General News
18 February, 2022
History comes alive on train trip
CAMPERDOWN’S train station was awash with smiling visitors over the weekend.
CAMPERDOWN’S train station was awash with smiling visitors over the weekend.
On Saturday passengers took a trip back in time as they made the voyage from Camperdown to Warrnambool onboard the Otway Explorer vintage train as part of a tour of the south west.
The Steamrail Victoria annual event, saw more than 200 passengers take the leisurely one-hour trip from Camperdown to Warrnambool, before an hour break to make the return journey.
The railway enthusiasts travelled in heritage “E” type carriages dating back to 1906.
The carriages heralded back to a simpler time where air conditioning came in the form ofopen windows.
Hauling the carriages was a mid-century diesel locomotive – S313.
Vintage rail enthusiast Eddie White, who helped make the trip happen said the day was excellent.
“There was about 200 people who did the trip from Camperdown to Warrnambool,” he said.
“We had the carriages with the opening windows full, that was what we were trying to do.
“The main part of the trip from Melbourne to Colac and Camperdown was excellent as well, there was 220 to 230 people onboard.”
Mr White said 100 people got off the train at Colac and went to the Otway Fly, Otway Brewery and the Lake Edge Cafe at Pomborneit.
He said feedback had been positive.
“Everyone seemed to be happy with the trip, especially the people who took the trip from Melbourne,” Mr White said.
“All the locals loved the short trip. It’s nice to run with steam, but we can’t do that during summer.
“This is more about the experience and the experience seemed to be enjoyable.”
The trip marked the second time the vintage train had made the trip to Warrnambool.
