After a short break due to the COVID-19 situation in the region, the Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway was up and running again this week.
The tourist attraction decided to halt services indefinitely just after the new year, but was able to return a week later.
Vice president Brian Coleman said it was pleasing to be able to get the train running again.
“It is be great to re-open our doors once again to the visiting public and tourists alike. The miniature railway is a unique and iconic tourist attraction for Geelong and the Bellarine and there will be many happy people longing to see the mini railway back in operation,” he said.
Mr Coleman said it had been a tough 18 months for the railway with lockdowns and restrictions limiting visitation to the region.
“We were heavily impacted, we lost a big portion of our revenue,” he said.
“Our revenue is solely based on ticket sales and the odd grant here and there, so when people are in lockdown, it’s tough for us.
“But we’re just keen to keep the railway going and show off what we have down here.”
Mr Coleman said the miniature railway was the only one of its kind in the region and relied on the support of 34 volunteers – a number he hoped to see grow.
“We’re all getting older so it would be nice to see some new faces come in,” he said.
“It’s a great way to give back to the community.”
Ash Bolt
