April 22nd, 2024Historic rail station upgrade completed at Bullarto
Visitors to the Hepburn Shire can now step back in time and enjoy a vintage railway experience at
Bullarto Station following completion of a redevelopment backed by the state government.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas represented the Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney last Monday and joined community members, volunteers and local representatives to
officially open the redeveloped station.
Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas: “Bullarto Station is one of the gems of our region – it’s wonderful to see it completed and ready to welcome families, train lovers and history buffs.”
Backed by $500,000 through the Regional Development portfolio, the works have created a replica of Bullarto Station as it appeared in the 1930s complete with historical exhibits.
Families, train lovers and history buffs can get a taste of rural life in the 1930s, learn about the history of Victorian Railways over the last 140 years and enjoy the restored platform and surrounding gardens.
From there, passengers can board one of the vintage trains operated by volunteers from Daylesford Spa Country Railway (DSCR) and enjoy the picturesque sights of Wombat State Forest as they journey to Daylesford.
The redevelopment is forecast to attract more people to visit the vintage Bullarto Station which will support DSCR to expand its volunteer base and services.
The opening of the station marks the completion of Stage Two of the Bullarto Station Tourist Precinct project which is designed to strengthen one of Hepburn Shire’s most unique tourist attractions.
Stage One works created ancillary buildings, including the Van Goods Shed, which has become a popular weddings and events venue.
A future Stage Three development will involve the reconstruction of an additional goods shed and
platform to create another venue for community and business events.
This series of works at Bullarto Station will also complement the forthcoming development of the Daylesford Macedon Rail Trail, enabling people to transport their bikes on the train between Daylesford and Bullarto.
