The Bellarine Railway, located on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, traces its origins to the late 19th century. Commissioned in 1878 and officially opened on 21 May 1879, the line connected Queenscliff to South Geelong, serving both civilian and military needs. Fort Queenscliff, a key defence installation, contributed to the line’s strategic importance. Initially, the railway operated one daily service, but by 1885, it had expanded to four trains in each direction. However, declining passenger numbers led to reduced services, and by 1931, regular passenger operations ceased.

Despite the drop in passenger traffic, freight services continued for several decades. The railway played a crucial role during World War II, transporting mines from Swan Island military base. Post-war, the line saw further reductions in service frequency, eventually operating only fortnightly goods trains. The line was officially closed on 6 November 1976, marking the end of its commercial operations. However, its historical significance as Victoria’s oldest branch line remained intact.

Preservation efforts began even before the line’s closure. In 1968, the Geelong division of the Australian Railway Historical Society formed the Geelong Steam Preservation Society (GSPS). Initially based at Belmont Common, the group operated a small tourist railway using donated locomotives from the Fyansford Cement Works. Challenges with the Belmont site—including flooding and urban development—prompted the society to seek a more permanent home.

In 1979, the GSPS successfully reopened the Queenscliff–Drysdale section as the Bellarine Railway, making it Victoria’s first volunteer-run tourist railway. The railway quickly became a hub for heritage preservation, acquiring locomotives and rolling stock from across Australia’s narrow-gauge systems. Today, it boasts a diverse collection of steam and diesel engines, and offers themed experiences like The Blues Train and The Q Train, blending nostalgia with modern tourism.

The Bellarine Railway stands as a testament to community-driven heritage conservation. Its stations—Queenscliff and Drysdale—retain much of their original infrastructure, including signal loops, goods sheds, and weighbridges. The railway not only preserves Victoria’s rail history but also fosters public engagement through events, charters, and scenic rides. Thanks to decades of volunteer dedication, the Bellarine Railway continues to connect past and present in a uniquely immersive way.

This summary was generated using AI and draws on publicly available sources including Wikipedia, the Bellarine Railway official site, and The Blues Train.