Railway House – Ballaarat Room

Built over 150 years ago, the Ballaarat Engine was the first railway steam engine manufactured in the southern hemisphere and the first locomotive to operate in Western Australia. It was name after the original spelling of the town where it was built in Ballarat, Victoria. The locomotive underwent a full restoration as part of its final move to Railway House, now housed inside the Ballaarat Room interpretive space - an incredible museum by day, showcasing the history of the timber railway and its connection to Busselton. 

The Busselton Visitor Centre is housed in the original Busselton Railway Station, built in 1894 and originally located in Stanley Street. It served the community for over 90 years before being decommissioned. In 1987 the station was relocated to the public open space at the town's entrance, then moved to the Busselton Foreshore in 2016 and skillfully incorporated into the magnificent Railway House.

 
Railway House is one of the first stops on the Busselton Heritage Trail and nearby is the northern terminus of the Wadandi Track, a path open to walkers and cyclists following the rail alignment of the original Busselton to Flinders Bay Rail Line, stretching from Busselton via Cowaramup and Margaret River to Augusta (sections still to be completed). 

By night, the space can be hired to host special functions, event or product launches, comfortably accommodating up to 200 guests stand up or cocktail style. 

The room features a 65” digital TV for audio visual presentations. A built-in sound system will play wirelessly from any digital device, with a wireless roving microphone also available. With its own onsite semi-commercial kitchen, a selection of catering options can also be thoughtfully accommodated – from morning teas, picnic lunch packs, cocktail style canapes and more. 

Conferencing or event equipment hire (chairs, tables, lectern, whiteboard, projector and screen etc) can also be welcomed to the space, at the responsibility of the hirer. Enquiries can be made by contacting the Busselton Visitor Centre.