Take a ride back in time along the heritage Mornington Railway between Moorooduc and Mornington. With steam and diesel locomotives and vintage passenger cars in tow, the volunteer-run railway operates on the first three Sundays of the month – a real treat for train enthusiasts both young and old. A lot of hard work has gone into bringing the once forgotten railways back to life “just as they used to be”, and the effort is still ongoing. Some 4.5 kilometres of tracks encompassing Baxter and Frankston are on the horizon, as well as the construction of a heritage-style station, a carriage workshop, museum and restoration of even more classic steam engines.

The rural railway operated for more than 90 years before closing in 1981. Ten years later, with the supportive Mornington community rallying behind it, the Mornington Railway reopened and found a new identity as a heritage railway, preserved for its significance to the region. Locomotive buffs will recognise the K class steam trains in operation, including K163, K177, K159 and K191 – each with its own fascinating story to tell.

There’s something about hearing the traditional toot of the train rolling into the station and the act of riding the rail, reminding commuters of a time when the journey was just as important as the destination. See drivers stoking the coal-filled box to produce the powerful steam and learn about how railways shaped the Mornington Peninsula and wider Victoria from the knowledgeable volunteers of the Mornington Peninsula Railway Preservation Society, who keep the nine-kilometre round trip running smoothly.

The Mornington Railway is accessible from the main, fully serviced Moorooduc Station from the Moorooduc Highway off Two Bays Road, the Mornington Station off the Nepean Highway via Mornington-Tyabb Road, or the smaller unmanned Tanti Station on Bungower Road. Return tickets are $AUD16.00 for adults, $AUD13.00 concession and $AUD8.00 for children, with single fares and family deals available. At present, the Sunday-run Mornington Railway operates from approximately 11:00 to 16:00.