Steamrail Victoria will operate a series of journeys between Melbourne, Bendigo and Echuca from Friday, June 6 to Monday, June 9.
“On Saturday, June 7 we will run a day trip from Bendigo to Echuca and back again, which we call the Echuca Overlander,” Steamrail Victoria operations team member Noah Clancey said.
“When we get to Echuca, passengers have four hours to explore the town, visit the port or go to the Steam Revival.”
Once the train is in Echuca, rather than just being parked at the station, it will make two return trips towards Rochester for the locals.
Everyone can enjoy a 55-minute return steam train ride, 21km south along the Campaspe Plains to the 229km-from-Melbourne post.
The historic R711 steam locomotive, known as ‘The City of Bendigo’, will be the star attraction.
The R711, built in Glasgow in 1951 and first steamed on August 28, 1951, spent its life hauling passenger and freight trains along with the occasional special until it was finally withdrawn from service in August 1965.
R711 will be accompanied by the S301 diesel locomotive.
“The vintage diesel locomotive is there for a bit more horsepower for the train, especially coming out of Melbourne,” Mr Clancey said.
“Some of the carriages pulled by the train go back to around 1908, so they are well over 110 years old.
“All the carriages have opening windows, so if it is a hot day, you open the windows up to let the breeze in; otherwise, you can sit back and listen to the sound of the steam engine and see the world go by.
“Everyone just enjoys being on the train and experiencing the journey.”
The seven-carriage train includes amenities such as a bar, a kiosk and a souvenir store.
For tickets and the steaming timetable, go to steamrail.com.au/tours
