southern downs steam railway

We went from Warwick to Clifton return, and it was a great day out. The volunteers in particular are so enthusiastic and obviously love their 'jobs' and it really shows in how willing they are to chat to people, answers questions, and just check that all of their passengers are comfortable and enjoying themselves. The journey is one and a half hours each way which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the countryside and experience, while allowing enough time for lunch in the middle. There was lots of home cooked goodies and coffee on the platform to start the trip, and drinks/coffee/chips etc to have aboard. We all thoroughly enjoyed our day - thank you - we'll be back!

Visiting Queensland from the UK we happened to spot a roadside board advertising a steam train day out to Wallangarra. We have many restored and preserved steam railways in Britain but had never been on an Australian one so we booked the trip. As Warwick can be quite chilly in the morning the 07.30 for 8am start had all the Australian travellers bundled up in winter gear but the day soon warmed up even though we were climbing still higher for much of the morning. The carriages were comfortable with good views out, and open platforms at the end for a few passengers to stand on. One very notable sight was the sheer number of kangaroos which the rare (less than one a month) train startled from their peaceful browsing. Being often channeled in by the parallel fencing the daft creatures mainly decided to try to out-run the train, and failed. But it was great to see them bounding along just by the train windows; very graceful in full flight, until they decided to crash into the fence. Poor things!The train stopped at Stanthorpe both going and coming back and hot drinks and home-made cakes we provided on the platform by some friendly volunteers for a nominal sum, a welcome interlude.Then, upon arriving at Wallangarra a full and tasty lunch was available in the large station restaurant before we re-boarded the train for the return journey.All-in-all a very pleasant and enjoyable day out with some lovely countryside and pleasant company to enjoy. Thoroughly recommended.

Firstly I found some of the staff members to be very helpful including offering me a refund and accommodating my needs when I needed to change my plans. The trip gives a good impression of what it may have been like to travel on the line in years gone past. The train travels through bushland and gives good views of Quart Pot Creek just south of Stanthorpe. Snacks can be purchased on the train and passengers are given the opportunity to ride on the carriage platforms to see the steam engine at work or the countryside passing behind. Guests are given ample time at the stops at Stanthorpe and Wallangarra to either have morning tea or in the latter case to have lunch, explore nearby and to visit the Wallangarra station markets. There is also a historic display at Wallangarra station and the unique station with its Queensland and NSW features. I did have to pay extra for lunch at the Wallangarra Refreshment Room. It was a good day out I just wish it was closer to Brisbane.