DownsSteam's Inaugural Overnight Steam Trip to the Cellars
DownsSteam's Inaugural Overnight Steam Trip to the CellarsEmbark on an unforgettable overnight rail experience as DownsSteam proudly presents Steam to the Cellars — our first-ever overnight steam passenger journey, hauled by the magnificent BB18¼ No.1037 “Peter Ford”.
This landmark tour marks the first time in many years that DownsSteam has operated a passenger steam train deep into the Granite Belt. Experience the raw power, sound, and spectacle of pure steam as No.1037 attacks the climb through the Southern Downs and ascends the range toward Stanthorpe — a rare and stirring sight that few will ever witness.
Travel in classic SX heritage carriages, enjoy fine local food and wine, and immerse yourself in two days of relaxed country hospitality, historic rail travel, and spectacular scenery.
Built for Queensland’s main lines, BB18¼ No.1037 is one of the most powerful and iconic steam locomotives ever to operate in the state. Lovingly restored and maintained by DownsSteam, No.1037 carries the name “Peter Ford” and represents the very peak of Queensland steam-era engineering.
On this journey, you’ll witness No.1037 doing exactly what she was built for — working hard, climbing grades, and echoing through the hills as she hauls her train toward the Granite Belt. This is not just a train ride — it’s a living, breathing demonstration of heritage steam at work.
Embark on an unforgettable overnight rail experience as DownsSteam proudly presents Steam to the Cellars — our first-ever overnight steam passenger journey, hauled by the magnificent BB18¼ No.1037 “Peter Ford”.
This landmark tour marks the first time in many years that DownsSteam has operated a passenger steam train deep into the Granite Belt. Experience the raw power, sound, and spectacle of pure steam as No.1037 attacks the climb through the Southern Downs and ascends the range toward Stanthorpe — a rare and stirring sight that few will ever witness.
Travel in classic SX heritage carriages, enjoy fine local food and wine, and immerse yourself in two days of relaxed country hospitality, historic rail travel, and spectacular scenery.
Built for Queensland’s main lines, BB18¼ No.1037 is one of the most powerful and iconic steam locomotives ever to operate in the state. Lovingly restored and maintained by DownsSteam, No.1037 carries the name “Peter Ford” and represents the very peak of Queensland steam-era engineering.
On this journey, you’ll witness No.1037 doing exactly what she was built for — working hard, climbing grades, and echoing through the hills as she hauls her train toward the Granite Belt. This is not just a train ride — it’s a living, breathing demonstration of heritage steam at work.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Saturday 23 May
Toowoomba → Clifton → Warwick → Cottonvale → Stanthorpe
7:00am – Guest check-in at Toowoomba Railway Station
(Luggage loaded by crew)
7:30am – Departure behind BB18¼ No.1037
Morning tea served onboard
Comfort stops at:
• Clifton
• Warwick
12:30 PM – Arrive Cottonvale
Guests disembark for a beautiful lunch at Vincenzo’s, followed by two winery tastings at selected Granite Belt wineries.
Late afternoon – Transfer to accommodation in Stanthorpe
Evening at leisure to relax and enjoy the local area
Dinner included at Stanthorpe RSL (drinks available for purchase)
Itinerary
Day 2 Sunday 24 May
Stanthorpe → Cottonvale → Warwick → Toowoomba
Morning – Enjoy a generous country breakfast at the Stanthorpe Showgrounds and visit the local markets.
Mid-morning – Visit Stanthorpe Railway Station & Artworks Granite Belt gallery and cafe, then rejoin the train
Late morning – Steam departure back towards the Cottonvale & Granite Belt vineyards
Lunch – Heritage Estate Wines
Enjoy a sensational three-course lunch with wine tasting in one of the region’s most celebrated wineries.
Afternoon – Return journey to Toowoomba
Afternoon tea served onboard
Comfort stop at Warwick & Clifton
Evening – Arrive back at Toowoomba Railway Station by 7:30PM
Inclusions:
- Return steam train travel from Drayton to Clifton
- Light refreshments available for purchase onboard and at the station
- Return steam-hauled rail travel behind BB18¼ No.1037 “Peter Ford”
- Travel in historic SX heritage carriages
- Morning & afternoon teas served onboard
- Lunch at Vincenzo’s (Day 1)
- Two Granite Belt winery tastings (Day 1)
- Three-course lunch & wine tasting at Heritage Estate Wines (Day 2)
- Overnight accommodation in Stanthorpe
- Country breakfast at the Stanthorpe Showgrounds
- All ground transfers and luggage handling
- Dedicated DownsSteam hosts throughout the journey
ℹ️ Important Information
- Drinks are available for purchase onboard and at venues, depending on guest preference.
- Guests must be able to navigate stairs when boarding and disembarking at stations and venues
- Accessibility limitations apply due to the heritage nature of the rollingstock
- Wheelchair access is unfortunately not available
- Guests are strongly encourage to wear comfortable footwear, as you will be required to walk up to 200 metres between drop off locations, buses and venues.
- Note: Due to the heritage nature of our coaches, some seats may not have windows (as indicated on seat maps and tickets). We encourage guests to select their own seats when booking. While we strive to honour seating requests, we may need to reassign seats for operational, safety, or security reasons.
🎟️ Limited Seats Available
- Steam to the Cellars is a once-in-a-generation experience — combining the romance of steam, the power of BB18¼ No.1037, and the flavours of the Granite Belt into one unforgettable weekend.
- Seats are strictly limited. Don’t miss your chance to ride behind The Queen into wine country.