior to attending.

This experience voucher is valid for six months from date of purchase.