The Wizard Express  -  Fremantle to Pinjarra

This was an unexpected adventure that started out quite horrifying for us. We saw the steam train at Fremantle station and wanted to jump on it, but were told by the station attendant, "You can only ride on it if you have booked a seat. There is one going tomorrow morning, you may be able to book seats on it". He gave us a card 'Hotham Valley Tourist Railway' telephone 9221 4444. That afternoon we rang and booked 4 seats. Departure time was 10.20am - so we arrived at 10.00am and that was when we realized the horror of what we had done. It was a children's steam train - The Wizard Express - Harry Potter et al - over 300 children from toddlers to about twelve years - with accompanying parents and grandparents - we were the only adults without attached offspring! Our booked seats were next to the refreshment carriage.

Children were everywhere. A wizard was racing along the outside of the carriages knocking on the windows with his magic wand. The children were delighted with this and all looked happy with the expectation for the coming trip. If only we could feel the same. Eventually the train left the station and we headed out through the suburbs. There was much running through the carriage, but it was with excitement, smiles and laughter. All the little ones were happy. The Hotham Valley Tourist Railway had organised a wonderful day of adventure and fun for all. Whole carriages were set aside for story telling and a magic show, all sections of the Harry Potter story were included in the arrangements, magic hats were distributed, fairy bread was offered to all and magic jelly beans followed soon after. Every child had a smiling face.

We ended up having a wonderful day, the horror of crying, screaming, disgruntled children could not be seen anywhere all day. Lunch time came and we unpacked our delicacies of meats, pates, cheeses, olives, and bread, purchased a first class bottle of champagne and watched the countryside sprinkled with wildflowers, pass by. What more could you ask for!   

The train arrived at Pinjarra at about 2.15pm. Everyone piled off and followed one of the wizards along the path to the river. All details from the Harry Potter novel were considered and trolls were on the river bank, the children were delighted. Across the bridge was the community centre and it had horse and cart hay rides for the children. We left the children there and went for a walk along the rivers edge until it was time to return to the train for our voyage home.

The trip home slipped by quickly and pleasantly. Wildflower spotting was fun for us and the children were fully occupied by a colouring competition with prizes and certificates for all, plus more stories and magic. The Wizard Express steam train ended up being one of the highlights of our trips.