The Hotham Valley Tourist Railway is touted as one of Australia’s best historic train experiences and a popular tourist attraction in Perth. This local’s guide provides all the information needed to make the most of this fun experience in Dwellingup, Western Australia.
Updated January 2023
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Location of the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway
The Hotham Valley Railway train services depart from Dwellingup train station in the Peel region.
Dwellingup is in the South West region of Western Australia, about 100 km south of Perth. This timber town is a perfect weekend country escape with plenty of outdoor activities.
How to get to Hotham Valley Railway
International and domestic visitors will fly into Perth Airport. Find details about visas, prohibited items, currency, and safety on our Australia page.
Dwellingup is about an hour and a half drive from Perth.
Train – The Australind train runs twice daily from Perth, stopping at Pinjarra. From here, you can pre-book a transfer shuttle to Dwellingup.
Best Time to Visit Hotham Valley Railway
If you want to ride on the Hotham Valley steam train, the best time to visit is from May to October. The steam locomotive fleet only run in the cooler weather due to bushfire danger. They operate every Sunday during this time and Wednesdays during the WA July & October school holidays.
However, the Steam Ranger will be replaced by a diesel locomotive if the fire risk is high.
History of Hotham Valley Railway
The West Australian Government Railway opened the Dwellingup to Holyoake railway in 1910 to service the Holyoake timber mill. The extension to Dwarda through Hotham Valley commenced in August 1913.
Sadly, in 1961, a massive fire tore through Dwellingup, leaving the station and most of the town destroyed. Holyoake and Nanga Brook, timber towns, were also burnt. The fire was the ending of the timber industry, and the railway line ceased to operate.
In 1974, four residents had an idea to preserve steam locomotives and the railway line from Pinjarra to Dwellingup. These heritage train enthusiasts formed the Pinjarra Steam & Hills Railway Preservation Society, which later became The Hotham Valley Tourist Railway. The members thought this line was special as it was a reminder of the pioneers’ hard work, it kept its original character, and was in a scenic place close to Perth.
Hotham Valley purchased four Mountain type ‘W’ class steam locomotives, plus Millars (WA) Pty Ltd donated a G class No 71 in 1977. A former WA Government Railways dining car was the first rolling stock to be purchased in 1975.
The first engine train to recommence on this heritage railway was in 1976. The Hotham Valley line was passed to the volunteer society in 1985 so preserving rail heritage for future generations. Volunteers are still mainly responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway WA.
Hotham Valley Railway Train Rides
There are three train services on these historic locomotives; the Steam Ranger, Forest Railway, and the Restaurant Train. All depart from Dwellingup station and travel through lush green farming country before heading into the jarrah forest. It’s incredibly picturesque in spring when the wildflowers are out, and the hills are green from the winter rains.
We went on the Steam Ranger, which travels 14 km to Isandra Siding. This slow train ride takes you along Western Australia’s steepest and most spectacular railway section, winding through the Darling Range. Once at Isandra Siding, it’s time to get off, stretch your legs and take some photos. You have 30 minutes here while the locomotive moves to the opposite end. If you wait on the platform, it’s great to watch the steam locomotive come past and see the volunteers at work.
The steam train has a licensed buffet car serving refreshments, which was nice to take advantage of on the return journey.
The Steam Ranger departs at 10.30 am and 2 pm on operating days. The tour is about two hours which I feel is the right length of time.
There aren’t any facilities at Isandra Siding, but we found the 30 minutes went quickly. Our daughters were intrigued by the steam train and how coal was powering the engine.
The Forest Train travels 8 km to Etmilyn using historic diesel locomotive hauled trains. At Etmilyn, there’s a 20-25 minute Forest Heritage Walk through the Jarrah forest.
The Etmilyn Forest Diner provides a five-course meal while travelling in a 1919 Vintage Dining Carriage or an 1884 Club Car. The Restaurant Train departs around 7.45 pm and returns to Dwellingup at approximately 10.35 pm. Seating is in tables of four but groups can be arranged for special occasions. Alternatively, you can book the Private Club Car for a maximum of 6 guests.
