Hotham Valley Tourist Railway

STEP BACK IN TIME

The Hotham Valley Tourist Railway is one of the most popular attractions in the Murray region. It's your chance to experience a ride aboard a heritage train in the heart of the forest. There are 3 historic train experiences operating seasonally throughout the year. Due to fire management in forest areas, the Steam Ranger operates in the winter months between May to October. A treat for the train buff in your family... little ones and big kids alike!

ALL ABOARD!

The Dwellingup to Holyoake railway was opened by the West Australian Government Railway in 1910, servicing a large timber mill at Holyoake. Then, on 8 August 1913, the extension through the Hotham Valley to Dwarda was declared open. Today, the Hotham Valley Railway has been restored to take visitors on the original tracks, above the scarp with magical views over the valley.

RAILWAY HERITAGE

After the devastating fire of 1961, the original station building at Dwellingup, along with most of the town, was destroyed. The mill towns of Holyoake and Nanga Brook were similarly devastated. The mills fell silent for the first time and Dwellingup’s future was in question. Without timber at its heart, what would become of the locomotives which transported the timber out to the rest of the state?

PASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS

In 1974, a small group of enthusiasts met with one simple aim: to preserve steam locomotives and the railway line from Pinjarra to Dwellingup. The line was handed over to the volunteer society in 1985 and since then, the crew of volunteer engineers has maintained the line to a high standard. The volunteers’ work on the existing stock is a continual process to provide visitors from around the world an opportunity to re-live history.

ALL ABOARD!

The Dwellingup to Holyoake railway was opened by the West Australian Government Railway in 1910, servicing a large timber mill at Holyoake. On the 8 August 1913 the extension through the Hotham Valley to Dwarda was declared open. Today the Hotham Valley Railway has been restored to take visitors on the original tracks, above the scarp with magical views over the valley.

RAILWAY HERITAGE

After the devastating fire of 1961, the original station building at Dwellingup, along with most of the town, was destroyed, and the mill towns of Holyoake and Nanga Brook were similarly devastated. The mills fell silent for the first time and Dwellingup’s future was in question. Without timber at its heart, what would become of the locomotives which transported the timber out to the rest of the state?

PASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS

In 1974, a small group of enthusiasts met with one simple aim: to preserve steam locomotives and the railway line from Pinjarra to Dwellingup. The line was handed over to the volunteer society in 1985 and since then, the crew of volunteer engineers has maintained the line to a high standard. The volunteers’ work on the existing stock is a continual process to provide visitors from around the world an opportunity to re-live history.

Let's plan your visit

The Hotham Valley Tourist Railway departs from the Dwelllingup Station, next to the Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Centre. Be sure to book your seat onboard this historical locomotive online with Hotham Valley Tourist Railway.

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Celebrating the early days of the timber industry, the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway gives visitors access to some of the the Murray region's most picturesque views from their carriage windows, and is a reminder of the region’s living history.

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The historic Dwellingup Forest Train will take you 8 Kilometres eastward from Dwellingup to Etmilyn, along the state's last surviving lightly built developmental railway.

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At Dwellingup Station board our Restaurant Train complete with 1919 Vintage Dining Car and 1884 Club Car to enjoy a 5 course dinner. A wonderful excuse for a celebration.

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More Heritage to Discover

Being one of the earliest settlements in Western Australia, there is heritage and history overflowing in the Murray region. Wherever you turn, there is a story to find. Learn about our indigenous culture and follow the time path to the amazing adventure playground that the Murray region has become.