Diamond Valley Railway is a must-do miniature railway in Eltham and makes for a great day out for little train fans.
Diamond Valley Railway is possibly the best miniature railway in Melbourne due to its location, the number of trains running and the excellent Eltham Lower Park playspace nearby.
Volunteers operate the railway every Sunday of the month and families can ride steam and diesel trains for only $4 per person, with online tickets available only. They also run special events throughout the year such as the famous Teddy Bear’s Picnic every Queen’s Birthday long weekend. Bring along your teddy bear and children (under 18’s only) ride free!
The track is particularly long, with a few tunnel sections and plenty of opportunities to wave to other train drivers and riders.
Trainspotters can enjoy the best views from the overhead bridge.
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The setup is large so while the queues can be long (if you’re not one of the first in line at 11am) they move quickly as up to three trains run at the same time. Note that the booking office now only offers online tickets, so you won’t find these paper tickets pictured available.
The Eltham Lower Park playspace is next to the railway and makes a great resting point before, during and after the train ride. Eltham Lower Park also has a second play space which has recently been refurbished.
There are also numerous picnic and BBQ shelters within both playgrounds and around the park (though they get taken early with birthday parties as they can’t be booked). The Eltham Rotary and various Community groups run a sausage sizzle and the coffee van and ice-cream van make a killing treat.
Excellent public toilets with change facilities are just outside Eltham Lower Park playspace. Diamond Valley Railway is a fun and cheap day out for little train fans, with enough to amuse toddlers and preschoolers for a half-day adventure.
For other miniature railways in Melbourne read my reviews of Moorabbin Miniature Railway, Box Hill Miniature Steam Railway, Altona Miniature Railway and Bulla Hill Railway.
Click here for the best train experiences in Melbourne for kids
HOT Tips:
- arrive before the first train at 11am and buy your tickets in advance so you can you can be on the first trains;
- no open-toed shoes, sandals or thongs allowed on the train;
- tickets are $4 online only, children under 2 years ride free;
- free parking on site;
- Buses 902 Chelsea or 513 Glenroy bus depart from Eltham Railway Station every 30 minutes;
- Dogs are not permitted on the trains;
- Prams are not permitted on platforms;
- Special trains for exclusive use may be hired on Sundays only;
- Eltham Lower Park playspace fenced accessible playground next to railway;
- Sausage sizzle, coffee van, ice cream van nearby;
- public toilets with change facilities;
- Free BBQ shelters and picnic shelters;
- Visit Second Home and Montsalvat while in Eltham.
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