Stepping back in time to an era of first-class steam travel, Ales on Rails is the ultimate beer, food and steam train experience.
It’s a time to indulge as you are taken into a world of decadence within the confines of 1920’s era club and parlour carriages, hauled behind a vintage steam locomotive for a unique journey from Castlemaine to Maldon, and back.
As this unparalleled steam engine winds its way through the goldfields countryside, you’ll begin sampling a range of beers provided by the likes of Holgate Brewhouse Woodend, Brookes Brewery Bendigo, Shedshaker Brewery, 40 Acres Brewery and the Tooboorac Brewery. You’ll begin with an easy drinking wheat beer to ease you into your journey and culminate in a rich chocolate porter. You’ll also be treated to some light snacks to see you through to lunch.
On arrival at Maldon, the treats keep on coming with a gourmet lunch at the Kangaroo Hotel and even more beer from their own extensive craft brewed, before you’ll climb onboard for the trip home with, yep, you guessed it, more beer! For those who are not quite beer enthusiasts, there’s no need to stress as the team do offer alternatives in local wines, ciders and soft drinks.
Worried about driving? There’s no need to stress here. Leave the car at home and travel by train. Ales on Rails trains connect with trains from Melbourne
Whether you are a seasoned beer drinker or just want to explore some of the finest brews
around, this is for you.
Ales on Rails runs once a month from April to November. Tickets are strictly limited though so get in quick before they go as they are capped at only 50 guests.
If you’ve got lots of beer-loving friends, you can also make use of a 10% discount with bookings of 10 or more.
Buy tickets at vgr.com.au
**Not available to persons under the age of 18 (sorry kiddies).
Written by Liam McNally