Victorian Goldfields Railway
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From steam to satellites
Steam trains once defined the Victorian Goldfields Railway, carrying miners and goods across central Victoria. Today, those same tracks are playing host to something very different: a testing ground for the future of safe and reliable navigation. Space and spatial experts at social enterprise, FrontierSI, have launched Australia’s first Positioning, Navigation and Timing Labs, a…
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Good Friday soirée
The Victorian Goldfields Railway has a host of events on this Easter and school holidays! Embark on a unique and exclusive journey aboard the VGR’s heritage train as part of the Good Friday Wine and Cheese Soirée! Savour a delightful selection of wines carefully curated for your palate. Tasting notes will guide you through the…
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A fox, a vintage train and a birthday
If you thought you saw a fox driving the heritage train from Castlemaine to Maldon last Monday – don’t worry, you weren’t hallucinating! A sweet, intelligent and enthusiastic bloke called Voksy Daeche was taking part in a special driver experience for his 30th birthday – dressed in his fox suit. Voksy told the Express that…
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All aboard the Valentine Express
The Valentine Express is rolling into Castlemaine and Maldon this February 14. A carefully curated three-course dinner with views of the beautiful Victorian Goldfields countryside is an enchanting way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Share an intimate meal, toast to new memories and let the magic of the railway set the scene for an unforgettable evening.…
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All aboard!
Journey back in time, rattling along the railway line in a heritage steam locomotive from Castlemaine to the historic township of Maldon, and peruse the shops and cafes. Take the kids for a memorable day out, watch the world go by from your family compartment. With the windows open you can listen to the engine…
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Level crossing upgrade
The Victorian Goldfields Railway in conjunction with Mount Alexander Shire Council is in the process of upgrading the level crossing over Sawmill Road in Muckleford/Castlemaine. The latest works follow the recent re-build on the Muckleford-Walmer Road at the Muckleford Station. The purpose of the latest upgrade is to improve the safety of the crossing in…
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Help keep VGR on track
The Victorian Goldfields Railway has launched a fundraising appeal to assist with an upgrade of the tourist line between Muckleford and Maldon. VGR president Rob Lee said the track was now 25 years old and in critical need of rejuvenation to ensure the popular railway could continue to run a premium service. “Unfortunately, recent rainfall…
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Normie Rowe ‘Under the Stars’
Australian music legend Normie Rowe is set to return to Maldon later this month to play his second SteamPacket ‘Under the Stars’ gig. Speaking to the Express from the Gold Coast late last week, the incomparable singer, performer and actor said after the challenges of COVID he was looking forward to returning to his home state for…
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Near-miss scare on railway line
Victorian Goldfields Railway crews were left in shock following a near miss between a train and a child on the railway line on October 31. About 4.45pm on the Sunday, the crew of the train operating from Castlemaine to Maldon saw four young children on the rail corridor about 100 metres from the Midland Highway…
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'Near-miss' Maldon crossing upgrade begins
Work to improve the safety of a notorious railway crossing at Maldon begins this week, following a concerning series of near misses. The level crossing where the Maldon-Bendigo Road crosses the Victorian Goldfields Railway tourist railway is to be rebuilt to significantly enhance the safety of the crossing, the scene of several recent close calls…
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COVID’s regional tourism windfall
While COVID has crunched overseas and interstate travel plans for many Victorians, regional Victoria has just quietly been benefiting from a visitor boom. Local accommodation venues, dining venues, visitor attractions – and even local artists – have all been among those enjoying a financial uptick as Victorians have taken time out to holiday in their…
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COVID's regional tourism windfall
While COVID has crunched overseas and interstate travel plans for many Victorians, regional Victoria has just quietly been benefiting from a visitor boom. Local accommodation venues, dining venues, visitor attractions – and even local artists – have all been among those enjoying a financial uptick as Victorians have taken time out to holiday in their…