THE Q TRAIN EXPERIENCE

All Aboard!

All aboard for a dining experience unlike any other!

The Q Train is a unique rail restaurant that takes you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Bellarine, both on your plate and out your window. It’s a sensory feast that’s sure to satisfy your craving for a tantalising taste of the very best the Bellarine has to offer.

You will need to arrive at historic Drysdale station at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Our friendly team will be waiting at the gate, ready to extend a warm welcome and assist with check-in. You’ll be offered a complimentary drink upon arrival, and there’s plenty of time for photos on our red carpet before departure. Once you’ve captured the moment with some happy snaps, it’s time to step aboard. Our helpful staff will guide you to your seats, as the sense of anticipation builds, and a pleasant hubbub of excited conversation hangs in the air.

The Q Train features several dining carriages and bars, each delivering a unique experience tailored to patrons’ preferences. Q Class guests will be seated in our comfortable Q Class dining carriages, in a restaurant-style setting. While full and attentive table service is provided, Q Class guests are welcome to purchase from the bar if they feel like stretching their legs. Tables in Q Class are adorned with crisp white linen table clothes, and polished cutlery for your first 3 courses, and table lamps which can be switched on or off according to your preference.

First Class patrons will be escorted to their intimate dining compartment aboard the First Class Dining Cars, which previously functioned as the first class sleeping cars of the famous Queensland Sunlander service. These prestigious dining carriages offer a private dining experience, perfect for special celebrations or those with sensory sensitivities.

The Adventure Begins – Departing Drysdale

Once everyone is aboard, the whistle will sound, signalling the start of your epicurean adventure.

First course is served as the train gently rolls out of Drysdale Station. To your left, the train passes by a very large shed that’s home to the Q Train. In fact, it’s so large that it can accommodate three locomotives, the entire Q Train, as well as three more carriages which are currently in the process of being restored. To your right sprawls the watery expanse of Lake Lorne. Approximately twelve hectares in size, this freshwater lake is connected to the groundwater system which feed the natural springs that run into Port Phillip Bay, with a natural rise and fall in water levels. This protected wetland environment on the edge of Drysdale provides refuge to a large and diverse waterbird population. Some species that inhabit or visit the area include black swans, Australian white ibis, purple swamphens, protected blue-billed ducks and the well-travelled Latham’s snipe, who are known to migrate over 800 kilometres from Japan.

If you’re in Q Class, now is a great opportunity to peruse the drinks menu, which proudly features local and independent wines, beers and ciders from the Bellarine, Geelong and Otways for a truly local tipple. Our trained staff will visit your table regularly for drink orders, and are happy to provide recommendations on request. All drinks purchased enroute can be paid for at the end of the service.

Our First Class guests will now be enjoying their first matched drink, selected to perfectly complement their first course.

Before long, the Q Train meanders through the small country township of Drysdale, where houses line the track, and friendly locals often pause to smile and wave as the train passes by.

Drysdale to Suma Park

As you cross under the Drysdale Bypass, the surrounding scenery changes. For the next 30 to 45 minutes, your restaurant on rails traverses a patchwork of fertile farmlands.

To your left, fields of green are dotted with Clydesdale horses. Originating in Scotland, Clydesdales were initially bred for their size and strength, and used in heavy farmwork and hauling loads. These gentle giants are typically tall and broad in stature, with a powerful chest and strong, muscular legs with distinctive long hairs on the lower part, giving the impression of feathered boots. Despite their strength and size, Clydesdales carry an undeniable elegance which has won them popularity in the competitive showing arena.

As we journey on, we’ll pass lush pastures where sheep and cattle graze. We’ll also pass the shimmering silvery-green foliage of olive groves, arranged in neat rows, and the bright yellow blooms of canola fields in season.

As you pass through this productive landscape, you’ll also be savouring the bounty of these local lands, as your second course is plated for your dining pleasure.

Soon we’ll roll into Suma Park Station. We’ll usually make a brief stop here, inviting guests to disembark and stretch their legs before continuing the adventure.

The historic Suma Park Estate homestead dates back to the 1880s. This unique heritage property features a stable large enough for 24 racehorses, and was rumoured to have ‘hidden’ the legendary thoroughbred Phar Lap, prior to racing at the Geelong Racecourse. Today Suma Park is home to an established cool climate vineyard, which is visible from the station. The estate also features extensive cottage accommodation, designed for weddings, private functions, and corporate events.

