Gympie Station will relive its direct association with Australia’s war efforts by staging a dedicated ANZAC Express Train on Sunday 25 April.
The ANZAC Express service will include lunch at historic Gympie Station, followed by a special train service aboard the Mary Valley Rattler to Amamoor.
Lunch will start from 11.45am, with the train departing at 1pm and returning at 4pm. Passengers will be able to get off at Amamoor Station and watch as the train is turned around on the revolving platform for the return journey to Gympie Station.
The current Gympie Station opened in December 1913, just prior to World War 1, and was the send-off and return point for Diggers fighting in both world wars.
Hundreds of residents from the Gympie region volunteered for the Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force in World War 1, including some 30 for the Light Horse Brigade, reflecting the region’s strong horse-riding skills.
The menu for lunch will feature traditional-style dishes from the time, including Diggers Lamb Stew, Rattler Chicken Pot, Banana Split and Station Made Sticky Date Pudding & Ice cream.
Tickets for the return journey and two course lunch are available for $125 an adult and $60 a child (2 – 12).
A special holiday express journey will also operate on the public holiday, Monday 26 April.
Bookings are essential and can be made via www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au or (07) 5482 2750.
