Tucked alongside the Canning River at Kent Street Weir, Castledare Miniature Railway is one of those Perth institutions every train‑mad kid (and plenty of nostalgic grown‑ups) should experience at least once. Australia’s longest 7¼‑inch gauge railway winds its way through the Canning River Regional Park, with little trains chugging over bridges, past wetlands and bush, and alongside the river – it feels surprisingly “real” for something in miniature size.
At the moment, public run days operate twice a month, all from Wilson Park Station at Kent Street Weir in Wilson. Traditionally the first Sunday of the month has been a “Niana Station” day and the third Sunday a “Wilson Park” day, but Niana Station is currently closed and services are temporarily running from Wilson Park Station for both rundays until around mid‑2026, so it’s worth double‑checking details on the official website before you head out. Trains generally run from 10am to 2pm, with the last train departing about 1.45pm, and there are often extra Wednesday sessions in school holidays, which are brilliant if you’re looking for a mid‑week outing when the kids are climbing the walls.
When you arrive, you’ll find parking around Kent Street Weir and the Wilson Park area; it can get busy on fine Sundays, so aim to arrive close to opening if you have little ones who don’t love queues. All tickets must now be booked online in advance via TryBooking, and your booking gives you a choice between single‑ride tickets or an “event ticket” that allows unlimited rides during the running period, which is great value if you know your kids will want “just one more go” all day long. Tickets are$10 for children (2–18 years) and $17.50 for adults, with infants under 2 riding free with a paying adult, and companion/foster carer card holders riding free with valid ID – but prices and options can change, so always confirm via the official site or booking page before you go (Castledare Miniature Railway, TryBooking link on their homepage).
On the platform, the excitement really ramps up. There’s usually a mix of diesel and, when conditions and volunteer numbers allow, beautiful steam locomotives running. Steam engines can’t operate at Wilson Station during the hotter months due to fire bans, and even outside summer they’re always dependent on volunteers, so it’s best to treat them as a lovely bonus rather than a guarantee. Younger children are often spellbound just watching trains coming and going while you wait – lots of waving between passengers, whistles blowing and the occasional puff of real steam when conditions permit. The carriages are low and narrow, so adults might feel a bit squashed, but the rides are short and the scenery more than makes up for it.
The journey itself takes roughly ten minutes and gives you a completely different perspective on the Canning River Regional Park. The line winds through bushland and wetlands, over little bridges and through cuttings, with glimpses of the river, birdlife and other trains running alongside on neighbouring tracks. There are proper signals and points, so at times your train may pause to allow another to pass, adding to the “real railway” feel and giving kids an up‑close look at how trains share tracks. It’s very gentle and family‑friendly, but just be aware some children can be sensitive to the occasional loud whistle or the whoosh of steam – an arm around them and a quick heads‑up before you board usually does the trick.
Back at Wilson Park Station you’ll find a simple kiosk selling drinks and snacks such as tea, coffee and basic hot food, plus toilets and grassy areas to sit. There are picnic tables near the line and plenty of open space, so it’s easy to spread out a picnic rug and make a proper outing of it. Many families bring their own lunch, grab a coffee from the canteen, and spend a couple of hours alternating between train rides, snacks and playtime. Kent Street Weir Park itself has a Playground, barbecues, walking paths and access to the Canning River, so you can easily combine your visit with a play at the park, a scoot along the paths or a short family walk along the river before heading home.
Castledare Miniature Railway is run by a dedicated volunteer group and is now an officially registered charity, with a focus on supporting families, financially disadvantaged people, people with disability and the wider community. As part of this, carers and foster carers with a valid companion or foster carer card receive complimentary tickets when accompanying the children or dependants they support, paying only for the kids’ tickets and presenting the card at check‑in. It’s a lovely, genuinely inclusive touch and one of the reasons this railway has such a loyal following among Perth families.
A few practical tips make the day go smoothly. Closed‑in footwear is essential – no bare feet are allowed on the trains – and because the line runs through open bushland, sun protection is a must: hats, sunscreen and water bottles are your friends. Prams can be pushed around the site and parked near the station while you ride, though you’ll need to lift little ones into the carriages. If you’re planning to stay for multiple hours, packing a picnic rug or camp chairs gives you more flexibility around where to sit, especially on hotter days when shady spots are popular. And because numbers and session times are managed through online bookings, it’s a good idea to book early for popular dates like school holidays, themed days or perfect‑weather Sundays.
Whether you have a die‑hard Thomas the Tank Engine fan or just kids who love anything that moves, Castledare Miniature Railway makes for an affordable, old‑fashioned family day out. With friendly volunteers, plenty of atmosphere and beautiful riverside surroundings, it’s easy to see why generations of Perth families keep coming back for “just one more ride”.
Castledare Miniature Railway
Castledare Pl, Perth
www.castledare.com.au
www.facebook.com/cmr1963
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
