According to Twitter user @HHillbilli, the 1.20pm service to Bendigo began heading to Ballarat before stopping at Sunshine station.

A V/Line spokesman was able to confirm a report of signals set for Ballarat and Geelong at that time with the Bendigo train moving a very short distance past the signal when the error was detected.

The driver set the train back to Sunshine platform and was put on the correct path, resulting in a delay of about nine minutes.

“The mistake was quickly realised and there was no safety risk to passengers,” the V/Line spokesman said.

“The driver was able to move the train back to the platform at Sunshine and it was on its way to Bendigo shortly after.

“We apologise to passengers for delays to their journey this afternoon.”

The spokesman said the train is on its way to Bendigo and just left Clarkefield running nine minutes behind schedule.

He said at no time was the safety of the travelling public at risk and that V/Line will thoroughly investigate why this happened.

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.