The experience, which saw its first run on Sunday July 22, encapsulates all the best things the shire has to offer, from food and wine to picturesque scenery and relaxation. 

It also highlights the power of what a volunteer run organisation can achieve. 

Spa Country Railway President Stuart Smithwick said the train’s first trip last Sunday was a success. 

“We had about a quarter of our Sunday passengers taking the train to the winery. That’s about 50 people so we’re pretty happy,” he said. 

Visitors interested in riding the tourist railway are able to purchase tickets for the Spa Country Railway to Passing Clouds at the Daylesford Sunday Railway Market.

Upon arriving at Passing Clouds, visitors can enjoy a wine tasting experience or a pre-booked meal.

The winery offers a package where patrons board the train in Daylesford, travel to the winery, where they enjoy a four-course lunch with matched wines, before boarding the train again and travelling back to Daylesford.

The railway platform at Passing Clouds received support from the government’s Wine Growth Fund, which assists the state’s wine regions while encouraging wine businesses to innovate and grow in a range of areas aligned to the Victorian Wine Industry Development Strategy.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the region’s tourist offerings kept getting better. 

“Now, visitors can enjoy a fun and scenic trip from town to nearby winery, Passing Clouds, to sample the very best local produce,” she said.

Victoria’s wine industry comprises of 800 wineries and 3,000 vineyards, which employ more than 12,000 Victorians while generating $1.5 billion each year.

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