Frequently Asked Questions

Bellarine Railway

FAQ -
About The Q Train

Whether it’s your first time on board or you’re planning a return experience, here are answers to some of the most common questions about The Q Train.

Where does The Q Train depart from?
All journeys begin and end at Drysdale Station on the Bellarine Peninsula. 2–10 Station Street, Drysdale.
On selected weekends The Q Train is hauled by Locomotive 3620, a rare ex–South African Railways steam engine. View what dates the Steam Locomotive is operating.
Yes. You’ll depart from Drysdale, travel to Queenscliff, and return to Drysdale Station.
Around three hours, including a short stop at Queenscliff Station, where you can stretch your legs and take photos. If you’re booking transport, we recommend selecting a pick‑up time at least 20 minutes after your scheduled return, to allow for possible delays and a visit to our Station House at the end of your journey.
Yes, we make a stop at Queenscliff Station and sometimes at Suma Park, depending on conditions.
We recommend smart casual attire, and flat, enclosed shoes. Many guests choose to dress up for the occasion, but it’s not required.
The Q Train moves at a leisurely pace, and most guests don’t experience motion sickness. If you’re prone to it, we suggest taking precautions as you would for other forms of travel.

Dining & Service

What’s the difference between Q Class and First Class?

Q Class Social Dining, as it suggests, offers a restaurant-style dining experience with tables of 2, 4, or 6.

First Class Private Dining provides private dining compartments for two or groups, with butler service and wine matching.

Learn more on our Dining Options page.

A five-course seasonal degustation menu, prepared fresh on board by our chefs, featuring produce from the Bellarine region.

See more on our Menu page.

Yes, we can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free and lactose-free diets with advance notice. Unfortunately, we can’t cater for dislikes or last-minute changes.

See more on our Menu page.

A welcome drink on the red carpet is included. In Q Class Social Dining, additional drinks can be purchased. In First Class Private Dining, tea, coffee and wine, beer or mocktail matching is included.

See more about drink matching on our Menu page.

Yes, if you have exclusive use of your carriage or compartment, you’re welcome to add decorations. For First Class Groups or an Exclusive Carriage Hire, just contact us ahead of time and we’ll help you organise the details.
Absolutely! For a special touch, we recommend Miss Lillypilly in Drysdale. You can arrange directly with them to have a bouquet waiting on your table when you arrive—the perfect surprise for a celebration.
No, The Q Train is a fully licensed restaurant, so we don’t allow outside alcohol or food to be brought on board. The only exception is cakes for special celebrations, which we’re happy to accommodate with prior notice (a $5pp cakeage fee applies for cutting and serving). The menus on your table include a map of the Bellarine’s wineries and producers featured in your meal, so that you can visit them directly after your journey.

Yes, each carriage has a toilet. There’s additional facilities at stations along the way.

See more on our Accessibility page.

Yes, all carriages are air-conditioned and heated for your comfort.
Yes, it’s safe. Our chefs can adjust dishes to your needs. Just let us know any requirements when booking.

Bookings & Payments

How much does it cost?
Prices depend on the dining option:
  • Q Class Social Dining from $150pp
  • First Class Private Dining from $215pp
Compare options on our Dining Options page.
A 10% deposit is required when booking. The balance is charged automatically 7–10 days before your journey.
  • 10+ days before: Full refund.
  • 2–10 days before: Credit in the form of a Gift Card.
  • Less than 2 days before: No refund.
See full Booking Terms & Conditions.
Joining the waitlist doesn’t confirm your booking, but it does give you the chance to secure a spot if one becomes available.
  • If your date is more than 8 days away, we’ll contact you directly by email and text, and you’ll have 24 hours to confirm your booking.
  • If your date is within 7 days, we’ll send a group email to everyone on the waitlist. Spots will then be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
We recommend booking as early as possible, as The Q Train often sells out well in advance.

First, check your junk or spam folder, just in case the email landed there. If you still can’t find it, please contact us straight away. If you haven’t received a booking number, it usually means your booking didn’t go through. We’d hate for you to miss out.

Yes, you can easily change your booking using the link in your confirmation email. Just click “Change Booking” and follow the prompts. If you need a hand, email us and our team will be happy to help.

Please note: as per the Booking Terms & Conditions, changes must be made at least two days before your journey.

The Q Train can provide a discount for Companion Card holders, while their companion pays the full fare.

Please Contact Us to arrange.

Yes, The Q Train is a wonderful gift experience.

Buy a Gift Card.

For Gift Cards purchased directly from The Q Train, enter your card number when booking online.

For RedBalloon vouchers, bookings must be redeemed via the RedBalloon website.

Travel & Transport

How do I get to The Q Train?

You can drive (about 1.5 hours from Melbourne, 25 minutes from Geelong), take a shuttle service, or connect by ferry. There’s free parking at Drysdale Station.

Full details on our Getting to The Q Train page.

Yes, we’ve partnered with Explore Australia to provide shuttles from Melbourne, Geelong, Queenscliff and more. Must be pre-booked.

Full details on our Getting to The Q Train page.

Yes, you can take Port Phillip Ferries from Docklands to Portarlington or Searoad Ferries from Sorrento to Queenscliff, with connecting shuttles to The Q Train.

Full details on our Getting to The Q Train page.

Other Policies

Can children travel on The Q Train?
The Q Train is designed as a long, indulgent dining experience best enjoyed by adults. We don’t offer children’s fares or menus, but older children (12+) who’d enjoy a degustation are welcome.
No, smoking and vaping are not permitted on The Q Train or under the station verandah canopies. On the platforms, smoking is permitted in the designated areas, or as instructed by our crew.
Yes. We’ve introduced ramps, wider seating options, accessible toilets, and more. We also welcome assistance dogs. See detailed information on our Accessibility page.

Still Have Questions?

No question is too big or too small — our team is always happy to help and we’ll make sure your journey on The Q Train is seamless, welcoming, and memorable.

Contact Us