- Queensland Rail is pleased to announce three steam train trips to kick off its 160th birthday celebrations.
- The first section of rail opened between Ipswich and Grandchester on 31 July 1865 and Queensland Rail has been connecting communities ever since.
- The special events schedule will include the opportunity to travel to the Ekka on a steam train from Roma Street on People's Day, Wednesday 13 August, for the first time since 2019.
LINK TO VISION AND PHOTOS
Queensland Rail is pleased to announce customers will be able to travel to this year's Ekka on a steam train from Roma Street on People's Day, Wednesday 13 August, as celebrations begin to mark 160 years since the birth of rail in this state.
Queensland Rail has been connecting communities since 1865 and has been the backbone of Queensland – providing that essential link to family, friends, medical services, education and leisure activities.
From the first section of rail opening in 1865 with steam trains, to the construction of the rail line from Brisbane all the way to Cairns, the introduction of electric trains, 50c fares and everything in between, there's so much to celebrate as this icon turns 160.
Front and centre at Queensland Rail's birthday events will be the historic BB18 ¼ steam engine, affectionately known as “Bety".
The celebratory events will include:
- Saturday 26 July 2025 - A steam train charter from Ipswich to Grandchester for a special commemorative event featuring food, entertainment and a walk down memory lane. While the steam train itself will be a ticketed event, the event at Grandchester will be free for community members to enjoy.
- Thursday 31 July 2025 – Queensland Rail's birthday - Steam trains return to the city for the first time in six years! Join us for a trip from Roma Street station to Pinkenba and returning via the Tennyson loop. This will include a special commemorative event at Roma Street station featuring entertainment and the opportunity to meet our steam train drivers. This event will also be ticketed with all proceeds going to our community partners.
- People's Day Wednesday August 13 2025 - steam returns to the Ekka. There is no additional cost for this service, with customers boarding at Roma Street and disembarking at Exhibition station or continuing on for a round trip back to Roma Street as part of their 50-cent fare.
- Saturday 20 September - Sunday 28 September - Carnival of Flowers heritage diesel shuttle from Toowoomba to the historic Spring Bluff station.
Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said the rail operator was proud to connect communities for 160 years.
“We know how crucial the introduction of the railway was to the development of our great state and that deserves to be celebrated,” Ms Stapleton said.
“There is a huge rail-loving community and we know they have been asking for steam train trips to celebrate this significant milestone.
“We are pleased to deliver these journeys to remember, including steam returning to the city and to the Ekka for the first time since 2019.
“There is nothing quite as magical and nostalgic as travelling by steam, and at Queensland Rail we are committed to keeping our rich rail history alive.
“Whether you're aged one or 101, the excitement of being onboard one of Queensland Rail's historical trains is for everyone!
"The events announced today are just the beginning of our 160-year celebrations, with more planned throughout the year, including for the Carnival of Flowers and for Christmas."
For further information and ticket details, please visit Queensland Rail’s website
HERE.