Castlemaine Historical Society Inc are gearing up to hold a special fundraising event in October ‘All That Steams’ to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the opening of the railway at Castlemaine in 1862.
The community is invited to explore the history of the railway and the station at the event by taking part in one of two walking tours of Castlemaine Railway Station, which will include a visit to one of the few remaining mechanical signal boxes.
Castlemaine Historical Society president Carol Dorman said the railway was opened on October 15, 1862 with enthusiastic celebrations including a grand ball in the market building, now the Visitor Information Centre.
“It was a really momentous event and one we look forward to celebrating with our guided tours,” she said.
“Funds raised will assist the society with the ongoing maintenance, preservation and promotion of our local collection,” Carol said.
The walking tours will take place on Sunday October 16 at 10am and 2pm and will run for an hour and a half. Visiting the signal box will involve stairs.
Tickets are $25 per adult, $10 students, $60 family. Bookings can me made through the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre.
Participants are asked to meet outside the kiosk on Platform 3 home to the Victorian Goldfields Railway. Please note the tour price does not include tickets for the steam train.