Our History
The Vision
After many years of involvement with a miniature railway on the Bellarine Peninsula, it became increasingly clear 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 (2016)
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 (former 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 miniature 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 following 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 finalize documentation before submission to the City of Greater Geelong.
In March 2017, the Club’s President and Vice President formally presented the first Business Case and preliminary track layouts to Council representatives and Councilors.
Subsequent meetings were held with the Council’s Lands Department, where further information was requested regarding operational safety, construction timelines, 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 Councilors 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 setbacks led to a sharp decline in membership and financial support.
At a meeting on 12 May, 2018 a disheartened Membership base begun to tender their resignations.
In a defining moment for the Club, The Clubs President addressed the committee, urging members not to abandon the vision and opposing there resignations.
This moment marked a turning point and reinforced the determination of the remaining members.
Rebuilding and Transition to Portable Operations
With limited options for permanent land at this current time, 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.
Over the next few months, the club advertised on social media and reached out to miniature railway clubs in search of a locomotive, carriages, and a portable track system. Fortunately, luck was on our side. Cobden Miniature Railway had rolling stock available, and Moria Miniature Railway reached out with a portable track system for sale.
The next question was how to finance these opportunities quickly. With an incredible effort from our members, we began fundraising through barbeques, a large garage sale, a community grant, and generous support from the Corio / Norlane Lions Club. Within just one month, we successfully raised $30,000, allowing us to purchase a locomotive, a riding car, and the trailer with the portable track system.
Portable public running days allowed the Club to:
Demonstrate safe railway operations
Train and retain members
Engage with the community
Generate small revenue
Build public and stakeholder support
Show Council our resilience
During this period, the Organisation transitioned to operate as Geelong Miniature Railway, a name that better reflected its regional identity, charitable purpose, and long-term community focus.
Over the next few years, the club operated the portable track system at various public events, including the annual Geelong Truck and Tractor Show. These events gave the community the opportunity to experience miniature train rides while helping the club grow and connect with the public.
The club organized public marketing and recruitment days while reaching out to potential sponsors and supporters who shared a community-minded vision and an interest in helping the club grow.
Over the next several years, the club worked tirelessly to find a permanent home.
The committee held discussions with a number of private landowners and engaged with four different local councils in the hope of securing a suitable location. For each potential site, detailed submissions, proposals, and business plans were carefully prepared and presented, outlining the club’s vision of creating a miniature railway that could be enjoyed by families and the wider community.
Despite the significant time, effort, and dedication invested in this process, finding a site that was large enough and suitable for the club’s needs proved to be extremely challenging. Many locations were explored and considered, but unfortunately none were able to meet the space, access, and operational requirements needed for a miniature railway.
While this was disappointing, it did not dampen the enthusiasm or determination of the club’s members.
Throughout this period, the club continued to remain active by operating its portable track system at community events and public shows, giving families and children the opportunity to experience miniature train rides.
These events also helped maintain the club’s presence in the community while continuing the search for a permanent home.
The dedication of the members, along with the ongoing support from the community and local organisations, kept the club motivated to continue pursuing its long-term vision of establishing a permanent miniature railway that could become a valued community attraction for generations to come.
A Potential Permanent Home at Haines Reserve, Hamlyn Heights
After years of perseverance, the charity achieved a major milestone with the identification of a 12-acre site at Haines Reserve, Hamlyn Heights.
An Expression of Interest letter was formally submitted in March 2026, and the Charity’s President together with the organisation’s appointed engineer are currently preparing detailed technical and planning documentation.
A planning permit will be 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 realize the charity’s original vision.
Development Phase (From 2026)
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
Transition from portable to fixed infrastructure
Site preparation and services
Establishment of operational zones and safety systems
This staged 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, setbacks, rebuilding, and renewal, the Organisation has remained committed to one goal
to create a permanent, inclusive passenger-carrying miniature railway and community park for the Geelong region.
With a potential home now identified at Haines Reserve, Hamlyn Heights, and development expected to commence in late 2026, that vision is no longer just an idea it is becoming a reality.