Serviceton Station hosts spectacular photoshoot for Wimmera Steampunk Festival

Serviceton Station was transformed into a steampunk dreamscape on Sunday as models, stylist, photographers, and media gathered for a ‘wow factor’ photoshoot to promote the upcoming Wimmera Steampunk Festival.

The event brought together a team of passionate volunteers from across the Wimmera, all working to create high-impact content for Visit Victoria, and West Wimmera Shire Council. The images will help showcase the Wimmera Steampunk High Tea at Serviceton on Sunday, April 13th, as well as the region’s talented designers, photographers, and creatives.

The shoot featured elaborate costumes, striking designs by Hats by Pollyanna, and styling by Venetia Elbourne-Hobbs. The photography was by Mathew Dooling from Exposure of Light, capturing the essence of the festival’s whimsical and eccentric theme. Special thanks were extended to West Wimmera Shire Council and Michelle Ellis for their support and assistance.

The Wimmera Steampunk Festival, now in its third year, is expected to draw thousands of visitors to celebrate creativity, festivities, and 19th-century aesthetics. This year’s theme, “The Carnival of Peculiarities,” is inspired by Tim Burton’s *Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children* and encourages festival-goers to embrace the peculiar through costume and imagination. 

The festival opens in Warracknabeal, with the main event in Dimboola, before concluding with a grand high tea at Serviceton. It is hoped that the event’s media attention will shine a light on Serviceton, boosting interest in future developments to help preserve this historic landmark.

Steampunk in the Wimmera

Towns throughout the region are being encouraged to embrace the steampunk aesthetic, with Kaniva once again featuring its main street Steampunk Sheep Art Trail to engage visitors. The festival’s success is anticipated to bring increased tourism to the Wimmera, benefiting local businesses and communities.

Train tours and high tea experience

Festival-goers will have the unique opportunity to travel aboard the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre train for a rare journey to Serviceton Railway Station, built in 1888. Passengers will step off into history and indulge in a high tea experience featuring non-alcoholic refreshments and live entertainment by Probably Guilty. Return fares for the train tour and high tea:

• Horsham – $125
• Dimboola – $110
• Nhill – $100
• Kaniva – $90
• Serviceton Lunch only for local patrons not travelling by train – $35 pp

A second train tour will also feature stops at Nhill, Kaniva, Serviceton, and Wolseley, offering excursions to:

• The Overland Museum
• Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre
• Wolseley WWII Fuel Storages

Volunteers needed

Serviceton is still seeking volunteers to assist with the high tea and is also interested in hearing from individuals who may be able to help with guided tours on open days.

Tickets are expected to sell quickly, and festival organisers encourage early bookings to avoid disappointment.

For full program details and bookings, visit www.wimmerasteampunkfestival. com.au.

Keep an eye out for the official photos coming soon from this stunning promotional shoot!

This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 12 February 2025.