If you have young train lovers in your family, Edgeworth Trains in Lake Macquarie is a must-do. Jump on board a miniature train with your family. It’s a local attraction that has been running for decades that both kids and adults will love.
The volunteer-run Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society host monthly public ride days with trains running from 12:30pm till 3:30pm (weather permitting). Their public ride days are scheduled for the last Sunday of each month excluding December.
There’s a variety of miniature trains such as steam and diesel and different rail routes (both elevated and ground-level) so you can easily spend a couple of hours watching and riding trains.
There is a fee to ride the trains but it’s an affordable cost. They charge $3 per train ride with children under 2 years old are free.
Tickets can be purchased from the Kiosk or the ticket sales marquee adjacent to Nooroo Signal Box. Unused tickets can be refunded on the day or endorsed for rides on the next running day.
As always to ride on the trains, you must wear fully enclosed footwear (e.g. joggers). Please note that no photography or video recording is allowed while riding on the trains because of safety reasons.
It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family with train lovers, big and small enjoying the steam and diesel miniature trains.
Like many local families, we’ve enjoyed visiting this attraction over the years for birthday parties, picnics and barbecues.
It’s been running for many decades with many locals having memories of visiting Edgeworth Trains when they were kids. They are now taking their kids or grandkids to this iconic monthly event.
Be prepared though Edgeworth trains is a popular event each month and the location can get pretty packed with people.
Although the lines for train rides can be long at times, kids and adults wait patiently and the lines move pretty quickly.
It’s a fun experience watching the drivers putting coal in their engines or tinkering with steam engines. And to hear the sounds and sniff the acrid smell of the engines.
The locomotives pull carriages behind them that you ride astride. Some trains have multiple carriages while smaller trains only have one.
It’s a fun experience whizzing around on the rail tracks through tunnels and under bridges. Each ride is approximately 7 to 10 minutes in duration so it’s not too long for younger children.
The grounds are lovely and shaded with plenty of grass for picnics, barbecues supplied with wood, a kiosk and conveniently located toilet blocks.
Edgeworth Trains is a popular spot for parties, picnics and barbecues. There was at least 20 birthday parties on the day that we attended, some of them with marquees, tables and chairs. Some had prime position near the track so that party-goers could observe the trains going by.
In addition to the monthly public event, you can book a private function. Private function bookings include sole use of railway facilities for your event including picnic area/tables, toilets, wood fired BBQs and unlimited train rides. These days are available Wednesdays and Sundays (excluding public ride days) only.
Thanks to the Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society for hosting these public monthly events. The Society always welcome new members. If you would like more information, contact them via their website.
Good to Know
Location: Off Velinda Street, Edgeworth with limited off-street parking. (See map below for exact location). The park opens at 9:30am.
Run Dates & Times: Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society are open to the general public for end of month public rides. Trains will run from trains running from 12:30pm until 3:30pm. Their public ride days will be on the last Sunday of each month excluding December.
Here are future dates to mark in your calendar (weather permitting):
2025 Dates
- Sunday 30 November
- No Community Running Day in December
2026 Dates
- Sunday 25 January
- Sunday 22 February
- Sunday 29 March
- Sunday 26 April
- Sunday 31 May
- Sunday 28 June
- Sunday 26 July
- Sunday 30 August
- Sunday 27 September
- Sunday 25 October
- Sunday 29 November
Cost: There will is a charge to ride the miniature trains at Edgeworth Trains. The cost is $3 per train ride. Children under 2 years old are free. Tickets can be purchased from the Kiosk or the ticket sales marquee adjacent to Nooroo Signal Box. Unused tickets can be refunded on the day or endorsed for rides on the next running day.
Footwear: Fully enclosed footwear must be worn to ride the trains. This means no sandals, no crocs, no thongs or bare feet – joggers are best.
Safety: Please note that no photography or video recording is allowed while riding on the trains because of safety reasons.
Amenities: Toilet facilities are located on-site.
Website: Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society
Another place to ride on miniature trains is at Narara on the Central Coast. The Central Coast Model Co-Op Ltd offer rides on their trains on the first Saturday of every month. They run from 11:00am till 4pm, unless it is a very wet day and are located in Showground Road (opposite Bellbowrie Avenue). Riders must wear shoes that cover the toes and heels. Admission is free. Rides are $2.50 (except for under 3 years old with an adult)
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