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Diamond Valley Miniature Railway

Location 570-576 MAIN ROAD ELTHAM, NILLUMBIK SHIRE Level Included in Heritage Overlay

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Statement of Significance

The Diamond Valley Miniature Railway, Eltham Lower Park, at part of 570 Main Road, Eltham, a miniature railway complex constructed from 1961, is significant. Elements that contribute to the significance of the place include: ? Integration of the miniature railway built elements within the landscape setting, as well as its railway operation and construction largely based on that of the Victorian Railways; ? the original scale (as a 184 mm (7¼") gauge railway) and form of the complex within the natural bush landscape setting; ? Edwardian-style train stations and platforms (half full size), William G Pert railway workshop and picket fencing and their scales; ? key 1960s railway infrastructure including two reinforced concrete pipe tunnels, and triple arched viaduct bridge); ? other railway elements reflecting the use such as the B signal box and signals and their scale (1/4 full size); ? row of trees planted along the tracks and known as the ‘Avenue of Honour’. Other later railway infrastructure (including the steel-framed overhead pedestrian bridge, Chelsworth Bridge, Meadmore Junction platform, Pine Creek platform, Gnome’s Home Garden Shed, and sanctuary carriage storage) and the elements that support the general recreational use (including the Nillumbik workshop and clubrooms and gazebo) contribute to the character of the place as a historical miniature railway complex but are not significant to the place.The Diamond Valley Miniature Railway Eltham Lower Park, at part of 570 Main Road, Eltham, is of local historic, representative and social significance to the Shire of Nillumbik.The Diamond Valley Miniature Railway, Eltham Lower Park, at part of 570 Main Road, Eltham is historically significant as an early miniature railway complex built in Victoria. Operating at its current site since 1961, it is important as a popular long-term recreational facility within Nillumbik. It is evidence of the ongoing fascination with railways and their components. It provides physical evidence of a form of leisure activity, and tourism, that emerged during the postwar period and has remained popular as a community recreational complex. (Criterion A) Constructed from 1961, the Diamond Valley Miniature Railway is significant as an early and detailed representative example of a miniature railway complex built in Victoria. It is distinguished as a substantial example that includes a comprehensive complex of buildings and infrastructure elements which are designed to be convincing replicas of an Edwardian railway system and its components. It contains numerous buildings and landscape elements which enhance the experiential qualities of the place. The incorporation of picnic facilities encouraging use, and gatherings, by the public and broader community for events and recreation is also significant. (Criterion D) The Diamond Valley Railway is socially significant to the Shire of Nillumbik. It is an important recreational facility that has a continuing presence in Eltham and districts, having carried over 4,230,000 passengers since its inception in 1960. It has social significance for its connections with Diamond Valley Railway Inc, a membership-based and volunteer-managed organisation, which has maintained a program of installing and updating miniature railway infrastructure and facilities since inception. Both historical and more recent upgrades to the complex enhance the ongoing connection of the place with Diamond Valley Railway Inc, as demonstrated by the strong and active efforts of members to maintain the facilities. Its community connections are demonstrated in its longstanding use and active membership base. The 'Avenue of Honour' tree planting that commemorates past members is a tangible link to those who had and continue to have a connection with the railway and their families and friends. (Criterion G)