Edgeworth Trains: Ride On a Miniature Train With Your Kids

If you have young train lovers in your family, Edgeworth Trains in Lake Macquarie is a must-do. It’s a local institution that has been running for decades that both kids and adults will love.

The volunteer-run Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society recommenced their public ride days in 2022 but due to increasing cost pressures, they will now be charging for the miniature train rides.

Public Ride Days (Once a month)

Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society will be hosting monthly public ride days with trains running from 12:30pm till 3:30pm (weather permitting). Their public ride days will be on the last Sunday of each month excluding December.

There’s a variety of miniature trains such as steam and diesel and different rail routes (both elevated and ground-level) so you can easily spend a couple of hours watching and riding trains.

There will now be a fee to ride the trains. Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society will be selling tickets. They charge $2.50 per train ride. Children under 2 years old are free.

As always to ride on the trains, you must wear fully enclosed footwear (e.g. joggers).

Please note that no photography or video recording is allowed while riding on the trains because of safety reasons.

It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family with train lovers, big and small enjoying the steam and diesel miniature trains.

Like many local families, we’ve enjoyed visiting this attraction over the years for parties, picnics and barbecues.

It’s been running for many decades with many locals having memories of visiting Edgeworth Trains when they were kids. They are now taking their kids or grandkids to this iconic monthly event.

Be prepared though Edgeworth trains is a popular event each month and the location can get pretty packed with people. Although the lines for train rides can be long at times,kids and adults wait patiently and the lines move pretty quickly.

It’s a fun experience watching the drivers putting coal in their engines or tinkering with steam engines. And to hear the sounds and sniff the acrid smell of the engines.

The locomotives pull carriages behind them that you ride astride. Some trains have multiple carriages while smaller trains only have one.

It’s a fun experience whizzing around on the rail tracks through tunnels and under bridges. Each ride is approximately 7 to 10 minutes in duration so it’s not too long for younger children.

The grounds are lovely and shaded with plenty of grass for picnics, barbecues supplied with wood, a kiosk and conveniently located toilet blocks.

Edgeworth trains is a popular spot for parties, picnics and barbecues. There was at least 20 birthday parties on the day that we attended, some of them with marquees, tables and chairs. Some had prime position near the track so that party-goers could observe the trains going by.

We issue a big thanks to the Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society for deciding to continue with providing the public monthly events. The Society always welcome new members. If you would like more information, contact them via their website.

It’s been an event that has run for decades and generations of local kids have enjoyed hours of fun at Edgeworth Trains. Now, this means that another generation of kids can experience the joy of riding Edgy Trains.

Private Functions

In addition to the monthly public event, you can still book a private function. Private function bookings include sole use of railway facilities for your event including picnic area/tables, toilets, wood fired BBQs and unlimited train rides. These days are available Wednesdays and Sundays only.

Bookings on a Wednesday

Cost is $400
Trains run 2 hours from 10:00am to 12:00noon, other times by special arrangement.
For groups in excess of 60 visitors, additional cost is $4 per person.

Bookings on a Sunday (excluding public ride days)

Cost is $550
Trains run 3 hours total from 11:00am to 12:00noon and then 1:00pm to 3:00pm
For groups in excess of 60 visitors, additional cost is $7 per person.

Good to Know

Location: Off Velinda Street, Edgeworth with limited off-street parking. (See map below for exact location).

Run Dates & Times: Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society has now advised that they will be opening to the general public for end of month public rides starting in May. Trains will run from trains running from 12:30pm until 3:30pm. Their public ride days will be on the last Sunday of each month excluding December.

Here are the remaining 2023 dates to mark in your calendar (weather permitting):

Sunday 30 July 2023
Sunday 27 August 2023
Sunday 24 September 2023
Sunday 29 October 2023
Sunday 26 November 2023

Cost: There will now be a charge to ride at the Edgeworth Trains. The cost is $2.50 per train ride. Children under 2 years old are free.

Footwear: Fully enclosed footwear must be worn to ride the trains. This means no sandals, no crocs, no thongs or bare feet – joggers are best.

Safety: Please note that no photography or video recording is allowed while riding on the trains because of safety reasons.

Amenities: Toilet facilities are located on-site.

Website: Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society

Another place to ride on miniature trains is Richmond Vale Railway Museum near Kurri Kurri. It’s open on selected days and includes rides on miniature trains and full-size steam trains.

You can also head to Narara on the Central Coast. The Central Coast Model Co-Op Ltd offer rides on their trains on the first Saturday of every month. They run from 11:00am till 4pm, unless it is a very wet day and are located in Showground Road (opposite Bellbowrie Avenue). Riders must wear shoes that cover the toes and heels. Admission is free. Rides are $2.50 (except for under 3 years old with an adult)

Public Ride Days (Once a month)

Private Functions

Good to Know

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