Explore Darling Down’s Rich Rail Heritage

What is DownsSteam?

DownsSteam is a community based solely volunteer run organisation dedicated to the establishment of a tourist railway for the Darling Downs region. DownsSteam was formed to enable the preservation and active restoration of the last remaining steam locomotive built at the historic Toowoomba Foundry Company, C16-106 Southern Cross Works No. 28 circa 1914.

The DownsSteam Dream

DownsSteam plans to run regular passenger services that would become part of an integrated tourism transport trail across the Darling Downs. Fine food excursions to Warwick and Stanthorpe will give our guests the opportunity to sample the best our region has to offer. Shorter trips to Nobby and Pittsworth will celebrate our regions rich heritage.

DownsSteam’s Achievements

Since formation in 2001, DownsSteam has established an active railway precinct on the former Drayton sidings, acquiring a large rolling stock fleet including steam locomotive C16 No. 106 “Pride of Toowoomba”, a branchline diesel locomotive, railmotor, Stainless Steel “Brisbane Suburban” and Air-Conditioned “Sunlander” coaches.

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Dreamtime Journey Coach

Indigenous Railway Workers

The Dreamtime Journey Coach Project was initiated by DownsSteam members wanting to acknowledge the contribution made by indigenous people to building of the range railway. As a result one SX coach has been re-purposed as a permanent art installation.

Prisoner Rehabilitation Program

DownsSteam would like to thank the Westbrook Correctional Centre for allowing “Domi” (meaning thunder) to solely undertake this unique and extensive art project over very short 19 weeks, as many other artists had declined due to the magnitude of the project.

Unique Indigenous Art Gallery

The Dream Time Journey Coach takes you on a spiritual journey from dawn to dusk. Choosing either a coastal route or an inland journey, patrons are looked after by the Rainbow Serpent who created the mountains and rivers according to aboriginal lore.

Start Your Journey

Do You Want to…

Explore our Drayton Station & Workshop Precinct

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...or maybe explore the DownsSteam Museum?

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Featured Experiences

Guided Site Tours
Walk-in or book your group
Guided Site Tours
Walk-in or book your group
Chartered Trips
Private Railmotor or Steam Train
Chartered Trips
Private Railmotor or Steam Train
Award Winning Gardens
Take a leisurely stroll around our gardens
Award Winning Gardens
Take a leisurely stroll around our gardens

GROUP FUNCTIONS

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CORPORATE EVENTS

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RIDE OUR TRAINS

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GETTING HERE

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What Our Friends Say

The Darling Downs has a long and proud railway heritage. Now, thanks to the tireless work of the DownsSteam volunteers that heritage is being honoured.

Kerry Shine DownsSteam Patron

What I find so exciting with DownsSteam is there is so much potential for Great Journeys of the world coming from Toowoomba.

Scott McGregor Director of Railway Adventures

A truly great day out to check out the history of rail in Toowoomba region. The highlight was the aboriginal carriage with absolutely terrific paintings through the carriage. Well worth paying a visit.

Bob Kearney

We had a magic morning. The morning tea was magnificent and the tour was so informative. What a great job they are doing there – all volunteers and NO Government assistance – it is a great tourist attraction.

Rosalie M Loring

A fabulous venue for small events – birthdays, Mothers Day and Fathers Day, Christmas and anniversaries. Train lovers will thoroughly enjoy the museum carriage! And don’t miss the incredible Dreamtime carriage – a 3D artwork that needs to be seen to be believed.

Ruth Keirsnowski

Thank you so much for allowing us to use your railway station and rolling stock for our wedding photo shoot. We had such an amazing day and appreciate the volunteers time and efforts. Special thanks to Peter.

Kathleen Kilah Boxall

Volunteering

General

Are you interested in meeting new and interesting like minded people, being part of a friendly team, facing new challenges, gaining experience in a variety of roles and working to create a uniquely special tourist attraction for your community? DownsSteam needs your help!

Trade Experience or Tertiary Qualifications

Have you considered expanding your trade and professional knowledge, facing new experiences and challenges whilst contributing your unique skills in a fun and friendly team environment, as we work towards our transition into rail tourism on the Darling Downs? DownsSteam needs your expertise!

HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE TO DOWNSSTEAM TOURIST RAILWAY? BECOME A VOLUNTEER!

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Pride of Toowoomba

A steam locomotive is a captivating and fascinating type of locomotive; it can be described as theatre, with the sounds and sights of hissings steam, movement of wheels and motion gear and the smell of steam oil and burnt coal. Downs Steam is in the process of restoring the only C16-106 QR Class locomotive left in existence. Loco 106 is also the last surviving loco to be built at the historic Toowoomba Foundry.