Bennett Brook Railway is a heritage narrow-gauge railway located in Whiteman Park, near Perth, Western Australia. It was established by the Western Australian Light Railway Preservation Association (WALRPA), formed on 26 April 1976 by enthusiasts passionate about preserving lesser-known railways. The group’s first locomotive, an LV&S “Planet” engine from the Lake View and Star Gold Mine in Kalgoorlie, was acquired in 1976 and initially stored at a member’s property in the Perth Hills.

Between 1977 and 1982, WALRPA explored various proposals for a permanent railway site, including locations in Wundowie, Maylands, and Kalamunda. Ultimately, their submission for a 610 mm narrow-gauge railway at Whiteman Park was accepted by the Metropolitan Region Planning Authority in August 1982. Equipment began arriving at the park in September, and restoration efforts accelerated with the acquisition of locomotives and rolling stock from Whiteman Brickworks and Maylands Brickworks.

Track laying commenced in January 1984, and by November, the line reached what is now Whiteman Village Junction. The railway officially opened on 8 December 1984, with Peter Dowding MLA driving the first passenger train. The railway incorporated heritage infrastructure, including the relocated Claisebrook station building and a large turntable, enhancing its historical authenticity.

Since its opening, Bennett Brook Railway has grown into a fully operational tourist railway, offering scenic rides through bushland aboard restored steam and diesel locomotives. It operates on weekends, public holidays, and school breaks, with stations including Mussel Pool, Kangaroo Flats, Zamia, and Whiteman Village Junction. The railway is maintained and operated entirely by volunteers, who also restore and preserve its extensive collection of locomotives and carriages.

Today, Bennett Brook Railway serves as both a living museum and a beloved community attraction. It showcases Western Australia’s industrial and transport heritage while providing a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Through decades of volunteer dedication and public support, the railway continues to thrive as a testament to grassroots preservation and historical storytelling.

This summary was generated using AI and draws on publicly available sources including Wikipedia, the Bennett Brook Railway official site, and Kiddle.