The Q Train toasts success with service expansion

ONE of the Bellarine Peninsula’s premier dining destinations has expanded its operations to better meet local demand for its service and cater to the region’s growing tourism market.

The Q Train, a purpose-built travelling restaurant offering patrons a five-course seasonal degustation menu, last week increased its service from three to five days.

Now operating Thursday through Monday, the expansion means The Q Train will travel an additional 3,000km, provide an extra 36,000 meals and welcome a further 7,200 guests through its door each year.

Chief executive Marie-Claire Trotter said operating more services would give the business the ability to “consolidate and improve upon” its “already excellent product”.

“One of the things I’m really passionate about is providing a product that’s accessible to as many people as possible.

“In the past 12 months, we’ve put a lot of effort into making sure that, not only is it accessible to people with mobility restrictions, but we also provide an audio guide for people who are hard of vision.

“We have braille menus for the visually impaired; we have communication boards for people who struggle with verbal communication; we describe the experience on our website so that way people who are perhaps suffering from anxiety disorders can best plan what days to come; we have a social story to give people who are maybe on the autism spectrum or have sensory processing difficulties.”

With a “long, long wish list”, Ms Trotter is hoping to implement further measures including improved carpark and bathroom accessibility.

She also hoped the move will have positive economic flow on effects for other businesses in the region.

“What we’re really happy to hear about is the impact this is likely to have on local accommodation,” she said.

“A lot of local accommodation places have our guests staying with them, and we really hope that by bringing in Mondays then that Sunday night, which is traditionally a really tricky night, might extend a little bit.”

With its menu derived from local produce, The Q Train’s suppliers also stand to benefit.

“From as small as the flour used to make bread to the wine served, 78 per cent of our menu is local from Geelong, Bellarine and the Otways,” Ms Trotter said.

Where produce can’t be sourced locally, Victorian-owned products are prioritised.

The recipient of several awards, The Q Train offers its patrons a three-hour dining experience travelling in restored train carriages along the heritage Bellarine Railway between Drysdale and Queenscliff.

For more information, head to theqtrain.com.au