ALL aboard! Tickets will soon be available for Queenslanders who’d like to be a part of a special steam train journey to commemorate 150 years of rail throughout the sunshine state.
From January to February 2015, beautifully preserved steam locomotives hauling a set of historic wooden carriages will whistle their way between Brisbane to Cairns to kick off Queensland Rail’s (QR) 150th birthday celebrations.
Executive General Manager Customer Service Martin Ryan said QR was excited to share this special milestone with Queensland communities and encouraged those interested to get in quick, as availability was limited.
“Queensland Rail has a rich history throughout Queensland dating back to 1865 and we hope to spark a few fond memories as the steam train passes up the Queensland coast,” Mr Ryan said.
“The pride of Queensland Rail’s heritage fleet will be used – including the BB18 ¼ 1079 and BB18 ¼ 1089 steam locomotives – which almost 60 employees and volunteers have been working hard to overhaul, service and rebuild,” he said.
“The locomotives were originally built in 1956 and 1958 and will be joined by nine heritage wooden cars, the oldest of which was built in 1902, and a dining car which was built in 1935.”
The train will stop at many major towns and cities on the way up the coast, and will use heritage stations wherever possible.
Passengers can take part in the entire journey to Far North Queensland, travel one sector, or take a short journey between stops en-route.
Five trips are planned including:
• Brisbane to Rockhampton: January 15 to January 21.
• Rockhampton to Townsville: January 30 to February 2.
• Townsville to Cairns: February 11 to February 13.
• Cairns to Mareeba: February 16 to February17.
• Cairns to Brisbane: February 20 to February 25.
Tickets go on sale on September 29 and can be purchased at www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au or by calling 1800 753 150.
