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Explore Queensland’s Heritage on the South-West Rails Thallon Grand Opening Tour - Stanthorpe

Explore Queensland’s Heritage on the South-West Rails Thallon Grand Opening Tour

Stanthorpeeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3 days

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness recommended to enjoy walking tours and boarding heritage rail cars comfortably.

Overview

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.

Toowoomba City, Queensland

South-West Rails: Thallon Grand Opening Tour

3 Days / 2 Nights Friday 27 – Sunday 29 March 2026 | All-Inclusive | Limited to 40 Guests

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About This Adventure

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.

Additional Info

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.

Accessibility

Unfortunately, due to the era of the Railmotors, wheelchair access is not available. Access requires using steps into the carriages.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early

Get to Stanthorpe a day before departure for a smooth start and to explore local attractions.

Pack for Changing Weather

Queensland can have variable conditions; bring layers to stay comfortable in cool mornings and warm afternoons.

Prepare for Moderate Walking

Tours at the heritage centre involve walking on uneven ground; sturdy shoes are recommended.

Book Early

Limited to 40 guests, this exclusive tour sells out quickly—reserve your spot well in advance.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Kangaroos grazing near the rail line at dawn.
  • Various native bird species such as kookaburras and lorikeets along the route.

History

The railway played a crucial role in connecting southwestern Queensland farms with markets since the early 1900s, spurring regional growth.

Conservation

The tour emphasizes preserving historic railway infrastructure and supports local environmental initiatives to maintain natural habitats along the route.

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Adventure Hotspots in Stanthorpe

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Layered Clothing

Essential

To accommodate warm days and cooler evenings on the journey.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

For exploring the heritage centre and boarding trains safely.

Sun Hat and Sunscreen

Essential

Protect yourself from Queensland’s strong sun during daytime activities.

summer specific

Camera or Smartphone

To capture the vintage railcars and scenic countryside views.