Bennett Brook Railway

WALRPA was formed on 26 April 1976 by a group of rail enthusiasts who shared an interest in less well-known railways of Western Australia.

Following the closing of the Lake View and Star Gold Mine in Kalgoorlie in the mid-1970s, four of the founding members purchased the railway's first locomotive – an LV&S 'Planet' Locomotive (which still operates at the railway – the Atlantic Planet). The Planet was first located at a member's Perth Hills property on 17 September 1976.

In 1977, the group proposed to develop a railway at Whiteman Park. Five submissions were received in total, three for a 610 mm (2 ft) railway, one for a 7+1⁄4 in (184 mm) railway, similar to the railway located at Castledare, and finally a submission to re-locate the Australian Railway Historical Society.

From 1977 to 1982, the group also submitted proposals for an operational railway to El Caballo Blanco in Wundowie, the Maylands Peninsula Redevelopment, the former Upper Darling Range railway (from Kalamunda to Goosberry Hill), and a Mandurah tourist development.

The closure of the Bristile & Wunderlich Brickworks in Belmont saw the donation of a number of hoppers and other rail items. The railway acquired a locomotive and a number of hoppers from the Maylands Brickworks.

In 1982, development and restoration continued in the Perth Hills, until 16 August, when WALRPA was advised by Metropolitan Regional Planning Authority that their submission for a 610 mm (2 ft) railway at Whiteman Park had been successful. On 18 September 1982, the first equipment was placed at Whiteman Park.

In 1983, two former Whiteman Brick locomotives – "Ridley 2" and "Yellow Rose" – were acquired.

In June, the C passenger wagons (built on the Maylands Brickworks hoppers) and the Maylands locomotive were moved to Whiteman Park, hauling the first work train on 9 July, and the Planet Locomotive followed on 11 August.

The railway operates passenger services primarily on weekends, public holidays and school holidays, with some midweek services during school terms.

Held biannually, the railway runs a Friends of Ashley Day (formerly known as Friends of Thomas the Tank Engine), which sees most of the railway's volunteers, locomotives and passenger carriages in operation. This is usually held in May and September which sees the start and end of the railway's steam season.

Enthusiast's days are also held occasionally. They are held in winter so there are no restrictions on steam operations. Most operating engines are involved in interesting freight and passenger trains.