Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers: ’Premier’ steam train adventure from Brisbane Valley to Toowoomba City

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the golden age of railway travel, and in ‘premier’ style, is on offer during the final weekend of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. More here.

Staff writers

less than 2 min read

September 19, 2024 - 9:18AM

Toowoomba Chronicle

A 100-year-old steam train is set to make a mighty trip from Ipswich and up the range to Toowoomba during the final weekend of Carnival of Flowers.

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Sunshine Express Rail Tours has announced a one off, premier steam train experience during the final Carnival of Flowers weekend.

Hauled by an iconic Queensland built BB18¼ Locomotive known as Bety, passengers will enjoy breathtaking views as they travel uphill from Ipswich to Toowoomba on Saturday, September 28.

The 100-year-old locomotive will depart from the Ipswich Workshops Platform at 7.30am and arrive at Toowoomba Railway Station at 11.20am, departing Toowoomba at 2pm to arrive back in Ipswich around 6pm.

A Queensland built BB18¼ Locomotive also known as 'Bety' is set to travel up the range from Ipswich during the final weekend of the 2024 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

Passengers will be given the opportunity to explore the golden age of travel while on-board the only wooden-bodied Queensland Rail dining car in main line service.

The route will pass through Queensland’s oldest railway station at Grandchester, crossing the Little Liverpool Range, cross the Lockyer Valley’s plains before making the steep climb up Main Range.

Steam train enthusiasts will have the option to dine in style with ticket options offering the inclusion of train trip, coach transfers, lunch at Encores, visits to the gardens and dinner on-board the return trip.

Limited ‘premier’ class tickets will see passengers climb aboard a historic QR Heritage Pullman First Class Sleeper Carriage built in 1924, where complimentary cheese platters, cold beverage, tea and coffee await.

Sunshine Express Rail Tours are offering premier seating for their upcoming steam ride from Ipswich to Toowoomba during the last weekend of Carnival of Flowers.

For those just interested in the experience of travelling locomotive style, ticket options are available for the train ride only.

Passengers choosing to dine on-board the return trip are required to pay an additional cost for their chosen meal.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.sunshineexpress.org.au.

Find out the pricing below.