Serving local menus onboard a moving train
Book Online OR Call (03) 4238 3930
Australia'sPREMIER RAIL RESTAURANT
SHOWCASING LOCAL FOOD, WINE, BEER & CIDER
Welcome aboard The Q Train.
The Q Train is an award winning restaurant that travels along the historic Bellarine Railway between Drysdale and Queenscliff. The train usually departs from, and returns to, Drysdale Station, just an easy 15-minute drive from Geelong. However, on select services The Q Train departs from, and returns to, the Queenscliff Railway Station. Please check the timetable page before booking accommodation to choose a time and departure station that suits you. The Q Train runs for approximately 3 hours.
Never before has Australia seen a heritage rail line used for showcasing local food, wine, beer and cider. We’re inviting locals and visitors alike to come aboard our restored carriages and enjoy a gastronomical journey unlike anything else you have experienced. In 2019 Australian Masterchef were wowed by the experience and hosted one of their Finals episodes on board The Q Train!
We are serving local produce on every journey from the comfort of our refurbished dining cars; providing every customer with a delicious rail journey, and unique views of Swan Bay and the Bellarine.
Wine and dine in style with The Q Train.
*The Q Train clearly displays departure stations and times on our timetable page. Please check your confirmation email carefully for departure times and stations, as refunds cannot be given if you miss the train. Call us on (03) 4238 3930 if you have questions.
OurStory
Behind Geelong’s Dining Train
In 2016, two blokes who’d worked with trains for the better part of 50 years purchased several historic carriages from Queensland Rail. They sought the expertise of a hospitality pundit, and then our team was born. We spent a year or so refurbishing the old carriages, and have transformed a part of the old “Sunlander” into a new boutique rail restaurant called “The Q Train”. How’s that for recycling?!
If you live around the Bellarine area, you may see us working on restoring and maintaining the carriages, which is an ongoing job!
As long term homeowners on the Bellarine Peninsula, we have dreamed of creating a Restaurant Train to showcase the beautiful Bellarine and Swan Bay scenery, whilst offering premium local food and beverages. The Q Train is the realisation of this and we are proud to share this vision with Geelong, The Bellarine and beyond!
Let'sTalk About Food
THE Q TRAIN’S AWARD WINNING DINING EXPERIENCE IS A SET ‘DEGUSTATION’ OR ‘TASTING MENU’
What is a degustation?
A degustation is great way for restaurants to take their guests on a culinary journey. (A metaphorical journey – not all restaurants are on wheels!) With a number of smaller courses, guests can try many different flavours and combinations that, while being quite different from each other, all tie together as well. Sometimes degustations are called “tasting menus” or “chefs selections” or “feed me menus”. The word “degustation” comes from the French word for taste.
A degustation is great way for restaurants to take their guests on a culinary journey. (A metaphorical journey – not all restaurants are on wheels!) With a number of smaller courses, guests can try many different flavours and combinations that, while being quite different from each other, all tie together as well. Sometimes degustations are called “tasting menus” or “chefs selections” or “feed me menus”. The word “degustation” comes from the French word for taste.
Why should I try The Q Train’s degustation?
Every one of our courses highlights local produce, and there is no other restaurant in the world where you get to experience the best produce from the region while travelling through that region! Our menu changes seasonally, and can be paired with some of the finest beer, wine and cider from Bellarine, Geelong, and the Otways.
Will I be too full or still hungry at the end?
Just like baby bear’s porridge, we think the amount you receive over your three hour culinary journey is just right. The portions are carefully planned so you can appreciate every course, and not be uncomfortable when you leave. Of course, not everyone is the same. Don’t starve yourself to ‘make room’ before you come, and if you’re coming for lunch, you will still have room for dinner that night.
Sail, Rail and DineFROM DOCKLANDS OR SORRENTO
Catch the ferry from either docklands or Sorrento for an amazing day out
Sail from either Docklands to Portarlington or from Sorrento to Queenscliff on board the ferry, arrive in beautiful Portarlington or Queenscliff and you will be transported to The Q Train.
Diners will then experience The Q Train’s amazing degustation, featuring local Bellarine produce, in The Q Train’s refurbished carriages. The train will travel a return journey towards Queenscliff or Drysdale with views of Swan Bay and local scenery.
After lunch, you’ll be transported back to the ferry where you can sail to Docklands or Sorrento whilst dreaming of your wonderful meal and your next visit.
OurGALLERY
We love sharing the best of Geelong and the Bellarine on our rail journeys.
We proudly showcase local food, wine, beer & cider from Geelong, the Otways, and the Bellarine. Taking a journey with us on The Q Train allows you to discover the best of what our region has to offer, while enjoying its beautiful scenery as an ever-changing vista through your train window.
We have restored and refurbished our dining cars to create the ultimate in rail dining experiences.
Have a browse through our gallery and then come and experience a train journey you’ll never forget. We look forward to welcoming you!
GiftCards
Unique. Delicious. Exciting. Give a gift unlike any other with a gift card from The Q Train. Give a loved one a night they won’t forget with a gift card for The Q TrainThey are valid for 3 years from the purchase date. An electronic gift card and a tax invoice will be emailed immediately to the purchaser. If you would like a hard copy of your gift card, we can post gift cards at an additional cost. Please select this option when checking out.
TheDegustation Digest
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OurBlog
We love to share our journey via blog posts and photos, of the evolution of The Q Train.
To follow The Q Train’s progress click here to view more.
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Awards
The Q Train has been awarded the Golden Plate Regional Victoria Tourism Exemplar award in 2019 for the second year in a row!
Awards
The Q Train has been nominated for the Savour Australia Hostplus Awards - for Excellence - VIC & TAS 2019 in the Tourism Restaurant and Contemporary Australia Restaurant - Formal categories.
Awards
The Q Train has been awarded an AGFG Readers Choice award for 2019 in the Modern Australian Category for the Geelong & The Bellarine Peninsula region.
Awards
The Q Train has been awarded the Savour Australia Hostplus Awards for Excellence 2018 in the Tourism Restaurant Category.
Showcasing the wines and produce of Victoria's fabulous Bellarine Peninsula, and operating on the existing 16km Bellarine Railway infrastructure.
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