Sunday June 24 marked the 40th anniversary of the last daily train running to Daylesford.
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Operated by the Australian Railway Enthusiasts, it was hauled on its final trip by a K153 engine on June 24, 1978.
The last Victorian Railway train carted goods on May 2 to clear the line of wagons, which lay dormant waiting for the required paperwork to officially close the line.
In the meantime, the Australian Railway Enthusiasts organised for the very last train to drive along the tracks, which occurred on July 3, 1978.
Despite the miserable, rainy Sunday, a crowd of railway enthusiasts gathered in the cars of the train to bid their farewells to the Daylesford line and enjoy one last ride.
As the train departed Daylesford that afternoon, onlookers had no idea that it would be another 12 years before another train ran along the line.
More than a decade later, a 91RM travelled the line to Musk, driven by the Central Highlands Tourist Railway.
Today, 40 years on and the Daylesford Spa Country Railway, run by volunteers, owns and maintains the tracks.
The group runs weekly services with restored vintage trains from the 1882 heritage listed railway station in Daylesford to Bullarto each Sunday.
The rail runs through the picturesque scenery of Hepburn Shire to the highest operating railway station in Victoria.
The group also runs special timetables on school holidays and for other special events.
