South-West Rails: Thallon Grand Opening Day Trip

A Heritage Steam Journey with DownsSteam.

Embark on an unforgettable heritage rail journey as DownsSteam invites you aboard a special steam-hauled excursion to Thallon. 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 more than a decade.

Travel behind the magnificent Queensland Railways BB18¼ Class steam locomotive No.1037, one of Queensland’s most iconic mainline steam locomotives. Enjoy the sights, sounds and atmosphere of classic steam rail travel as our heritage train journeys across the Balonne Region, through cotton and grain country, to the welcoming township of Thallon in the heart of outback Queensland.

Guests can choose between a fully hosted experience including lunch and guided touring (limited Seats), or a discounted self-guided option allowing you to explore Thallon at your own pace.

🚉 Your Itinerary

Saturday 28 March 2026
Goondiwindi → Thallon → Goondiwindi

7:30am – Guest check-in at Goondiwindi Railway Station

8:00am – Depart Goondiwindi behind BB18¼ Class steam locomotive No.1037

Travel west across the vast plains of the Balonne region to Thallon.

Upon arrival guests will participate in celebrations surrounding the Grand Opening of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre, including local attractions and community events.

Guests holding Full Experience tickets will enjoy:
• Lunch in Thallon township
• Guided town and heritage centre tour

Guests holding Self-Guided tickets may:
• Bring their own food and drinks
• Explore the town and celebrations at their own pace

Afternoon return journey to Goondiwindi behind the steam locomotive.

🍷 Your Ticket Options
Full Experience Ticket (Very Limited Availability)

Includes:

• Return rail travel aboard the heritage steam train hauled by BB18¼ No.1037
• Lunch in Thallon township
• Guided tour of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre
• Guided Thallon township tour
• Entry to community celebrations
• Dedicated DownsSteam hosts throughout the journey

Self-Guided Explorer Ticket (Discount Fare)

Includes:

• Return rail travel aboard the heritage steam train hauled by BB18¼ No.1037
• Free time in Thallon to explore the town and celebrations

Please note for this fare:
• Lunch is not included
• Tours are not included
• Guests are welcome to bring their own food, drinks, and explore the town independently

💰 Pricing (Includes GST and booking fees)

Ticket Type Price
Full Experience Ticket (Lunch & Guided Tour Included – Very Limited) $140.00
Child Full Experience Ticket $120.00
Self-Guided Explorer Fare Discount Fare – Lunch & Tours Not Included

🎟️ Limited Seats Available – Don’t Miss the Train!

This is a rare opportunity to travel to Thallon by heritage steam train for the grand opening of the town’s new Rail Heritage Centre. With very limited seats available, demand will be extremely high – secure your booking early.

Please Note

Passengers are strongly encouraged to wear flat, comfortable shoes, as portions of the experience will take place outdoors on varying surfaces including gravel, grass, and uneven walkways.

Additional Info

Guests should arrive at Goondiwindi Railway Station by 7:30am for check-in. Train departs promptly at 8:00am.

Toilets are available onboard the heritage carriages.

Concession fares are not available for this trip.

Light refreshments and snacks may also be available for purchase onboard the train.

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 historic nature of the heritage carriages, wheelchair access is not available. Access requires the use of steps when boarding the train.