A vintage steam train will chug its way to Ballarat on October 7 for residents to enjoy as a passenger or to watch it along the line.

Organised by not-for-profit heritage group Steamrail, the train will depart Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station, travelling to Ballarat before heading north to Wycheproof.

What’s the reason for this route?

Organisers say it will be the last time vintage trains will be able to use a broad gauge line, which is to be converted to a national standard gauge from Geelong to Mildura. 

Put simply, the distance between the rails of the railroad track will be altered.

But it’s not all doom and gloom for train enthusiasts.

Steamrail office manager Cathy Skelton said a broad gauge line between Ballarat and Melbourne would remain.

The historical group last brought a train to Ballarat in June. It will roll into Ballarat Railway Station for a second time about 7.47am on October 7.

To book tickets to ride on it, head to trybooking.com/book/event?eid=311217 or call 9397 1953.