Mini train is big fun

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The Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway offers big family fun.

The mini passenger-carrying train runs within the Portarlington Bayside Family Park grounds, corner Point Richards and Boat roads, Portarlington.

It operates on the first and third Sundays of the month from 11am to 3pm, April to September.

During the winter school holidays, the railway will also offer a special service on Wednesdays 28 June and 5 July, 11am to 3pm.

The Rotary Club of Drysdale conceived the idea for the railway in 1995 and opened it to the public in 1999 with support from the Geelong Society of Model and Experimental Engineers.

The railway went into hibernation in January 2015 due to a lack of volunteers, but past railway members formed the Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway not-for-profit association in April, took over the rail in November, and reopened in December.

The railway operates thanks to volunteers and is seeking new active members.

Revenue raised through the railway is put back into the facility and donated to charity.

Ideas for the future include a track extension, further landscaping, a new tunnel, more carriage storage, new clubrooms, roofing, and more.

Other attractions in the park include playgrounds, walking trails, free electric barbecue facilities, and a station kiosk.

Trains run at frequent intervals and the ride takes about 10 minutes.

The ride is free for children aged under 2 years and $4 for al other age groups.

Family and periodical tickets are also available.