The Suma Park Station was constructed in 1996 by Bellarine Railway, in partnership with Suma Park Estate. The station also boasts a small garden maintained by passionate volunteers.

Suma Park to Swan Bay

After a brief intermission, the train’s whistle invites you back onboard.

Soon after departure, you’ll pass three large paddocks where free-range chickens contentedly roam. This feathery flock are guarded by Maremma sheepdogs, the same breed that’s been successfully trained to protect fairy penguins. Originating in Italy, the majestic Maremma breed are known for their protective and loyal nature, and often serve as livestock guardians. These large dogs have a dense white coat and a distinctive mane around their neck, adding to their impressive appearance. Their large, expressive eyes often exude intelligence and alertness, reflecting their attentive and vigilant nature. These hens provide the eggs used in our onboard kitchen.

The Q Train then passes Lakers Siding, a small siding named after the Laker family, who privately built it. Opening in 1959, it was initially used as a shell grit plant, before the passenger platform was built in 2003. This small station features a replica of the original Victorian Railways portable building, and a replica of the Marshalltown post office hut from a residential suburb of Geelong. The Q Train may pause here while another train passes.

A third course is served as the train approaches spectacular Swan Bay, to your left.

Swan Bay and Queenscliff

Swan Bay is one of the most intact wetland and bird habitats in Port Phillip Bay, and is recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park and Edwards Point Wildlife Reserve protect Swan Bay’s significant natural values, including nearly 200 bird species. This shallow coastal lagoon, with its abundant birdlife, provides a picturesque backdrop to your mouth-watering main course.

In Summer and Autumn, over 3000 black swans swim in the bay, providing inspiration for Lieutenant John Murray who named the area Swan Harbour in 1802. Of course, with extensive sea grass meadows and a depth of up to just two metres, it soon became clear that this ‘harbour’ was unsuitable for ships, resulting in a name change to Swan Bay. This protected habitat hosts thousands of migratory shorebirds each October. Listen out for their symphony of song as you pass by their watery wonderland.

Swan Bay’s wetlands are replaced by Queenscliff Harbour, and it is then that the train pulls into Queenscliff Station. Here you’ll be encouraged to disembark and stretch your legs for about 20 minutes, before undertaking the return journey back to Drysdale Station.

Once back onboard, it’s time for your final two courses, as you retrace your tracks back to your starting point at historic Drysdale Station. The return journey is a great opportunity to order a coffee, indulge in some sweet treats and be lulled by the contentment of a satisfied appetite and the soothing rhythm of the train. Take some time to chat with our staff about the history of the train, the stories behind our local producers whose produce infused your feast with flavour, or any other burning questions you may have.

This gastronomic journey delivers a true taste of the Bellarine, that’s sure to stimulate your senses and create lasting memories.

Accessibility

The Q Train is taking steps to make its dining experiences available to as many people as possible. For information about getting to and from the Q Train experience, and an overview of accessibility offerings, please refer to the audio guide titled ‘Welcome to the Q Train’ or visit qtrain.com.au/accessibility. The website also includes additional information for guests with sensory sensitivities.

The following information provides more detailed advice on accessibility during the journey itself.

We remind all passengers when boarding or disembarking the train to mind the gap between the platform and train. The gap can be easily located with a mobility aid such as a long cane. Alternatively, our staff are always there to assist, if needed.

Braille, large print, and QR-code accessible menus are available on request, and communication boards are available in each bar. Registered assistance animals are welcome onboard the Q Train. By notifying us at the time of booking, we’ll ensure there’s room for them at your table. There are grassy toileting areas available for dog guides at each station at which we either board or stop. At Drysdale Station, there is a park behind the platform. At Queenscliff Station, there is a grassy area near the toilets. And at Suma Park Station there is an area to the left of the platform. If you need any assistance locating these areas, please ask a staff member as we will be more than willing to assist.

Bathrooms are located at the end of each carriage. These facilities can only be used while the train is moving. The train will make some short stops at stations enroute. During these stops, toilets are available at the stations, including wheelchair accessible toilets at the Drysdale and Queenscliff stations.