The Vintage Rail Travel diesel train, a restored 1950s locomotive, is expected to transport more than 200 people from Melbourne to Ballarat for the annual Ballarat Beer Festival on January 24.

Preservation group 707 Operations treasurer Nathan Watt said the train would often run to and from regional events.

“707 Operations is very excited to return to Ballarat with its heritage train from Melbourne for the Ballarat Beer Festival,” he said. “Our restored heritage train is a unique experience to travel from Melbourne to visit Ballarat for the day or visit the  festival.”

The train will depart Southern Cross Station at 9.15am, stopping at Footscray Station and arriving in Ballarat at 11.20am.

Passengers can transfer to a free shuttle bus for the beer festival. 

For an afternoon tour to Dunolly, the train will depart Ballarat at 11.40am, stopping at Creswick, Clunes, Talbot and Maryborough,  arriving in Dunolly about 1.25pm. 

The return trip to Melbourne is scheduled to depart Ballarat at 5pm, travelling to the city via North Geelong and arriving at Southern Cross Station about 8.15pm.

For booking details or train information, visit 707operations.com.au or call 0403 883 424.