The Hotham Valley Railway website provides more details and how to book.
Accommodation near Hotham Valley Train
Where we stayed
Our family was staying the weekend in South Yunderup and made the trip to Dwellingup from there. It only took us half an hour by car, and there’s a more extensive range of accommodation in South Yunderup. We stayed at the Lakeside Apartments, which were good value but run down. I would look at private accommodation choices next time.
Read: Lakeside Apartments South Yunderup Review
Stayz has a huge selection of properties in South Yunderup. We use Stayz as opposed to Airbnb as the same properties are usually cheaper.
Camping and Chalets
Dwellingup Chalet and Caravan Park is situated in the forest, providing a range of accommodation from camping to chalets. The campsite is within walking distance to Dwellingup town centre.
Families/Couples travelling together
Milltree Cottage is a 3-bedroom, newly built replica mill cottage located a few minutes’ walk from Dwellingup train station. It features a fireplace to cosy up in front of during the cool nights and air conditioning for the hot summer nights. I like the outdoor area as well. Have a look at the photos here.
What to take with you on the Hotham Valley Railway Tour
- Sunscreen
- Hat and Sunglasses
- Camera (I love my Nikon D7500 and Go-Pro)
- Walking Shoes
- A lightweight rain jacket if required
- Water Bottle like this Vacuum-Insulated Stainless-Steel one from Takeya that keeps your water cold all day
This free packing list is handy to ensure you don’t forget anything.
Western Australia Travel Guide
For other ideas on where to visit in Western Australia along with the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and other essential information, click on the link below.
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Such a beautiful and timeless experience. I’m sure the dinner on board would be amazing, but I’ll bet it’s costly too. It’s very considerate of them to consider fire risk when running the trains. Seems a great little adventure.
The Hotham Valley restaurant car starts at A$115 per person.
I’m intrigued by how many interesting trains run in Australia. Thank you for making me aware of another one!
There are some amazing train journeys in Australia. I’d love to ride on the Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin.
I love the movement to preserve all these regional steam railways. There are some great ones in Queensland too.
I agree, steam trains are an important and fun part of history.
This is so cool, I’m kind a train geek, I love to travel by train. Steam trains are so interesting, I’d love to go on one again – I haven’t taken one since I was a kid. What a great looking place to visit
I love to travel by train too Emma. You get to see so much more of the country and I find it more relaxing.
This is fantasic I love steam trains and all the history behind them. Its great to know places keep them going to this day.
Wish I had known about this when we were in WA.
Thank you. The volunteers do an amazing job preserving this piece of history.
I’m sure my boys would appreciate riding a real steam train! What a nice experience for kids and adults alike.
I’m sure they would love the steam train Elena.
Love when history is restored and preserved. What a fabulous experience and would love to ride the rails of these steam trains.
It’s so important that we try to preserve as much history as possible for our future generations.
I would love this train ride very much. Bookmarking this whenever I set forth in Perth.
Thank you very much, hope you make it to ride on the Hotham Valley steam train.
I do like riding these old trains Wendy, especially as I’m a nostalgic person 😀 A dinner here would also be so nice, while admiring the scenery.
Dinner on the Hotham Valley restaurant car is on our list to do once our daughters are older.
I’m a big fan of historical trains and I would especially enjoy riding one in Australia. My first choice would be the Steam Ranger because of the steep landscape. Some of our best travel memories are from train rides.
We went in winter so we could have the steam engine. We traveled through parts of France and Italy by train and loved it.
And yet another amazing post that I’ve enjoyed reading!
Trains are special for us, we love to travel on them. No better transport to enjoy the views.
There is a fantastic train at north in Argentina that is call the Train of the clouds. Is the highest train in the world reaching 4200mts. Most likely when you reach to the top and you go out you will have serious breating issues. Luckily the train has oxygen bottles for who might need it haahah
Great work as always Wendy!
Keep it up!
wow that’s incredible and sounds like a memorable train ride.
I love steam train and it’s been a while since I was into one!
this looks like an incredible and memorable experience, I had no idea this was possible in Australia but definitely something to remember for when we will visit!
Who doesn’t love a steam train, right?!