Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 59 reviewers.
Rated 4 out of 5 by A very enjoyable getaway The experience was provided as a gift and the level of service from everyone involved (red balloon staff, the motel and the train volunteers) was outstanding. Maldon is a lovely, picturesque town. The highlight though was riding in the locomotive. Brilliant. 15 January 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by I wish I had known prior to booking - Shops closed in Maldon Overall we were happy with our experience. All volunteers working the Steam Train could not have been more experienced focused and obviously enjoy what they do. We had read a review that complained about the cheese platter on the return train journey back to Maldon , from Castlemaine, but we found it delicious and served with a smile. We had planned to book a weekend but were advised by the accommodation people that weekends were booked well in advance but that we could get in on a Tuesday night for a Wednesday Steam Train experience. As it was getting close to Christmas we planned to leave a little earlier on the Tuesday so we could spend an enjoyable few hours having lunch and shopping at the beautiful shops in Maldon, before booking into our accommodation. Unfortunately, we were not informed that if we came to Maldon on a Tuesday most of the shops would not be open. I had really been looking forward to the shopping and would have waited to book a weekend had I known ahead of time. I did provide the feedback to the shop assistants of the shops that were open, and mentioned my disappointment to the manager of our accommodation at the time. I asked the shop assistants to pass on thanks to their owners for being open, and advised I would be passing on my disappointment to Red Balloon, as the experience was a little spoiled; and from listening to Naomi, the woman who founded Red Balloon in 2001, I know Red Balloon cares about providing quality, fun experiences for people.. To improve the experience of future people booking this experience, I would suggest Red Balloon confirm the fact that most of the shops in Maldon are not open for business on a Monday or Tuesday, Thank you for seeking feedback. I apologise for delay in my response but we have had some health issues which have taken precedence. 2 January 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by A very relaxing week-end Maldon is a very nice place to visit with lots of interesting little shops. The motel is quite picturesque and the although the rooms are small it was still quite comfortable. Everyone in Maldon is very friendly. The people running the railway are very enthusiastic and helpful and the only drawback would be that there is not a lot to do in Castlemaine on a Sunday afternoon when most places were closed - approx 4hrs to fill in.We had lunch, wandered around the streets, looked in shops and galleries, sat in the park and luckily it was a sunny day..would've been better with 1hr less time at Castlemaine but otherwise very enjoyable 2 January 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by the Train ride was absolutely fantastic !!!! The train ride was absolutely fantastic. The crew was great; we had opportunity to see drivers at the steam engine front. Everybody was friendly and accommodating. It was unforgivable experience. The accommodation could have been little better, the bed was far too small for 2 people. Other than that it was good. 29 December 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Enjoyable Would have been absolutely great, but had to be abandoned at 5.30pm due to illness. Motel room was excellent, and had been looking forward to the steam train ride next day :( Our daughters gave us this expedition for a combined birthday present, so it was very disappointing that an ongoing illness meant we ended up at casualty for 4 hours, rather than having a lovely meal at a local restaurant, a good night's sleep and then a steam train ride. Weather was perfect. 15 December 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Best Ever! Suitable for all ages The accommodation was very romantic and the staff were very helpful and friendly. The ride on the Steam Train was excellent we were treated like VIP's , my husband enjoyed his time up the front with the driver. This experience would suit any age groups. Will be back next year for more! 7 December 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Great weekend get away Loved Maldon, had never been that way and will definitely go back. The Motel was very comfortable, the owner extremely helpful nothing was a bother. The train trip was something very different for us. We both enjoyed ourselves. My husbands smile when he came back to the carriage after being in the locomotive said it all.Great weekend away we will be back so much to see up that way. 2 December 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by Great Experiemce We had decided to take a Wednesday train trip and spent aTuesday evening at Maldon. Hence we had little choice for dinner. Next morning, we had nice cup of tea and coffee to prepare for the train trip. All the volunteers who actually run trains were friendly and efficient, and at the same time they enjoy doing their roles. We did enjoy a glass of wine and a cheese platter. We could spent another day to explore this beautiful small country town of Maldon. 27 November 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by This was a fantastic experience and a top weekend. Red Balloon are to be complimented on putting together such a wonderful weekend. The service on our arrival at the motel was a very warm welcome which was a great start for us. Rooms comfortable in the old world charm style with beautiful garden surroundings. Maldon had so much to offer in sightseeing it was a perfect place to spend the weekend. As for the main attraction of the steam train journey to Castlemaine we could not have asked for more. We would most certainly recommend this weekend trip to anyone with thanks to Red Balloon. This trip from our loving family was so much appreciated, thanks to all. Peter and Pat 24 November 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by WoW factor 9.5! In every way this was a great experience for us (especially me on the footplate for half an hour.) The railway staff were really giood in every aspect of their part - both station staff on the train and on the loco. This was also true of our motel accommodation. I would not hesitate to tell people what a great experience the footplate ride is, even if one is not a steam train enthuiast. 