Downs Explorer train makes first western line trip for outback festival

An outback festival will see a heritage steam train make a rare trip from Toowoomba to Miles for the first time.

An outback adventure is heading to Toowoomba, where passengers can ride a heritage steam train, through the bush for the weekend.

Lucky passengers will embark on a three-day journey aboard the Downs Explorer beginning in Toowoomba and ending in Miles for the Back to the Bush Festival.

Southern Downs Steam Railway chairman Kelvin Hutchinson said the experience will be incredible, and a huge milestone for the Downs Explorer steam train.

The train has been running for 14 years, so this is a special event for the team at Southern Downs Steam Railway.

“The Downs Explorer has never followed the western line, so this is a first-time experience. It’s a rare event for a steam train to be along this way,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“We are picking 80 people up from Toowoomba, and another 60 from Chinchilla for the trip, it’s going to be a truly amazing experience.”

The Downs Explorer steam train will be transported from Warwick to Toowoomba on Thursday ready to begin the three-day journey on Friday morning

Passengers will be staying in Chinchilla before heading to Miles just in time for their annual Back to the Bush Festival.

From there, passengers will get to take part in the tractor pull, and the Tough Buggers competition, as well as experience the beer festival, street parade and markets throughout the day before heading back to Chinchilla.

“The combination of the Back to the Bush Festival and the Heritage Steam Train adventure will bring attention to the amazing town that is Miles,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“And of course beginning and ending the journey in Toowoomba will no doubt bring prosperity to the city especially during the Carnival of Flowers.”

The Downs Explorer steam train will be transported from Warwick to Toowoomba on Thursday ready to begin the three-day journey on Friday morning

With such an overwhelming response for this year’s event, Mr Hutchinson said the wheels were already in motion for next year.

“Tickets have been selling really quickly and people are excited to take part in this rare event. So for next year, we are planning to hopefully extend our trip to Roma,” Mr Hutchinson said.

The Southern Downs Steam railway team transported the train Thursday night from Warwick to Toowoomba before picking up their first passengers Friday at 8.30am.

There are still a few tickets still available for the morning departure train in Toowoomba, with meals on the train and accommodation included in the ticket price. For more details and to purchase tickets head to the Downs Explorer website.