
easy
3 days
Moderate fitness recommended to enjoy walking tours and boarding heritage rail cars comfortably.
Celebrate the opening of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre with a three-day journey on restored vintage railcars through Queensland’s scenic landscapes. Discover history, enjoy local cuisine, and experience rail travel as it once was.
3 Days / 2 Nights Friday 27 – Sunday 29 March 2026 | All-Inclusive | Limited to 40 Guests
Experience a unique three-day heritage rail journey with DownsSteam, celebrating the Grand Opening of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre. Travel aboard restored “Commissioner Cars” through picturesque Queensland landscapes, enjoy guided tours, and savor local cuisine. This exclusive adventure offers a rare glimpse into the romance of vintage rail travel.
Embark on an unforgettable three-day heritage rail journey as DownsSteam invites you aboard the very first long-distance Commissioner Railmotor overnight tour to the far south-west of Queensland. This historic trip celebrates the Grand Opening of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre in partnership with the Thallon Progress Society – marking the return of heritage passenger rail to Thallon after a decade.
Step back in time aboard our exquisitely restored 2000 Class Railmotors RM2004 & RM2032, known as the “Commissioner Cars.” Relax in vintage comfort as you journey across the Darling Downs, through cotton and grain country, past the iconic Yelarbon Silos, and into the heart of outback Queensland. With all meals, accommodation, transfers, and touring included, this is a rare chance to experience the romance of overnight heritage rail in country style.
🚉 Your Itinerary
Day 1 – Friday 27 March 2026: Toowoomba → Goondiwindi
7:00am – Guest check-in at Toowoomba Railway Station (luggage loaded by crew) 8:00am – Departure south through Warwick and the Southern Downs Morning tea served onboard Comfort stop at Warwick Station Lunch served onboard during the run west across grain and cotton country, including a viewing of the famous Yelarbon Silos en route. 5:00pm – Arrive Goondiwindi, transfer to accommodation Evening Dinner included, followed by time to explore Goondiwindi’s relaxed country hospitality
Day 2 – Saturday 28 March 2026: Goondiwindi → Thallon → Goondiwindi
Breakfast at your hotel 8:00am – Depart Goondiwindi by Commissioner Railmotors Travel west across the vast plains to Thallon, Participate in the Grand Opening of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre with guided tours, community celebrations, and local attractions Lunch included in Thallon township Afternoon return journey to Goondiwindi Dinner included at a local venue with DownsSteam hosts
Day 3 – Sunday 29 March 2026: Goondiwindi → Toowoomba
Breakfast at your hotel Morning departure eastbound through cotton and grain country Morning tea and lunch served onboard Comfort stop at Warwick 5:30pm – Return to Toowoomba Railway Station
🍷 Your Ticket Includes
Return rail travel aboard DownsSteam’s heritage 2000 Class “Commissioner Cars” Two nights’ accommodation in Goondiwindi (twin share or single) All meals: daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and morning/afternoon teas Exclusive entry & tour of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre Grand Opening Sightseeing: Yelarbon Silos, Warwick highlights, Thallon township tour All ground transfers, luggage handling, and guest service Dedicated DownsSteam hosts throughout the journey
💰 Pricing (All-Inclusive, includes GST and booking fees) Ticket Type Price per Person Couple (Twin Share) $850.00 Single Traveller $920.00
🎟️ Limited Seats Available – Don’t Miss the Train!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Thallon by heritage rail for its Rail Heritage Centre’s grand opening. With just 40 seats available, demand will be extremely high – secure your booking early.
Please Note:. • Passengers are strongly encouraged to wear flat, comfortable shoes as the experience will be held outdoors on varying surfaces including gravel, grass and some uneven walkways.
Guests should arrive at Toowoomba Railway Station by 7:00am for luggage check-in. Train departs promptly at 8:00am.
Onboard toilets are available on both Railmotors.
Concession fares are not available for this trip.
Light refreshments and snacks are also available for purchase from onboard the Railmotors and the visitor souvenir shop will also be open before the tour.
We will endeavour to honour advance seating requests, however, we cannot guarantee any particular seat. We reserve the right to assign or reassign seats at any time, even after boarding the train. This may be necessary for operational, safety, security or other reasonable reasons.
Unfortunately, due to the era of the Railmotors, wheelchair access is not available. Access requires using steps into the carriages.
Get to Stanthorpe a day before departure for a smooth start and to explore local attractions.
Queensland can have variable conditions; bring layers to stay comfortable in cool mornings and warm afternoons.
Tours at the heritage centre involve walking on uneven ground; sturdy shoes are recommended.
Limited to 40 guests, this exclusive tour sells out quickly—reserve your spot well in advance.
The railway played a crucial role in connecting southwestern Queensland farms with markets since the early 1900s, spurring regional growth.
The tour emphasizes preserving historic railway infrastructure and supports local environmental initiatives to maintain natural habitats along the route.
To accommodate warm days and cooler evenings on the journey.
For exploring the heritage centre and boarding trains safely.
Protect yourself from Queensland’s strong sun during daytime activities.
summer specific
To capture the vintage railcars and scenic countryside views.