Bennett Brook Railway — Attraction in Whiteman

Village Junction Railway Station in Whiteman Park, Perth, Western Australia is a great train buff's location to experience an active railway system and infrastructure of pre-1960s/1950s. A group of dedicated volunteers work on this railway where Village Junction Station is the centre piece. Of the four stations along the railway, two of them are transported/rebuilt from locations across the Western Australian Government Railways system where those stations were either closed or modernised. Village Junction Station has three platforms - platform one used to be the station at East Perth and platforms two/three used to be Subiaco Station. The infrastructure for this entire time-period reconstructed railway system (guessing 8km in length) is all original signalling, signal boxes, etc except for the stations at Kangaroo Flats and Banksia on their Bushland Loop. It truly is as close as you'd get stepping back in time to how it was. Trains (steam and diesel seasonally) operate several days per week and connect with a tramway system at Village Junction that uses old trams from Melbourne, Fremantle, Adelaide and Perth. All in all, Whiteman Park and the railway and tramway is a place not to be missed if...

Our family had an absolutely delightful first visit to Whiteman Park, especially taking a ride on the trains. We went on the first hottest day of spring and still thoroughly enjoyed exploring the park's various features. Our 4-year-old son, who's a budding train enthusiast, was thrilled beyond words.

I have to say, the staff at the train stations were both knowledgeable and captivating when we inquired about the trains. Being a building inspector, I couldn't help but notice the impressive condition of the stations, especially considering their age and the fact that they've been relocated. It's quite an accomplishment.

The train ride itself was charming. Sure, the seats are old-fashioned timber, but it's not about comfort—it's about the immersive experience, which was fantastic. And as for the park's appearance, we had no issue with it being a bit on the dry side. This is Western Australia. After all; not every inch of the landscape can be a lush, green oasis.

Our son was so sad when it was time to leave, which pretty much says it all. We're already planning to return next week for another round of fun. Highly...

We went to the Bennett Brook Railway in Whiteman Park in WA today and had a lovely day. Weather was good so lots of people around but not crowded. We bought a modestly priced ticket for the train which was a diesel rather than a steam train today. A ticket can be used all day and so we ended up doing 2 trips over the day.

The old diesel chugged & whistled it's way through the lovely Australian bush in the park. We saw several kangaroos along the way (but not as many as the hundreds we saw on the suburban train to Whiteman Park. The roos are being confined due to the rampant urbanisation & destruction of habitat but that is another story.)

The old train rickety-racked it's way around the 6 kms. as we sat in open carriages enjoying the the banksias & blackboys and other beautiful plants. What a treat.

It was a most enjoyable day with the heritage train the highlight. The volunteers were all friendly and it was obviously enjoyed by other passengers of all ages. It also catered for those in wheelchairs. Great value for $8.00 too.

Highly recommended for all ages & especially...