A GREAT GIFT FOR EVERYONE - AVAILABLE ANY DAY BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT Has someone you know always had a dream to drive a real live train? To feel the power of a steam locomotive in their own hands and experience the wonder of the steam era? The Bellarine Railway now offers everyone the opportunity to drive a train. THIS EXPERIENCE IS FOR EVERYONE! Young or Old, Big Boys and Big Girls! 
Click here to view the Bellarine Railway Driver Experience featured on Channel Nines, Postcards. Our Train Driving Experience Course is for those who enjoy the sights and sounds of a steam & diesel locomotives. You need no previous railway knowledge or experience - we will teach you the basics of driving a train. If you are over 18 and of reasonable health and fitness - then this experience is for you. You can bring your partner and family on your very own train as well and they can share in the fun. Alternatively they can take in the attractions of Queenscliff and the Bellarine Peninsula while you drive the train. A range of brochures on regional attractions is available upon request.
WHEN DOES THE COURSE TAKE PLACE?
The Driver Experience Course can be enjoyed on any day when we are not running passenger services except during the busy summer season from Boxing Day to Australia Day. Maintenance requirements may also determine which steam locomotive is available for use on your course. WHAT CHOICES DO I HAVE? We offer three different experiences: - - You can experience the thrill of driving a steam locomotive
- Or a single diesel electric locomotive or railcar
- And for the real diesel loco enthusiast we offer the unique ability to drive a multiple unit lash up of historic diesels.
WHAT’S INVOLVED? The course day starts at 8.30am at Queenscliff Railway Station (9.30 for the Diesel experience) - Our experienced instructor driver will then take you through the theory of the locomotive, and you will assist with its preparation. You will be shown how to drive the loco and how to manipulate the brakes.
- Just after 11am you will take the controls and under supervision you will make up a train of wagons and/or carriages.
- You will then take the locomotive for a light engine run to get the hang of things. This will normally be around Swan Bay towards Lakers Siding.
- Upon return you will water the locomotive and then couple up to your train. Your friends and family are welcome to ride in the carriage.
- After lunch you will then drive the train for the entire 32 km return trip to Drysdale. Your immiediate family can ride the train with you. (Limited to 8 persons). You are more than welcome to invite your friends to travel with you and share the fun and experience. A small charge of $6 per person will be made, for other than immiediate family.
- You will be able to take the shovel and also experience the art of firing a steam locomotive.
- Along the way we will stop and allow video and lots of photos at different places on our scenic railway line to be taken.
- Upon return to Queenscliff you will shunt the train again and make up the carriages for the next days service under the watchful eye of your instructor.
- Once this has been completed we will 'put the engine to bed' and you will be rewarded with a Certificate of Achievement, and be tired, dirty and very satisfied with your days efforts.
COSTS (From 4 Sep 2008) The Driver Experience Course costs incl. GST is: - Steam Locomotive T251 - $1295
- Diesel Locomotive - $795.00
You are more than welcome to invite your friends to travel with you and share the fun and experience. A small charge of $6 per person will be made, for other than immiediate family. Included in the course fee is: - All tuition
- Train driving for 32 km plus shunting work.
- Steam locomotive firing.
- A Pub or Picnic Lunch and refreshments will be provided for you during the day.
- You will receive One year's Membership of the Bellarine Peninsula Railway
- A commemorative BPR cap
- A special Certificate of Achievement
Indulge yourself in our Driver Experience Course or arrange a date for a friend or relative - the experience makes an exciting, unique and memorable gift! You will need to provide your own coveralls or old clothes, boots and gloves. Click here to down load the Driver Experience Application Form, the Guidelines and the Participant Agreement Contact and Booking Information | 
Driver Experience 
