The Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway (PBMR) is throwing open its doors for a special day of fun and celebration for its 25th anniversary this weekend.
In addition to the regular two kilometre train rides the club will be offering goodies and handouts for kids as well as picnic and barbecue facilities as well as food and drinks on site between 11am and 4pm this Sunday, March 10.
PBMR secretary Brian Coleman said the whole purpose of the miniature railway was to provide a fun experience for children and their families.
“Seeing the kids happy and smiling and getting out in the fresh air and interacting with their families is a great reward in itself,” he said.
“It’s the only miniature railway beside the sea in the whole of Australia. So just not the miniature railways there, it’s the beach as well, which is shallow, so it’s very child friendly.
“We’ve also got a playground there close by, toilets there, ample parking and so on. Electric barbecues are provided and we also have a barbecue on the station for people who want pre-prepared food which we provide.
“All those little things add up to making it a great place to visit. The kids have a ball, they love it. ”
Mr Coleman said he hoped adult visitors might become inspired to join up as volunteers once they had experienced the railway.
“We don’t make any profit, we’re all volunteers, and our only aim is to keep the railway going,” he said.
“Volunteers are everything; without volunteers, you don’t run.
“So we’re looking for people that may be retired or looking for something to do to come and join us.”
With weather forecasts suggesting a warm weekend, Mr Coleman said he was looking forward to sharing a great day with the public.
“Please come down, enjoy the beach, the sunshine, ride our trains, get the seaside fresh air, have a barbecue, buy some snacks; it’s a lovely part of the world.”
