winter light spectacular @ diamond valley railway, eltham
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The lights are strung, the scene is set, the trains are bedazzled: it’s Winter Light Spectacular at Diamond Valley Railway! This annual, Winter School Holidays event is a highlight of the Eastie calendar and it’s easy to see why.
Journey the iconic Diamond Valley Railway like you’ve never experienced it before. The fleet of steam engines glide through the crisp, wintry air of Eltham Lower Park, their steam lingering in the night sky and clinging to the roofs of the many wonderful, winding tunnels. The trees light up in every colour you could possibly imagine and the trains twinkle brightly against the starry sky, emblazoned with beautiful lights up and down their spectacular carriages.
Fuel up at one of the many food trucks available onsite and head to the CFA tent to purchase some twinkling lights as a memento of this spectacular evening. Once you’ve got your lights, head over to the fully-fenced playground for a glow-in-the-dark play experience your little one is sure to love.
You little one’s eyes will glow with joy and wonder as they board the train and set off on an adventure they’ll not soon forget. Mamma’s little ones especially love the holograms projected onto the beautiful Eltham gums, they light up the forest in the most magical way.
So add this to your Winter School Holidays bucket list for an evening of delight and amazement that your little ones will treasure forever.
Mamma’s lil’ tips:
This event is POPULAR. No, seriously, it’s popular. So to maximise your enjoyment, it’s important to plan ahead.
Where possible, divide and conquer. Have one adult brave the ticket line, whilst another queues at the food trucks. While the food trucks provide an excellent array of snacks, like hot chips, jam donuts and ice cream, they don’t provide full meals so pack dinner for your little one if you’re hoping for a more substantial feed.
Between the ovals at the reserve, the fully-fenced playground and the lights for sale at the CFA tent, there is plenty to keep the little ones occupied while they wait for their train ride, so if you’re able to, have someone take the kids to explore the surrounds while someone else stands in line. Expect that you’ll have to wait a while both for tickets and for the train ride. Mamma promises you that the train ride is worth it. The ride itself lasts approximately 15-20 minutes, so it’s a decent trip for your little one at the end of a rather long wait.
If the waiting is too much for your little one, fear not. Tickets purchased on the evening are able to be redeemed at any of the other public running days, so if your little one has had enough, you can still enjoy this wonderful train ride every Sunday from 11am - 5pm.
the nitty gritty
Eltham Lower Park
570 Main Road
Eltham, VIC 3095
Winter Light Spectacular operates on one nominated evening every Winter School Holidays. The event is held from 5-9pm and is subject to weather.
Tickets are sold at the Railway and are $5 per person, per ride. Children under 2 ride for free.
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma’s special mention:
Diamond Valley Railway offers two other special events throughout the year: the Annual Night Run (in March) and the Teddy Bear’s Picnic (on King’s Birthday Weekend), so if you love the Winter Light Spectacular, be sure to check out these, too. Otherwise, head there every Sunday from 11am to 5pm for a fun miniature train experience.
