Mary Valley Rattler and the Gympie RSL Sub Branch are teaming together to commemorate the ANZAC spirit next week with a dedicated ANZAC Troop Train service on Wednesday 26 April.
The ANZAC Troop Train will depart historic Gympie Station at 10am, travelling to Amamoor where passengers will be able to disembark and watch as the train is turned around on the revolving platform for the return journey to Gympie Station.
As a special offer, all tickets for the Troop Train will be discounted by 20 per cent, with tickets available from $52 for the heritage steam train service.
An optional lunch will be held at Gympie Station’s Rusty Rails Cafe start from 1pm, with the menu featuring traditional-style dishes from the time, including roast lamb and beef, baked vegetables, golden syrup cheesecake, pavlova and, of course, Anzac biscuits. Vegetarian options will also be offered. The buffet-style lunch is available for $30 (adult) and $20 (child).
Gympie Station has a very direct connection with the ANZAC legacy. The 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.
A VIP Club Car will operate on the journey, offering priority pre boarding, VIP service to their seats throughout the journey, a beverage of choice in the licensed carriage, complimentary bottle of water and a souvenir stubby cooler. Tickets are $120 per person, and with limited seating, bookings are essential.
Wheelchair access is available on this service, and pets can be brought on board for an additional cost.
Mary Valley Rattler General Manager, Linda Barry, said that the partnership was part of a series of events being held by the Gympie RSL Sub Branch to recognise the ANZAC legend.
“We have organised the special Troop Train on the day after ANZAC Day so that people can attend ANZAC services on the day and then continue the commemoration by bringing family and friends on the special Mary Valley Rattler Troop Train,” she said.
“It is a great privilege to be working with such an important community organisation as the Gympie RSL Sub Branch, and we encourage all residents of the region to support their efforts – including their special Masked Ball – as the funds raised will go towards supporting homeless veterans in the Gympie and surrounding areas.”
