Historic Journey aboard the Mary Valley Rattler from Hervey Bay
About this activity
- Your booking is confirmed immediately
- This activity is available in your language
- This option includes FREE cancellation—book now, risk-free!
Experience Highlights
Hop aboard the historic Mary Valley Rattler, a restored 1950's steam train which departs from Gympie Heritage Station (1hr 20min drive from Hervey Bay) and travels 40km of green pastures to the village of Amamoor. The entire journey takes approx. 3 hours and is commented in English by the volunteer crew.
The experience is suitable for all ages and wheelchair accessible; just show up at 09:00 with your digital voucher to redeem it at the ticket office. During the stop at Amamoor you can watch the locomotive being turned on the hand platform before making the return journey.
- Book online and avoid surprises at the ticket office.
- Take a trip back in time to the golden age of steam
- Enjoy the scenery of the Queensland countryside from a carriage with panoramic windows.
What’s included
- Round-trip ticket on the Mary Valley Rattler
- Access to the museum corner at Gympie station
- Commentary on board in English by the volunteer crew
- Overland transfers Hervey Bay ⇄ Gympie
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Step by Step
As you walk through the wrought-iron gallery of Gympie Historic Station, the smell of coal and the tinkle of the bell announcing your departure. Amidst period panels and model railroads, a volunteer guide introduces the rich mining and ranching history that brought the Mary Valley to life. Minutes later, the whistle blows and the departure begins. The locomotive thumps its way rhythmically through meadows of grazing Brahman cows and eucalyptus groves that give off a soft, minty scent.
The train meanders over wrought-iron bridges and through tiny wooden stations, each one greeted by locals who pause to watch the Rattler pass by. The carriages have large windows and polished wooden benches that retain the patina of yesteryear, and you can look out onto the open platform to photograph the white smoke against the blue sky.
After just over an hour you arrive in Amamoor, a quaint village of less than 1,000 people. While the volunteer staff manually turn the locomotive on the turntable, you'll have time to buy a local farm coffee or homemade brownie at the small wooden kiosk. The sweet smell and hiss of steam combine with the sounds of the surrounding bush.
At the ranger's signal, you return to your seat to begin the reverse journey. The midday light brings out the emerald tones of the grasslands and the rust red of the bridges, perfect for ending your reel with images that look like something out of a period film. Back in Gympie, the guide shares anecdotes about the restoration of the line and how each ticket contributes to its upkeep.
