However, that’s exactly what New Zealander Lynley Quedley did with the Victorian Goldfields Railway yesterday on her 30th birthday.

The Kiwi train enthusiast searched for the ultimate steam train driving experience, and that led her to central Victoria.

Ms Quedley’s dream became a reality when she took to the driver’s seat to drive a steam train to Maldon, Muckleford and Castlemaine.

"I went to Europe two years ago and did a similar thing, but it was a smaller train and we were in a group of six so I didn’t get that much chance of driving," she said.

Yesterday, it was about her, and only her.

"It was a much bigger train, much more powerful so you really had to concentrate, but the principles are the same," she said.

"It was wonderful to drive, there was lots of laughter, lots of fun and lots of encouragement.

Ms Quedley said she had always had a fascination for trains ever since she was a little girl.

She also has a piece of advice for the general public.

"It is one of the 50 things you’ve got to do before you die," she said.

The Victorian Goldfields Railway offers people the opportunity to drive a steam locomotive.

No previous railway knowledge or experience is needed.

The requirements are that the person is over 21 and has reasonable health and fitness.

For further information, visit www.vgr.com.au