DownsSteam expands historic railway routes to Thallon, Ballandean and Stanthorpe

Trainspotters can rejoice as the Darling Downs’ premier steam train tours will expand into the state’s south with the first overnight stay in the region’s cold climate.

DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum have received accreditation to take passengers as far south as Ballandean. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Pack your bags for an adventure as the region’s premier historic railway tours begins traversing the tracks of southern Queensland.

DownsSteam Toowoomba announced their steam and railmotor services have been approved to travel as far west as Thallon and south to Ballandean.

President Ros Scotney said it’s been a lengthy but worthwhile process to expand the service.

Previously, tours were limited to sections between Hendon, Wyreema and Brookstead, with now more than 500km of track to be explored.

DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum president Ros Scotney said the team wanted to offer something different. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ms Scotney said the first of the new tours will kick off with a trip to Stanthorpe on August 10, where passengers will be treated to a visit of the infamous truffle farm, followed by lunch at Vincenzo’s before heading back to Drayton.

“It’s exciting to have another destination on the list, we’ll have our first overnight tour of Stanthorpe on August 30,” she said.

While still a few weeks away, Ms Scotney said they’ve been pleasantly surprised by the number of inquiries for the overnight trip.

“We wanted to do something different,” she said.

DownsSteam's new operating boundaries will traverse the wider southwest Queensland. Photo: DownsSteam

Steam train fans will have to wait a little while longer to experience the outback, with steam services in these areas not expected to commence until 2026.

Railmotor journeys will be the first to lead the way with exciting destinations, overnight tours and regional day trips.

As the Carnival of Flowers quickly approaches, residents and visitors will have their chance to ride one of the historic locomotives across the Darling Downs.

For more information or to purchase tickets, head to www.downssteam.com.

Originally published as DownsSteam expands historic railway routes to Thallon, Ballandean and Stanthorpe