Don River Railway facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Don River Railway
The Don River Railway Museum in 2016
Locale	Devonport, Tasmania
Coordinates	41°10′52″S 146°19′05″E / 41.18103°S 146.31814°E / -41.18103; 146.31814
Connections	Western line
Commercial operations
Name	Don River Railway
Original gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Preserved operations
Owned by	Van Diemen Light Railway Society
Operated by	Van Diemen Light Railway Society
Stations	2
Length	3.1 km (1.9 mi)
Preserved gauge	1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
Commercial history
Opened	10 April 1916 (1916-04-10)
Closed	16 October 1963 (1963-10-16)

The Don River Railway is a special railway and museum located in Don, a part of Devonport, Tasmania. It's known as a "heritage railway," which means it preserves and runs historic trains for everyone to enjoy.

Visitors can take a train ride from the station in Don to a scenic spot called Coles Beach. The track follows a part of the old Melrose railway line. The railway is open almost every day of the year, so it's a great place to visit.

Train rides are available from Thursday to Sunday. You might ride in a historic rail car or in carriages pulled by a real steam locomotive or a vintage diesel engine. It's like taking a trip back in time!

History of the Railway

The track used by the Don River Railway today was once part of a much longer line called the Melrose line. This line was important for transporting limestone from a local company. After the company closed its facilities in 1948, the railway line wasn't needed as much. The line officially closed in October 1963, and the tracks were removed.

However, a group of people who loved trains wanted to save this piece of history. In 1971, they formed the Van Diemen Light Railway Society. They worked hard for several years to bring the railway back. In 1976, they succeeded and began running trains again under the name Don River Railway.

For a while, the railway even ran services to the nearby town of Burnie. The line was officially opened by the Governor of Tasmania on December 14, 1991. Today, the train rides are focused on the beautiful route between Don and Coles Beach.

In April 2023, a fire unfortunately destroyed a shed and some of the historic train carriages.

Meet the Locomotives

The Don River Railway is home to a large collection of steam and diesel locomotives. These engines are the stars of the show and have come from different railways across Tasmania. Some are fully working, while others are being carefully restored or are on display for visitors to see.

Steam Locomotives

Steam locomotives are powerful engines that run on coal and water. They are famous for the "chuffing" sound they make and the steam that puffs from their chimneys.

Diesel Locomotives

Diesel locomotives use a diesel engine, similar to a large truck, to generate power. They became popular after steam engines and are known for their rumbling sounds and bright colors.