Set beside the Canning River at Kent Street Weir, Castledare Miniature Railway offers a charming way to spend a few relaxed hours with children, grandchildren, or visiting friends. The 7¼‑inch gauge trains travel through the Canning River Regional Park, over little bridges and past wetlands and bushland, giving riders the feel of a “real” train journey in a peaceful natural setting.
At the moment, all public rides depart from Wilson Park Station at Kent Street Weir, as Niana Station is temporarily closed until around mid‑2026.
You can find current operating details and booking links on the Castledare Miniature Railway website.
Run days and operating times
Castledare operates public run days twice a month:
-
Niana Station run day (temporarily relocated to Wilson Park Station)
- Traditionally: 1st Sunday of each month
- Currently operating from Wilson Park Station, Kent Street Weir Park, Wilson
- 10:00am – 2:00pm (last train departs around 1:45pm)
-
Wilson Park Station run day
- 3rd Sunday of each month
- Wilson Park Station, Kent Street Weir Park, Kent Street, Wilson
- 10:00am – 2:00pm (last train departs around 1:45pm)
Additional mid‑week sessions are sometimes added during school holidays. These can be ideal for grandparents who prefer a slightly quieter visit outside the busiest weekend crowds. Always check the What’s On / Tickets section via the Castledare Miniature Railway website before heading out, as dates and times can change.
Tickets and bookings
All tickets are currently sold online only via TryBooking (linked from the Castledare homepage). There is no walk‑up ticket sales on the day.
At the time of writing, prices are:
- Children (2–18 years): $10
- Adults: $17.50
- Under 2 years: Free (riding with a paying adult)
- Companion card / foster carer card holders: Complimentary ticket when accompanying the person they support (just pay for the child or dependant’s ticket and present the card at check‑in).
You can usually choose between:
- Single‑ride tickets – useful if you’re combining the railway with a walk or café visit; or
- Event tickets (unlimited rides during the session) – good value if your grandchildren love trains and are likely to ask for “just one more ride”.
Ticket prices and options can change, so it’s important to confirm details via the official website or booking page before you book.
What to expect on the day
Parking is available around Kent Street Weir and Wilson Park. On fine Sundays, especially in school holidays, it can fill quickly. If you prefer to avoid hurried walks from the carpark or long queues with children, consider arriving close to opening time or choosing a cooler‑weather day.
At Wilson Park Station you’ll see a mix of diesel locomotives and, when conditions and volunteer availability allow, steam trains. Steam engines generally cannot run during the hotter months due to fire restrictions, and even at other times they depend on volunteer crews, so treat them as a bonus rather than something guaranteed.
The carriages are low and narrow, designed mainly for families, so adults will need to bend their knees and step carefully in. The ride itself is smooth and gentle and takes around 10 minutes, winding through:
- Bushland and wetlands
- Little bridges and cuttings
- Sections alongside the Canning River
- Passing points, signals and crossings that add to the feel of a “real” railway
There are occasional whistles and bursts of steam, so if you or a child is sensitive to noise, it’s worth choosing a seat further back from the locomotive and giving a quick heads‑up before the train sets off.
Castledare works well as a multi‑generational outing. Many visitors come with several generations of the family – grandparents, adult children and little ones – and share the experience together.
The railway and surrounding parkland offer:
- A modest amount of walking – the main areas around the station and picnic spots are relatively flat, with a mix of sealed and compacted paths.
- Plenty of places to sit – there are benches, picnic tables and open grassed areas where you can relax while others ride or play.
- Natural scenery – the Canning River, birdlife and bushland all make it a pleasant place to linger, even if you only take one ride and spend the rest of the time enjoying the surroundings.
If you use a walking stick, frame or mobility scooter, you will likely find the immediate station area manageable, though surfaces are a mix of paving and compacted gravel. Stepping into the carriages requires a small step and some bending; if this may be difficult, you can always enjoy the atmosphere from the platform, watch the trains, take photos and let others ride.
Facilities, food and comfort
At Wilson Park Station you’ll find:
- A simple kiosk offering hot and cold drinks, basic snacks and light hot food
- Toilets, including facilities within the Kent Street Weir Park precinct
- Grassed areas and picnic tables, ideal if you prefer to bring your own lunch or afternoon tea
- Nearby barbecues and Playground in Kent Street Weir Park
Many visitors bring a picnic rug or fold‑up chairs, especially if staying a few hours. The riverside setting makes it easy to turn a short train ride into a leisurely half‑day visit.
There is also a café at Kent Street Weir (independent of the railway) where you can enjoy coffee or a light meal before or after your ride, making it a good option if you’d prefer not to self‑cater.
Accessibility and practical considerations
A few practical tips are particularly helpful for older visitors:
- Footwear: Closed‑in shoes are required on the trains – no bare feet or open sandals.
- Sun protection: The line passes through open areas of bushland; hats, sunscreen and water bottles are essential, especially in warmer months.
- Weather: There is some shelter at the station, but much of the area is outdoors. On hot days, early‑morning rides tend to be more comfortable. In winter, a warm jacket and perhaps a lap blanket can make the open carriages more pleasant.
- Seating and rest breaks: If you find standing for long periods difficult, it’s worth choosing a quieter time slot and making use of the nearby benches and picnic tables between rides.
- Mobility aids: Prams and mobility aids can be brought right up to the platform area and parked nearby while you ride. Boarding the train itself involves a small step down and up.
If anyone in your group lives with disability or has specific access needs, it’s worth checking the latest information or contacting the railway via the details on the Castledare Miniature Railway site prior to visiting.
A community‑minded charity
Castledare Miniature Railway is run entirely by volunteers and is now a registered charity, with a mission to support:
- Families
- People who are financially disadvantaged
- People living with disability
- The broader community
As part of this, adults with valid companion or foster carer cards receive complimentary tickets when accompanying the person they support, paying only for the child or dependant’s ticket. This inclusive approach, combined with the friendly volunteer team, is one reason so many Perth families and community groups return year after year.
Making a day of it at Kent Street Weir
If you’re driving in from another part of Perth, it’s easy to turn your visit into a relaxed day out:
- Enjoy a morning train ride, then a picnic or café lunch by the river
- Take a short walk along the river trails – there are flat paths suitable for most fitness levels
- Bring binoculars for a bit of birdwatching around the wetlands
- Let the grandchildren enjoy the Playground while you sit in the shade
With its peaceful location, gentle pace and nostalgic charm, Castledare Miniature Railway is a lovely option for anyone over 55 looking to share a simple, affordable outing with family or friends.
Key information
- Name: Castledare Miniature Railway
- Location: Wilson Park Station, Kent Street Weir Park, Kent Street, Wilson (Canning River Regional Park)
- Public run days: 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month (currently both from Wilson Park Station; Niana Station closed until around mid‑2026)
- Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm (last train about 1:45pm)
- Tickets: Online only via TryBooking – linked from Castledare Miniature Railway
- Website: https://castledare.com.au/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmr1963
