Train enthusiast Pete Schultz was one of dozens of people waiting at the station for the train to pull into the platform.

It was the first time he had ever seen the "red rattlers" because he grew up interstate.

While this nostalgic trip was pulled by a 60-year-old engine, Steam Rail Victoria chairman Joe Kellett said there were plans to bring back a steam train to Warrnambool later in the year.

"Train rides are popular, especially here. Last time we were here we ran shuttles from here to Allansford, we could have just kept going," he said.

Mr Kellett said Saturday's trip in the "red rattler" carriages - some which date back to 1906 - had sold out between Camperdown and Warrnambool.

He said they didn't sell quite as many tickets as they would have liked between Melbourne and Camperdown.

The trip was initially meant to happen weeks ago but had to be cancelled when the state was plunged into a five-day lockdown, forcing them to cancel and refund tickets.

They were able to get it back up and running weeks later, albeit scaled back due to booking clashes for some of the planned the side trips from Camperdown to Otway destinations.

Train officer Aysen Hassan said nowadays a train journey was all about being on time but in the old days it was more about the journey.

"When you boarded a train back then you weren't just experiencing a train, you were experiencing a form of luxury," he said.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly podcast The Booletin and Beyond:

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.

CORONAVIRUS STORIES:

Our COVID-19 news articles relating to public health and safety are free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.