BURDEKIN residents are snapping up tickets to ride on the historic Queensland Rail Q150 steam train next week.
So if you love trains or just want to take a trip down memory lane, there are only about 50 tickets left on the 12.15pm train trip.
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Bill Lowis said the historic steam train would arrive at the Ayr Rail Station on Sunday at 5pm.
“The train is travelling up the coast to celebrate Queensland Rail’s 150th birthday and this is a great opportunity for residents, both young and old to come along and welcome her into the Burdekin,” he said. “It would be great to see the station packed with residents on Sunday,” Cr Lowis said.
Cr Lowis said tickets had been selling fast for the two trips planned on Monday between Ayr and Home Hill.
“There are only seven tickets available at the Burdekin Library Home Hill branch for the 10.30am trip and about 100 tickets left at Chambers and the Home Hill library for the 12.15pm trip, so if you want to ride this historic train you’d better get in quick,” he said.
Residents who want tickets can purchase them for $5 at the Burdekin Shire Council Chambers in Young Street, Ayr or Burdekin Library Home Hill branch.
Cr Lowis said the first train would leave Ayr at 10.30am and passengers would be able to enjoy morning tea at the Home Hill Comfort Stop.
“I also will be unveiling a Queensland Rail/Home Hill story board. This is only happening in a few towns during the trip and Home Hill was one of the locations chosen.
“The train will leave Home Hill at 11.20am and arrive back in Ayr at 11.40am.
“The second train will leave Ayr at 12.15pm and afternoon tea will be served at the Comfort Stop at about 12.45pm. Then it’s all aboard in Home Hill at 1.15pm for its final trip across the Burdekin Bridge before it continues on its journey north.”
Cr Lowis said the last time the train had visited the Burdekin was in May 2009.
“Some of our residents may remember the train and enjoyed a ride on her to celebrate Queensland’s 150th birthday.
“I’m looking forward to taking a ride on a working piece of history.”
For further information please visit Council’s website www.burdekin.qld.gov.au or contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.