THALLON GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
First Commissioner Railmotor to Thallon — Grand Opening Day Trip, 28 March 2026
A limited-capacity, return heritage rail excursion from Goondiwindi to Thallon aboard restored 2000 Class Commissioner Railmotors to celebrate the opening of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre.
First Commissioner Railmotor to Thallon — Grand Opening Day Trip, 28 March 2026.
Join DownsSteam aboard restored Commissioner Railmotors RM2004 and RM2032 for a historic return passenger service to Thallon, travelling across the Balonne Region in vintage comfort to attend the Grand Opening of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre — a day that pairs scenic rural rail travel with community celebrations, guided tours and an included lunch.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Ride the Commissioner Cars
Board the exquisitely restored 2000 Class Railmotors — the RM2004 and RM2032 — and experience heritage passenger travel in vintage comfort on a one-day return service to Thallon.
Grand Opening of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre
Exclusive entry and guided tours at the Grand Opening, staged with the Thallon Progress Society, mark the community celebration and the return of heritage passenger rail to Thallon after a decade.
Balonne Region scenery and township touring
The route crosses cotton and grain country into outback Queensland and includes a Thallon township tour and lunch as part of the program.
What the day feels like
What to Expect
On Saturday 28 March 2026, guests assemble in Goondiwindi for a prompt departure aboard the Commissioner Railmotors, travel west across the Balonne plains to Thallon, join guided tours and community festivities for the Rail Heritage Centre’s Grand Opening, enjoy an included lunch and return to Goondiwindi that afternoon — all hosted by DownsSteam with dedicated onboard staff.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Passengers are strongly encouraged to wear flat, comfortable shoes because activities and access around Thallon will be outdoors on varying surfaces including gravel, grass and some uneven walkways.
Onboard toilets are available on both Railmotors; light refreshments and snacks are also available for purchase from the Railmotors.
Advance seating requests will be honoured where possible but cannot be guaranteed; the operator reserves the right to assign or reassign seats for operational or safety reasons.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What time should I arrive and when does the train depart?
Guests should arrive at Goondiwindi Railway Station by 7:30am for check-in; the Commissioner Railmotors depart promptly at 8:00am.
Are toilets available on board?
Yes — onboard toilets are available on both Railmotors.
Are concession fares available?
No — concession fares are not available for this trip.
Can I request a particular seat?
You may make advance seating requests and DownsSteam will endeavour to honour them, but specific seats cannot be guaranteed and seats may be assigned or reassigned as necessary.
Is the trip accessible for wheelchair users?
Unfortunately not — due to the era of the Railmotors wheelchair access is not available and boarding requires using steps into the carriages.
Are food and drinks provided?
Lunch is included in Thallon as part of the itinerary; light refreshments and snacks are also available for purchase onboard the Railmotors.