Ticket to ride on locomotive

– Kath Gannaway
THERE’S no doubt the Alexandra Timber Tramway is a drawcard for railway enthusiasts but its appeal has grown to cater for a far wider audience over the years.
Tramway volunteer Brian Slader says families and tour groups wanting a fun day out are by far its biggest fans.
The steam railway and logging museum came about as part of a vision by members of the local historical society to recreate the bush sawmill and tramway era of the Rubicon Forest – 1900 to 1950.
A range of small industrial locomotives and rolling stock has been rescued and restored over the years and with the old Alexandra railway station and other historic buildings the district has a first-class tourist attraction.
“Our volunteers started with one operational locomotive, a short section of track and the run-down station buildings at Alexandra,” Mr Slader said.
“Since then we have progressed to eight operational locomotives, one kilometre of track and a refurbished station building.
“Kids love to ride the trains and adults take a great interest in our three display rooms and the many outdoor exhibits,” he added.
One of those exhibits is the working sawmill model, mill settlement and tool display housed in Ernie’s Room.
Ernie Le Brun worked in the Rubicon Forest between 1927 and 1962.
The models he built for the tramway are a major part of his legacy to the heritage of the Rubicon Forest and a fascinating glimpse into the past for people of all ages.
The Alexandra Timber Tramway in Station Street, Alexandra, is open on the second Sunday of each month and on public holidays from 10am to 4pm.
Trains also run on community market day, the third Sunday of each month, and on the fourth Sunday of the month visitors can experience the thrill of a diesel ride.
Phone 0427 509 988 or visit www.alexandratramway.org.au for further information.