Our History

After many years of involvement with a miniature railway on the Bellarine Peninsula, it became increasingly apparent that the Geelong region lacked a permanent, purpose-built miniature railway capable of serving families, the broader community, and future generations.

In August 2016, our Founding President, Brian Gray, together with his family, made the decision to pursue a bold and ambitious vision: to plan and build Geelong’s first permanent dual-gauge (5 inch and 7¼ inch) passenger-carrying miniature railway and family park.

The Formation of the Club

Following early planning and the development of a basic business concept, Brian approached several fellow railway and engineering enthusiasts.
An inaugural meeting was held on 12 August 2016 at Eastern Gardens, attended by:

  • Brian Gray

  • Roney Bristow (deceased)

  • Arthur Boyd (ex-member)

After Brian presented his proposal and a detailed discussion followed, a majority decision was made to formally establish a club and pursue the construction of a miniature railway in Geelong.

A second meeting was held on 10 September 2016 at the President’s home in Portarlington, with growing attendance:

  • Brian Gray

  • Roney Bristow (deceased)

  • Richard Talbot (deceased)

  • Arthur Boyd

  • David Ashton

  • Don Shields

  • James Guthridge

  • Rodger Wills (deceased)

  • Nadine Gray

At this meeting, the Club’s first Board of Management was elected:

  • President: Brian Gray

  • Vice President: Arthur Boyd

  • Secretary: Rodney Bristow

  • Treasurer: Richard Talbot

During discussions, Arthur Boyd proposed the name Geelong Miniature and Model Railway Society, reflecting the long-term vision of combining a passenger-carrying railway with miniature model railways within a larger railway park.

On 16 September 2016, the Geelong Miniature and Model Railway Society was formally established as a Not-for-Profit organisation.

Business Planning and Council Engagement (2016–2018)

Over the next five months, members developed a draft Business Case and inspected hundreds of potential sites throughout the Geelong region.
Numerous meetings were held to refine site options and finalise documentation prior to submission to the City of Greater Geelong Council.                                                  

In March 2017, the Club’s President and Vice President formally presented the first Business Case and preliminary track layouts to Council representatives and Councillors.

This was followed by meetings with the Council’s Lands Department, where further information was requested regarding operational safety, construction timeframes, costs, and environmental impacts.  Despite detailed responses and multiple submissions, Council ultimately concluded that an additional miniature railway was not required in the region.                                                                                                                  

Over the following months, the Club continued to advocate strongly, escalating discussions to include Councillors and the Mayor.
However, further meetings confirmed Council’s unwillingness to support the project without substantial upfront funding, effectively halting progress within Geelong at that time.                                                                                                

Expansion Beyond Geelong and Further Setbacks

In early 2018, the Club broadened its search to include Golden Plains Shire, Surf Coast Shire, and privately owned land. Multiple submissions were lodged, and initial enthusiasm was shown—particularly within Golden Plains Shire.

Despite strong community interest, local business support, and conditional pledges approaching $1 million, changes in Council leadership and policy direction ultimately resulted in further rejections. By mid-2018, all council pathways had been exhausted.

The cumulative impact of repeated knockbacks led to a sharp decline in membership and financial support.
At a meeting on 12 May, a disheartened President tendered his resignation.                                                                                                                                               

In a defining moment for the Club, Arthur Boyd addressed the committee, urging members not to abandon the vision and opposing the resignation. This moment marked a turning point and reinforced the determination of the members.                                                                           

Rebuilding and Transition to Portable Operations

With limited options for permanent land, the Club regrouped around a smaller but committed core membership. Governance, safety systems, and operational planning were strengthened, and a strategic decision was made to invest in portable miniature railway operations.

Portable public running days allowed the Club to:

  • Demonstrate safe railway operations

  • Train and retain members

  • Engage with the community

  • Generate modest revenue

  • Build public and stakeholder support

During this period, the organisation transitioned to operate as Corio Bay Miniature Railway, a name that better reflected its regional identity, charitable purpose, and long-term community focus.

A Permanent Home – Haines Reserve Hamyln Heights

After eleven years of perseverance, the Charity achieved a major milestone with the identification of a 12-acre site at Haines Reserve Hamyln Heights.  An Expression of Interest was formally submitted in March 2026, the Charity’s President and the charities appointed Engineer are currently preparing detailed technical and planning documentation.                                                                                                                                  

A planning permit is required as a prerequisite to the issuance of a property lease agreement by the Council’s Lands Department.

This site provides the space, accessibility, and long-term potential required to finally realise the Charities original vision.

From 2026, Corio Bay Miniature Railway will:

  • Commence basic portable railway operations on-site

  • Establish operational presence and community engagement

  • Begin Stage One development of the permanent railway

Stage One will focus on:

  • Workshop Construction

  • Initial dual-gauge track installation to the workshop

  • Portable-to-fixed infrastructure transition

  • Site preparation and services

  • Establishment of operational zones and safety systems

This phased approach allows the railway to grow sustainably while continuing to provide public access, training opportunities, and community benefit.

Looking Forward

The journey of Corio Bay Miniature Railway has been defined by resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in the value of community-led projects.

From its formation in 2016, through years of advocacy, rejection, rebuilding, and renewal, the Club has remained committed to one goal:
to create a permanent, inclusive, passenger-carrying miniature railway and community park for the Geelong region.

With a home now identified at Haines Reserve Hamlyn Heights and development commencing in late in 2026, that vision is no longer just an idea—it is becoming a reality.