Miniature Railway and Mini Golf Park

This plaque is located on the walking track, between numbers 30-32 Grayland St.

Located on a former wetland on the Racecourse Reserve, the railway park is controlled by two voluntary organisations, South Western Model Engineers (train enthusiasts) and the Rotary Club of Cobden (administrators).

The miniature railway was established in 1995 after John Wiggins and Alan ‘Sarge’ Hart dreamed of its existence. Enthusiast John was told by ‘Sarge’ to go ahead and design the track while he took care of acquiring the necessary funds! So John and another experienced engineer John Riches got to work pegging out the new Cobden Miniature Railway.

Five years later, in 2000, the railway was officially opened by Mr Stewart McArthur (MHR, Corangamite). The project was completed thanks to voluntary labour, the generosity of the community and the occasional government grant. Its many contributors are acknowledged on a plaque beside the station carpark.

Steam, electric and diesel-powered trains use the three track gauges – 31⁄2 inch, 5 inch and 71⁄4 inch. Four times, the park has hosted the Australia-wide convention of rail enthusiasts. At each convention, more than 120 trains have used the 1.8 km track.

The park is open every third Sunday of the month and every Sunday in school holidays. It is also available for private occasions like family celebrations, Christmas break-ups and school events. The well-stocked tea-rooms are a popular attraction on every running day.

The mini-golf course, designed by Alan McCaskill, was built by Rotary Club members and opened in 2000.

The park has provided hours of affordable family fun.

Miniature Railway Collage

John Wiggins and his first steam train, Chloe. He has built seven since – not just steam but hydraulic motor trains with different gauges.
The runaway aeroplane which escaped from the airstrip one kilometre away. Without a pilot, it took everything with it, bounced off the toilet block and was stopped only by an innocent grader blade that knocked the carburetor off it. Luckily, no-one was hurt.
Engineers John Wiggins and George Cavey take a break during a busy Sunday.
The old Cobden station is re-located on its new site at the railway park.
Tunnels are a fun part of railway travel.
Engineer convention activity.