Mary Valley Rattler offers unique TRIPLE TREAT 5th birthday celebration with a mega lineup of special train services and activities

Mary Valley Rattler 

While boasting a heritage that dates back well over 100 years, it was only five years ago – on 6 October 2018 – that the Mary Valley Rattler returned to the rails to resume tourism train services between Gympie and Amamoor.

When it relaunched, the Rattler team operated just three services per week, using the one heritage C17 steam engine.

Today, the Rattler operates three trains – the C17 steam train, the RM 17 Red Rocket rail motor, and the newest addition to the fleet, the RM2000 – and five services, including the Tasting Train and Silver Bullet High Tea.

All three trains will operate for the 5th birthday celebrations on Saturday 7 October, offering memorable journeys at highly discounted prices. There will also be free station and workshop tours.

As befitting a birthday party, it will be a family-friendly event with children’s activities including face painting, children’s corner, cupcakes and music, with food and drinks available at Rusty Rails Café throughout the event.

The celebrations will kick off at 7am with a workshop tour, showcasing the meticulously restored trains and carriages, crafted and maintained by dedicated workers and volunteers.

The rail “triple treat” will begin at 9am with the Silver Bullet operating from Gympie Station for a three-hour return journey to Amamoor. Adult tickets onboard the Silver Bullet start from $80 per adult. The RM76 Red Rocket (tickets from $20) follows at 9.30am, and the historic C17 steam engine (tickets from $50/adult) is the final train to depart Gympie.

After extensive upgrades to century-old track work and its fleet of historic locomotives and carriages, Mary Valley Rattler General Manager Linda Barry said the importance of the Rattler as a drawcard to the region could not be underestimated.

“This is a unique asset which very much belongs to the people of Gympie and the Mary Valley, and one which we can all be proud to call our own,” Ms Barry said.

Ms Barry said that the Mary Valley Rattler’s volunteers would play a pivotal role in the 5th-year anniversary celebrations.

“Our volunteers make the Mary Valley Rattler experience very special and highly authentic, and local residents can use the celebration event as an opportunity to discuss joining the volunteer team and becoming an integral part of the Gympie region’s heritage and tourism community,” said Ms Barry.

Bookings and further information: https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/upcoming-events/

About the Mary Valley Rattler

The heritage Mary Valley Rattler offers a memorable and atmospheric journey back in time through some of Queensland’s most beautiful countryside. Boasting over 100 years of history, and impeccable craftsmanship, the fully-restored steam and diesel trains depart Gympie Station and take passengers through the spectacular Mary Valley landscape and its charming villages. Visitors can enjoy a range of experiences, including the Tasting Train and Silver Bullet High Tea which showcase the Gympie/Mary Valley region’s famed produce. First-class extras are available in the VIP Club Car, and Rusty Rails Café at Gympie Station offers dining and snacks throughout the day. https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/
*Peter Hook, Hook Communications, peter@hookcommunications.com.au