A truly special milestone in Victorian rail preservation — marking 40 years since the re-opening of the first stage of the then Castlemaine and Maldon Railway on March 29 1986, now proudly known as the Victorian Goldfields Railway.
From humble beginnings driven by passionate volunteers, to becoming a much-loved part of the Mount Alexander region, this railway stands as a testament to dedication, community spirit and a shared love of preserving history.
What began as a gold rush story in the 1850s evolved into a vital branch line connecting communities before closing in 1976. Thanks to the vision of the Castlemaine and Maldon Railway Preservation Society and years of tireless work, the line was brought back to life — with K160 proudly leading the very first trains once again.
The celebration on Saturday March 29, honoured not just the railway, but the people behind it — including a wonderful group of past office bearers and volunteers who have helped shape the VGR into what it is today.