The original railway line was closed in 1954 due to the high costs of maintaining the steep grade and multiple trestle bridges.
The restoration of the track was entirely spearheaded by a group of railway enthusiasts beginning in the 1990s.
The railway features a 200-meter long tunnel carved through rock during the original construction era.
Stringer's Creek, which the railway follows, was the site of the original gold discovery that sparked the Walhalla boom.
The railway operates on a narrow gauge track, which was standard for difficult mountain terrain in Victorian-era Australia.
The Walhalla Goldfields Railway operates a tourist train on a restored section of the historic Moe to Walhalla railway line. The track traverses the steep Stringer’s Creek gorge, crossing several high timber trestle bridges. The line was originally constructed in the early 20th century to serve the rugged mining township of Walhalla. Today, the railway utilizes heritage diesel locomotives to pull passenger carriages through the forested Thomson River valley. The route spans roughly four kilometers, navigating sharp curves and deep forest terrain. Visitors ride in open-air or enclosed carriages while viewing the landscape of the Baw Baw region. The railway is operated by volunteers who maintain the track and rolling stock. It serves as the primary transport link for visitors exploring the historic gold-mining precinct.
The view from the carriage while crossing the high timber trestle bridge over Stringer's Creek.
Bring a light jacket as temperatures in the valley can be significantly cooler than the surrounding high country.
Check the official website for operational status before traveling, as services can be canceled during extreme weather or fire risk days.
Sit on the side of the carriage facing the gorge for the most dramatic views of the trestle bridges.
Do not attempt to walk along the railway tracks outside of designated viewing areas as it is an active operational line.
Operates primarily on weekends and public holidays; check website for specific weekday services during school holiday periods.
Closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking near the tracks.