20 November 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by A very interesting experience. The accommodation was neat, tidy and clean and set up in period style. The receptionist was pleasant and helpful. At the station we were given VIP status. I had a gold ribbon pinned to my lapel to indicate I had booked with Red Balloon. We were directed to the First Class carriage and able to select our own seats. Refreshments were provided and the train stopped at Muckelford station to allow me to ride on the Loco. Operation of the steam train was explained while the fireman went about his duties. I was surprised to find that the staff are volunteers, some paying their own fares from Melbourne to carry out their duties. We thoroughly enjoyed the day. 16 November 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by The staff at the motel and at the tourist railway were very pleasant and helpful. It was a great experience. 28 August 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by We had a fabulous experience. The accommodation was excellent and the train ride was most memorable. We will certainly looking for a RedBalloon experience again. 24 August 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by I loved it very much so much so im thinking of taking my grandsons on it. Im 70 years old and i still enjoy the sound sight and smell of steam trains i only hope that the steam engines never fade out 16 August 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by The accommodation including the bed and continental breakfast were excellent. The highlight of train trip was being able to travel on the engine tender watching how the driver tackled the many tasks involved in giving as a smooth trip. 7 August 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 My wife and myself have done a number of RedBalloon experiences and have never been disappointed. The train trip from Maladon to Castlemaine and return was excellent. Riding in the engine with the driver and crew was an exceptional experience. The staff as soon as they realised we had booked a RedBalloon experience treated us like royalty. Would recommend this trip to any one. 12 July 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by I didn't personally go but my grandparents went as it was a gift from myself, my sister and my mum. My grandparents enjoyed it. Unfortunately as they arrived in the afternoon, they had to find a place to go to for dinner. Thankfully the pub was open. It would probably be a good idea if part of the experience included dinner at the pub and then it's one less thing for the visitor to worry about when they arrive in Maldon. Otherwise a great experience for my grandparents. Thanks. 9 July 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 We found the accommodation very comfortable and warm (wintertime) and the management most accommodating and welcoming.The trip on the steam train was fun and Robin (his 70th birthday gift) loved travelling on the engine loco between Muckleford and Castlemaine. He loved sounding the train whistle (boys never grow up!). We lunched and looked around Castlemaine and caught the 3.45pm return trip to Maldon. We were served drinks and a fruit and cheese platter on the home journey. A lovely day all round. We also opted to stay an extra night at our motel and travelled back to Melbourne at leisure the next day. 3 July 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Motel accommodation very hospitable. Train experience enjoyable thankyou. 1 July 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Great weekend and a lovely experience! 24 June 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by I had a great weekend owners of Eaglehawk motel so friendly train ride was great 21 June 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by The experience was fabulous starting from the wonderful Maldon Eaglehawk Motel which was beautiful, to the Steam Train trip. The staff at VGR both at Maldon, Castlemaine and on the train trip both ways were faultless. The experience on the locomotive was amazing. I would happily recommend taking this package from Red Balloon (actually I already have to a number of friends and family) and hope to do it again myself someday. 18 June 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Absolutely loved the whole experience. The accomodation was wonderful and beautiful. The train trip was better than I imagined and everyone made us feel so special. Riding up the front of the train was so special for me as I have always loved steam trains. It was such an amazing experience to have done with my best friend! Everyone involved with this occasion were so wonderful and I would recommend this to anyone. Thank you so much 4 June 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Well organised,good friendly accommodation and fantastic experience on the steam train. Well worth doing 4 June 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by Wonderful experience. Great to go back in time. A relaxing journey. 3 June 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Every person we came into contact with treated us like royalty, fantastic experience. Our experience started on the Tuesday, staying in Maldon that night and the train ride was on the Wednesday. 27 May 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by It was a fantastic experience, one that I will certainly do again. I would recommend it to anyone. 23 May 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by We enjoyed our experience on the train very much. Our tour guides did a wonderful job and we thank them very much. 17 May 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 The steam train ride was fantastic! Such gorgeous perfect old carriages, and sitting with the driver watching the man shovel coal into the furnace was amazing. The volunteers who run the train were brilliant; enthusiastic about their hobby, and very professional as well. Loved it! 14 May 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by We really enjoyed the experience. The people were fantastic. 11 May 2012
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