Sunday 6 June
Mary Valley Rattler Steam Train ride.
My husband had a birthday looming. We don't do presents, but as he loved the Junee train experience, I decided it was time to take the Mary Rattler Steam Train ride.
Gympie, a nearly 3 hour drive from our home was our destination. We chose to make it a 2 night visit, giving us time to explore the town and take our time on the drive north and back. Perhaps another blog.
Sunday morning 9 am saw us at the station, collecting our tickets and chatting with the train driver and fireman, before boarding for our exciting 3 1/2 hour return journey, through the wonderful farming, Mary Valley.
The Brisbane to Gympie railway line was completed in 1891.
This station building opened in 1913. The very necessary line through the Mary Valley opened in 1914 and was extended in 1915. It functioned until 1995. In 1998 the station also closed, when a new line was constructed to bi-pass the town.
Thankfully the group, Mary Valley Heritage Railway were active in saving the Mary Valley line. In 1996 they became custodians of the line. It took until 1998 to welcome the return of The Rattler, which carries upwards of 33,000 guests annually.
The restored refreshment room, with guest piano player. Such a lovely atmosphere before boarding.
Amamoor was our destination, taking approx an hour. The line had been built much further south. Sadly the decay of bridges and cost of repairs on that section, has seen it closed.
Bill, our engine driver.
Our carriage was behind the engine on the outward journey, but the last carriage as we returned.
Club Car
Second Class Car
Crossing the Mary River.
Rural views.
Lagoon Pocket Station - the 'staff' to continue safely, as in the past, was collected from this box. [2nd pic]
Sunflowers overhanging one of many cuttings.
Passing through Dagun Station.
On our return journey, we would alight here for half an hour.
Arriving in Amamoor.
On arrival, the driver did some oiling before the engine was uncoupled for the turn around procedure.
Time to turn the engine round having reversed in. The steam of the train was harnessed to the turntable engine. [blue line]
Job done.
There was still time to wander around the small village of Amamoor.
On our return journey, stopping at Dagun, a local volunteer played his trumpet to welcome and farewell us.
The train runs on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, however, the local people of Dagun set up markets, with food and entertainment.
On the return journey I was permitted to stand on the back verandah of the carriage. Bliss!
And from out the window!
A man of many questions, delaying our departure from Dagun.
More rural views.
Chugging up the last hill.
Clicketty clack, clicketty clack - the magical sounds of train travel.
What a wonderful morning it had been, and a camera full of photos for another book for Ben.
I would love to read your comment.
What a lot of fun!! It's great that they're still using the steam engine and those old passenger cars. (I think you guys call them Wagons, or is that just UK?) Thanks for the delightful post.
ReplyDeleteCarriages here. I thought wagons was American.
DeleteOh that train ride looks like so much fun! Your hubby is absolutely beaming. :) What a great idea to turn your photos into a book for your grandson.
ReplyDeleteFrank said he would love to volunteer with such a group but nothing near us. I’m off travelling with my girlfriends again. Day 3 and already enough pics for several books of our outback.
DeleteWhat a great ride. Maybe one day you will be able to take the grandchildren too. Wonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteHopefully sooner than later. Fingers crossed.
DeleteA perfect birthday present! Wonderful experiences mean so much and create memories to hold on to!
ReplyDeleteWe both enjoyed it immensely.
DeleteJust completed a long overdue read through your blog posts from the past 6 months (been a busy time so I've not caught up on my favourites for a while). A whole host of fabulous walks and adventures. You are an inspiration with everything you and your friends get up to :)
ReplyDeleteLovely of you to take the time to catch up, Andy. I hope the new position is going well. I guess there was no summer holiday. I’ll be posting my 4 days of hiking the Snowy Mountains soon. I think you will enjoy them too.
DeleteThat looks like another great trip, and yes, another wonderful book for Ben! I want to do a train trip with our girls at some point. There's a short "tourist" train that operates part of the year about 2 hours from us, but I didn't get it scheduled this summer. Maybe next year.
ReplyDeleteThey will love it Kim.
ReplyDelete