A few kilometres from downtown Launceston, Invermay’s cluster of museums is impressive. From the car park there’s a choice of the Tramway Museum where you can take a ride on a tram, the Planetarium, plus the Queen Victoria Museum. It’s at the back of the Queen Victoria Museum that you’ll find the aptly named The Railway Cafe. The cavernous space has a renovated train carriage that’s decked out with a row of booth style tables. There are quite a few seats just in front of the cafe kitchen, plus some outside (if the weather is good), but I choose the little renovated train carriage. It’s not a particularly atmospheric renovation and the acoustics are lousy. You’ll feel it especially if surrounded by a family or two. The scone arrives with a spread of fairly standard strawberry jam and a squirt of dairy whip cream. The whole thing looks lousy and I’m not enticed to eat it. Add to it a mug of tea that I could easily have at home, without the noise. It’s a shame the quality isn’t better as the museum has a good vibe.

Scones:

Jam:

Cream: 

Tea: A selection of teabags served in either a small or large cup.

Price: $$

Overall: A very ordinary spread but interesting museum.

Location: Queen Victoria Museum and Planetarium, 2 Invermay Rd, Invermay TAS 7248 Ph: 03 6323 3777 qvmag.tas.gov.au

Reviewed August 2018