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Step aboard a vintage train this December for a magical Christmas journey at The Bellarine Railway. Perfect for families and holiday lovers, this scenic ride brings THE POLAR EXPRESS™ story alive amid Victorian countryside.
Step aboard a vintage train this December for a magical Christmas journey at The Bellarine Railway. Perfect for families and holiday lovers, this scenic ride brings THE POLAR EXPRESS™ story alive amid Victorian countryside.
Book with The Bellarine Railway
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Bellarine Railway · Queenscliff, Victoria
Located along the picturesque coast of Victoria, The Bellarine Railway offers a festive treat for families and holiday enthusiasts alike. Every December, this historic narrow-gauge railway transforms into a magical stage for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Carriage experience, bringing a beloved Christmas tale vividly to life. Visitors embark on a nostalgic train journey inspired by the classic movie, where the conductor's welcoming voice and festive decorations turn the ride into a truly immersive event. The train's vintage carriages, filled with twinkling lights and holiday cheer, chug through lush landscapes and past charming regional scenery, making it a scenic highlight of the season. Kids and adults alike don pajamas and scarves, creating a cozy, communal atmosphere perfect for making lasting holiday memories.
What sets this experience apart is its theatrical charm combined with scenic rides through the Victorian countryside. Kids get to meet Santa, enjoy storytelling, and take photos with characters from the story, while adults appreciate the historic setting and warm hospitality. The event has become a treasured tradition, celebrated for its inclusive family-friendly character and genuine Christmas spirit. The Bellarine Railway's dedication to preserving Victorian rail history fuels this seasonal event, adding authentic vintage appeal to a modern festive spectacle.
Whether you're seeking a joyful holiday outing, a nostalgic trip down memory lane, or a special way to introduce children to train travel, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Carriage at Bellarine Railway offers a uniquely joyful experience that captures the magic of Christmas. It ranks high among Victoria’s winter attractions, blending heritage, storytelling, and seasonal wonder in a way only a heritage railway can deliver.
Close to the vibrant city of Geelong, the railway is easy to access, making it a top winter destination. The combination of scenic rides and festive theatrics makes this a memorable holiday stop for visitors of all ages who cherish the thrill of the train and the warmth of the season.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for all ages and mobility levels
Yes, the experience is designed to be family-friendly, with activities and entertainment suitable for children and adults alike.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted onboard, but there are seasonal concessions available at the station.
The Bellarine Railway makes accommodations where possible; contact them in advance for specific accessibility arrangements.
The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours, including boarding, the journey, and interaction with characters.
Check the official website regularly for cancellations or upcoming dates, as additional sessions may be added.
Yes, ample parking is available at the station for visitors arriving by car.
The Bellarine Railway, established in 1986, has been dedicated to preserving regional rail history while offering festive seasonal events for the community.
The railway actively preserves vintage locomotives and carriages, prioritizing sustainable practices and visitor education about regional environmental efforts.
The Bellarine Railway is a heritage railway based in Queenscliff, Victoria, operating historic steam and heritage train experiences along the Bellarine Peninsula. It runs regular heritage services from the historic Queenscliff Station and stages seasonal and special-event trips that appeal to families, rail enthusiasts and visitors to the region. Annual December events include THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Carriage experiences—Arctic Circle, Northern Lights, Caribou Crossing and Silver Bell—presented as theatrical, family-friendly journeys where guests are invited to wear pajamas and join the Conductor in an immersive holiday story. Steamlight Nights offers a magical winter evening aboard a steam train with a 60-minute round trip to Lakers Siding, featuring fire pits, twinkling lights, snow effects, marshmallow toasting and family activities. The Bellarine Rail Trail Run partners with the running community to provide transport and support options for the BRT Run, with train services to the start and opportunities to watch the event from the train between Queenscliff and Drysdale. Swan Bay Express heritage train rides travel along Swan Bay from Queenscliff Station, with activity sheets for children and pet-friendly services on select Sundays and holidays. Ticketed services run on scheduled dates with public timetables and advance booking recommended for themed and seasonal departures each year.
Book with The Bellarine Railway