Queensland Rail is celebrating 160 years

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​Since our first train departed Ipswich in 1865, Queensland Rail has proudly connected communities across the state. Today, we transport more than 50 million customers in a year and move over 15 billion gross tonne kilometres of freight across our expanding network.

For 160 years, we’ve helped connect Queenslanders with jobs, education, services, and each other. As our population grows, we’re building a stronger rail legacy for generations to come.

​Join us in celebrating 160 years of rail!

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Steam Locomotive Trip: North Ipswich to Grandchester (steam train trip sold out)

In partnership with the Australian Railway Historical Society (ARHS), opens in new window, we’ll be running a special steam train from North Ipswich Railyards to Queensland’s first railway station - Grandchester (formerly Bigges Camp).

Date: Saturday, 26 July

Departure: 9am from North Ipswich Railyards

Return: Early afternoon

Experience: Celebration at Grandchester with food, music, entertainment—and birthday cake!

Tickets - sold out: Tickets on the steam train have now sold out, but please join us at Grandchester from 10.30am for entertainment, history and community fun as we mark this milestone in rail history. Please see Queensland Rail's Facebook​, opens in new window for event updates. 

Happy Birthday Queensland Rail! (Steam train trip sold out)


Celebrate our official birthday at Brisbane’s historic Roma Street s​tation.

Date: Thursday, 31 July

Platform Entertainment (10am to 1pm): Free music, live performers and birthday cake

Steam Trip (11am): 90-minute loop from Roma Street to Pinkenba

Tickets - sold out: Steam trip tickets have now sold out. Please join us on the platform at Roma Street station for the festivities!​



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Birthday celebration at Freshwater station

Celebrate our birthday with us at Freshwater station, part of the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway​, opens in new window

Date: Thursday, 31 July

Time: 8:30am – 10.30am

Entertainment: Free music, give-aways, and birthday celebrations.

Ekka Steam Train Loop

Carnival of Flowers Heritage Shuttle

We’re proud to present our annual Carnival of Flowers shuttle from Toowoomba to historic Spring Bluff.

Dates: Saturday, 20 September - Sunday, 28 September (inclusive)

Schedule: Twice daily - morning and afternoon departures

Trip: 2.5 hours round trip, with 1.5 hours at Spring Bluff for garden tours and picnics

Tickets: $22 per adult / $11​ per child (no concessions)

Available: Late July via the Queensland Rail Travel​, opens in new window website​​​

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements and events.

Read more about the Queensland Rail journey​.​