Q: Where is the Canberra Miniature Railway?
A: We’re located off the southern end of Jerrabomberra Avenue, Symonston, in Canberra ACT but the easiest way to find us is to punch “Canberra Miniature Railway” into Google Maps and it’ll navigate you right to our gate. If you don’t know what Google is, head south from the intersection of Jerrabomberra Avenue & Hindmarsh Drive traffic lights through the big gates.
Q: Are you open every day?
A: No, we run our trains on the second and last Sunday of the month (except the last Sunday in December). Our Facebook page also has advertised special running days in addition to our regular schedule.
Q: Can your little trains carry adult passengers?
A: Yes!
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: Entry is free except on special events such as all of our night runs, Easter, and Christmas on the Rails, when tickets are sold as an entry fee and unlimited rides are included. Parking is always free. Wow – something for free! Tickets to ride the trains are sadly not free (you want us to go broke?).
Q: Do babies need tickets?
A: Children 2 years and under ride for free but must be accompanied by a fare paying responsible person.
Q: How old do you have to be to ride?
A: Babies can be carried if they can straddle the seats and are held by a responsible adult. Children must be aged at least four to ride on their own but even then parents should always make their own judgements about whether their children are able to hold on, remain seated and not freak out when riding on their own. If you let your children ride unaccompanied you need to take responsibility for them.
Q: How many gauges do you have?
A: We have two separate tracks of common miniature railway gauges: 7¼ inch (big trains) and 5 inch (little trains). There are almost always trains running on both of these gauges. We also have a raised track which accomodates four gauges but is mostly used for 5 inch and 3½ inch.
Q: Is there a timetable for train departures?
A: No! Trains run continuously while there are people in the station who want rides.
Q: What are your running times for the public?
A: 10.00 am until 2.30 pm for our usual Sunday daylight running days. Our twilight/evening sessions have their own published times.
Q: Can you accommodate groups or parties?
A: Yes we have ample room for children’s parties, special interest groups and corporate celebrations. Head to https://trybooking.com/eventlist/CMR and look for Party Bookings at the CMR.
Q: Do you charge for parking?
A: Of course not. Parking is free.
Q: Can I hire your venue for private use?
A: Yes. Our rates are dependent on the number of attendees and the number of trains booked. Please contact us for details.
Q: Do you have restroom facilities?
A: Of course, including disabled access.
Q: Do you provide refreshments?
A: We have yummy hot and cold food and drink available at reasonable cost each public running day from our “dining car”. 🙂
Q: What are the rules about alcohol & dogs?
A: Alcohol is strongly discouraged and riding the trains when under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. Dogs are not permitted.
Q: Are there any other rules?
A: Of course. Every place has rules! Our Society is a member of the Australian Association of Live Steamers and they set strict safety and operating rules. All of our drivers, guards and station masters are trained, examined and licensed. In addition we have conditions of entry posted at the entrance to the railway which must be complied with.
Q: OK I’m convinced. Where do I buy tickets?
A: Tickets can be bought in advance here. They’re slightly more expensive at the gate so it’s better to buy online. You can even buy online while at the venue! Online tickets need to be converted to wristbands at the ticket office so always visit the ticket box to have your tickets scanned. You cannot ride the trains without having your online tickets converted to wristbands.
Q: Do you sell gift certificates?
A: We sure do. A gift certificate costs the same as a ticket, is valid for 12 months, and can be redeemed online for a ticket before you arrive. What a great gift idea! You can buy them here.
Q: So are you a commercial operation?
A: NO! We’re a community-based non-profit organisation staffed entirely by volunteers. We’re always looking for members to perform a wide variety of roles such as drivers, guards, station masters, ticket sellers, canteen staff, mechanics, track welders, construction folk, carriage builders, gardeners, you name it! Members only need to turn up when they want to and can. No fixed commitments. If this sounds the slightest bit interesting, please use the contact details below.
Q: How do I contact you?
A: E-mail
or if you want to speak to someone, call 1300 731 954.