What can be more “Aussie” than a heritage train journey through the Mary Valley, one of Australia’s most picturesque and gold-plated landscapes?
Strewth, I can’t think of anything to beat that.
The special Australia Day service on the Mary Valley Rattler provides passengers – young and old – the opportunity to take their own trip back into Australia’s heritage past.
The Monday 26 January service will depart Gympie Station at 9am for its scenic journey through the Mary Valley to Amamoor. It will return to Historic Gympie Station by midday.
And to maintain the heritage theme, passengers will be able to enjoy a true-blue Aussie Day feed at the cute historical village of Amamoor, including the classic snag on bread (available for purchase on the day), while watching the locomotive being turned around on the turntable.
Riding on the 1920s-era C17 steam train is like stepping back in time to a slower era when the Mary Valley railway line was the driving force of the community and local economy.
The Rattler’s 46-kilometre round trip starts at Gympie and, after crossing over the Mary River, chugs its way rhythmically around an abundance of curves, across bridges and numerous gentle hills.
Perfect for the whole family, ticket prices for the Australia Day service are $69 for an adult, $37 for a child, with a special family ticket covering two adults and two children available for $180.
A VIP carriage is also available with premium inclusions such as a local tasting plate to enjoy on the journey, paid bar service, and lunch with a drink on return at Gympie Station from $159 pp.
The Rattler is wheelchair accessible.
The Mary Valley Rattler is more than a train ride: it’s a half-day adventure into history.
On Australia Day, Monday 26 January, the Mary Valley Rattler departs Platform 1, Historic Gympie Station, 10 Tozer St, Gympie, at 9am. Cost: From $69.
