THALLON TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Steam Returns to the Outback: A One‑Day Heritage Run to Thallon for the Rail Centre Grand Opening
A special steam‑hauled excursion from Goondiwindi to Thallon on Saturday 28 March 2026, timed for the grand opening of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre—this guide explains the itinerary, ticket options, and practical details for the limited‑seat event.
Steam Returns to the Outback: A One‑Day Heritage Run to Thallon for the Rail Centre Grand Opening.
Ride behind Queensland Railways BB18¼ Class steam locomotive No.1037 across the Balonne Region to Thallon for the town’s Rail Heritage Centre grand opening. The outing reunites passengers with heritage rail travel, pairing a classic steam haul with community celebrations, optional guided touring, or independent exploration of the outback township.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
BB18¼ No.1037: Queensland Mainline Steam
The trip is hauled by Queensland Railways BB18¼ Class steam locomotive No.1037, offering passengers the sights, sounds and atmosphere of classic steam rail travel on a heritage excursion to Thallon.
Thallon Grand Opening and Community Events
Arrival in Thallon coincides with the grand opening of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre, where guests can join community celebrations, local attractions and guided tours (for Full Experience ticket holders) or explore independently.
Across Balonne Plains to a Small‑Town Welcome
The outward journey travels west from Goondiwindi across the plains of the Balonne Region—an opportunity to experience heritage passenger rail returning to Thallon after more than a decade.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Guests gather at Goondiwindi Railway Station for check‑in before boarding a heritage consist hauled by BB18¼ No.1037 for a round trip to Thallon. The event mixes a scheduled, hosted Full Experience—featuring lunch, guided tours and dedicated DownsSteam hosts—with a discounted Self‑Guided Explorer option, allowing time ashore to join the town’s festivities or move around at your own pace.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day trip suits — and who should take care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Wear flat, comfortable shoes for outdoor and uneven surfaces. Self‑Guided guests may bring their own food and drinks; Full Experience includes lunch. Light refreshments and snacks may also be available for purchase onboard.
Toilets are available onboard the heritage carriages. Light refreshments and snacks may be sold during the journey.
Guests should arrive at Goondiwindi Railway Station for check‑in by 7:30am; the train departs at 8:00am.
Operators will endeavour to honour advance seating requests but cannot guarantee a particular seat and reserve the right to assign or reassign seats for operational or safety reasons. Historic carriages do not provide wheelchair access and boarding requires use of steps.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When and where do I check in?
Guest check‑in is at Goondiwindi Railway Station at 7:30am; the train departs promptly at 8:00am.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is included only with the Full Experience ticket; the Self‑Guided Explorer fare does not include lunch and guests may bring or purchase food locally.
Are toilets available onboard?
Yes. Toilets are available onboard the heritage carriages.
Can I travel in a wheelchair?
No. Due to the historic nature of the carriages, wheelchair access is not available and boarding requires use of steps.
Are seats guaranteed if I request one in advance?
No. Operators will endeavour to honour advance seating requests but cannot guarantee any particular seat and reserve the right to assign or reassign seats at any time.