Willans Hill Miniature Railway is located in Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, Tom Woods Dr, Turvey Park in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.
In 2018 we celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the inception of the club, the 30th Anniversary of the Official Opening of Club (a Bi-centennial project) and on the first weekend in November, 2018 we held our 30th Invitation Run. For more than 34 years the Wagga Wagga Society of Model Engineering (WWSME) has operated a miniature railway under the title Willans Hill Miniature Railway, named after the hill adjacent to the club ground, which is part of the Botanic Gardens of Wagga Wagga.
Starting up with less than 100 metres of track length in 1983 the railway was expanded over the following years, and from 1988 to 2016 had a total track length of two kilometres consisting of a combined 7¼ inch and 5 inch track. The track runs through woodland and two tunnels, over several bridges into an authentic station. There is a second station next to the Museum of the Riverina which is used in conjunction with special events at the museum.
In September, 2016, the club finished the planned spiral extensions to the track. The railway spiral has added an additional 900 metres of track length. The spiral at the Willans Hill site is unique, as no other club in New South Wales has such a feature. The spiral was opened on the 22nd October, 2016 and since the opening The Willans Hill Miniature Railway has become a Mecca for the fans of miniature railways and for many other enthusiasts just wanting the experience given by riding this special railway.
Operating twice a month (1st & 3rd Sundays) The Willans Hill Miniature Railway attracts many people from near and far. The club uses the club and members owned locomotives and carriages on run days. The types of locomotives that run on the track are mainly steam, petrol and electric. The City of Wagga Wagga as a whole benefits from this tourist attraction nestled into the beautiful Botanic Gardens by the many visitors that come to ride the trains.
Free rides on the Willans Hill Miniature Railway are given to organisations like:
The club has provided Gold Passes to Ronald McDonald House, Wagga Wagga to give their guests (mainly out-of-town children being in Wagga Wagga for medical treatment) so that they have the opportunity of free rides on The Willans Hill Miniature Railway.
Contact Details
Mailing Address: PO Box 7119, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Phone: (0466) 603-032
Email: info@wwsme.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WHMRail/