On Sunday 24 August, the First Timers Club – in partnership with Visit Victoria – are heading on a nostalgic day trip to the Ballarat International Foto Biennale

We will be travelling in style, on a restored Spirited Rail Tours train, featuring breathtaking carriages, some dating back to 1906. Boarding at Southern Cross station, attendees will enjoy a taste of Ballarat with a hot meal in the 1937 Dining Car. Drinks can be purchased from the bar – including great local beer by Aunty Jacks and wines by Eastern Peake.

Important details:

Leaving from Southern Cross at 9:40am via train
Returning to Southern Cross by 7:15pm
The ticket price includes a two-course lunch, exhibition entry and your return train ticket
It's going to be chilly onboard as not all carriages are heated, so please dress accordingly. We recommend bringing along extra warm clothing and perhaps even scarves/beanies.

We will have the opportunity to see some incredible photography exhibitions from around the world, take photos and enjoy the retro rail journey.

Our itinerary:

9:20 AM: Meet at Southern Cross for briefing
9:40 AM: Depart on heritage train
11:30 AM: First lunch sitting
12:30 PM: Second lunch sitting
1:30 PM: Arrive in Ballarat to explore the Ballarat International Foto Biennale including:

Martin Kantor Portrait Prize
Catherine Leroy: One way ticket to Vietnam
Eninful x Mapplethorpe
I love Campell

4:30 PM Return to Melbourne
7:15 PM Arrive in Melbourne

Menu (alternate drop):

Main Course

Spiced Roast Cauliflower, Parmesan Polenta, Roast Broccolini, Brioche and Pine Nut Crumble, Smoked Paprika and Roast Garlic Velouté
Coq Au Vin, Caramelised Shallots, Roast Garlic Mash, Confit Carrots, Smoked Bacon

Dessert

Inglenook Dairy Butter Shortbread, Saffron Poached Pear, Salted Caramel Mascarpone, Toasted Oat Crumble

Accessibility

Please be aware that the heritage train is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible due to its narrow compartments, uneven surfaces, and non-accessible bathrooms. Passengers with limited mobility wishing to store a foldable wheelchair on board for use in Ballarat may do so and other mobility aids are welcomed.

If you have any accessibility questions or require assistance to participate, please reach out to us at firsttimerssclub@gmail.com. We are planning many more accessible events which we can’t wait to share with you soon.

Code of conduct (what makes our vibe so sparkly)

The intention of this event is to explore the Foto Biennale together. Most people come alone to these events as a way to meet new people + have a shared experience.

As such, if alcohol is consumed it must be consumed responsibly.

By attending this event you agree to abide by the First Timers Club code of conduct.

First Timers Club general waiver

By participating in this event I agree to do so at my own risk. I know that my agreement operates to exclude any liability in negligence for harm that I may suffer. I have been warned that participating in this recreational activity may cause physical harm to me or to someone under my control or accompanying me, and I confirm that I do not have a condition, medical or physical, that could prevent me from, or be aggravated by, participating in this activity.

Partner's Limitation of Liability

First Timers Club is conducting this event with Visit Victoria Limited (Visit Victoria) in its capacity as sponsoring partner. Visit Victoria accepts no responsibility or liability in respect of any risk, loss or damages which might incur as a result your participation in the event. Except for any liability that cannot be excluded by law, Visit Victoria (including its officers, employees and agents) excludes all liability (including negligence) for any expenses, sickness, death, personal injury or any loss or damage (including loss of opportunity), whether direct, indirect, special or consequential, arising in any way out of your participation in the event.

Social media and event capture

I understand that photos and videos may be taken during the event and may be used by First Timers Club and Visit Victoria for promotional purposes, including on social media, websites, and other platforms. By attending, I give permission to be included in this content, unless I inform the organisers otherwise before the event.

Cancellation Policy

All ticket sales are transferable, but non-refundable, except in the case that the event is cancelled by the organisers. If the event is cancelled, we will refund ticket holders for any portion of the event costs that is recoverable. We will always aim to return the maximum possible refund to our guests. By purchasing a ticket, you agree to this cancellation policy.

Data Collection Policy
Your personal information (such as name, email address, and any content captured during the event including photos or videos) may be collected to contact you with follow-up information about this event and share updates about similar events and opportunities. Your data will be securely stored and only accessible to relevant staff at First Timers Club and SRHC. We will not sell or share your personal data with third parties. By participating in this event, you consent to the collection and use of your data as outlined above. If you have any questions or wish to access or update your information, please contact firsttimerssclub@gmail.com

Contact the host of Retro Rail Revival