Get on board for movable feast
A NEW way to wine and dine is set to roll into the Bellarine with a new dedicated, historic train service named Q Train.
The work in progress is set to chuff along the railway line for the first time in July with the families behind the venture working around the clock to restore vintage carriages for the ride.
“We think the Bellarine is perfect for this because we want to showcase local produce and everything is already there. If we want to showcase wine, beer, cider, meat, vegetables, it’s all there, we’re just so lucky in that regard,” business manager Marie-Claire Trotter said.
“It’s been a long time goal for one of our directors, Andrew Bridger, who’s been working in and around the Bellarine for years.
“The carriages are all ex-Queensland rail carriages so them coming on sale prompted serious discussion and sparked the venue.”
Ms Trotter said those involved were from two families filled with passion for food and wine.
She said those who board the train could expect an original take on dining while overlooking the picturesque Swan Bay area wetlands to the onetime Fort Queenscliff.
“This will be a purpose-built train that embraces their history, showing people this used to be a dining car and we’ve turned it into a restaurant,” she said.
“People can walk from one end to the other and there will be a bar at one point.”
Mr Bridger said staff were restoring the carriages on Hesse St.
“The economic impact will be in the vicinity of $15 million to $20 million per year,” he said.