Celebrate the festive season with a touch of nostalgia when the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway (QPSR) rolls out its Twilight Santa Train, offering a scenic ride through Ipswich’s historic rail corridor and a glimpse into Queensland’s railway past.
One of QPSR’s classic heritage diesel engines will depart exclusively from Swanbank Station on Saturday, 13 December, and Saturday, 20 December, for a 75-minute round trip.
QPSR Chair Robert Shearer said the experience would transport passengers to an Aussie festive season of yesteryear.
“Step into beautifully restored timber carriages, some dating back to the early 1900s, and take a journey through time,” Robert said.
“As you travel along the historic rail line, you’ll wind through stunning landscapes, passing by historic coal mining sites, lush bushland, and the charming suburban scenery at the base of Castle Hill.
“Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of horse-dotted fields and quaint miners’ cottages, making this ride truly special.”
The journey reaches Bundamba Racecourse, where the locomotive performs a quick turnaround before returning to Swanbank. Passengers can explore the historic station, enjoy food and drinks, and snap a festive photo with Santa.
Heritage Railway, Volunteers and Ticket Information
Robert said the heritage railway was a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with the family and had the added benefit of “being just a little bit educational for budding engineers”.
“The carriages were built between 1887 and 1950 and are all of timber construction,” he said. “The little locos that run the line represent a cross section of mainline, sugar and industrial locomotives from as far west as Mount Isa, as far north as Mackay.
“The one-hour eight-kilometre trip covers suburbia, industrial, bush, farms and former mining sites as it winds its way from Swanbank Lake around Castle Hill to the Bundamba Racecourse and horse paddocks.”
Depending on the weather and scheduling, QPSR alternates between heritage steam and diesel locomotives.
Entirely volunteer-run for the past 48 years, the organisation welcomes new members interested in becoming guides, restorers, woodworkers, gangers, or gardeners.
Tickets for the Twilight Santa Train are $16.50 for children and concession holders, $26.50 for adults, and free for infants under two years old. Bookings can be made at qpsr.org
For updates and other event details, visit Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway (QPSR) on Facebook.
The Twilight Santa Train
- Saturday, 13 December and Saturday, 20 December, 4pm and 6pm
- Swanbank Station
- 111 Swanbank Coal Road, Swanbank
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