ALL ABOARD!! If trains are your child’s obsession of choice then this Mamma has some great news for all southsiders. Located within the natural bush setting of Springvale South’s Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, the Springvale Live Steamers offer miniature train rides for the young and young at heart.

Open for public run days on the third Sunday of the month, and run completely by volunteer miniature train enthusiasts, a gold coin donation is all that is needed to hop aboard the Springvale Express!

Mamma’s two little ones patiently waited in line as they got to watch other families zip around the 500m track dotted with small model animals to spot along the way.

Little miss 5 could barely contain her excitement as she rapidly approached the front of the queue. There are often 5-7 electric, diesel and steam locomotives running on any given public day, so the wait is never that long.

The 3 minute round trip journey allows passengers to feel the wind through their hair whilst enjoying the surrounding bushland. If you’re lucky, the kids might even get to sound the train whistle before disembarking.

Mammas hot tip - to avoid missing your train, be sure to wear closed toe shoes and leave the loose and flowing clothes at home.