‘Slay’ the festive season with Mary Valley Rattler’s special pre-Christmas services

The heritage Mary Valley Rattler in Gympie is steaming ahead with a range of special pre-Christmas services that are perfect for getting the festive season on the right track.

Taking advantage of warm evenings and spectacular sunsets, the Mary Valley Rattler is offering two Christmas Twilight services –

• Christmas in Dagun on Saturday 7 December, departing historic Gympie Station at 5pm. The four hour Christmas Twilight Train will steam through the beautiful Mary Valley to the heritage village of Dagun, where the Dagun Community Group will stage a Christmas party and festivities at the station, including street performers, musicians, food trucks and wine & cheese tastings. There will be carols on board and, lollies for children.
• Christmas in Amamoor on Friday 13 December, departing Gympie Station at 5pm. Unlike other Friday 13th experiences, this magical train trip will be all fun and laughter, with carols on board and a fantastic reception awaits at Amamoor, when the Friends of Amamoor stage a Christmas party for assengers  complete with festive activities and delightful entertainment. Perfect for the kids there will be face painting, balloon artists, musicians, street performers and a range of food offerings. Santa will be onboard to hand out lollies to children

Tickets are available from $79 per adult, $49 for a child between 2-12 (children under 2 free) and family tickets for four are available for $240.

 

For a special Christmas treat, VIP and Deluxe options are available, with onboard service of a local tasting plate accompanied by a beverage, as well as bar service and exclusive photo opportunities. The Twilight services can also accommodate wheelchair passengers.

 

Santa Paws Photos at the Mary Valley Rattler

Another exclusive photo opportunity is on Thursday, 5 December, when Santa Claus will be at historic Gympie Station for photos in front of the iconic C17 class steam engine. Photos can be arranged for all the family – including pets – from 8am through to 10:30am. Bookings are essential.

 

Other services being offered by Mary Valley Rattler during December include:

 

Silver Bullet Tapas Train: Fridays during December and January @ 5.30pm. This leisurely 45-minute experience allows passengers to not only see the Mary Valley but enjoy some tasty tapas dishes along the way. Travelling on board the heritage Silver Bullet 2000 Class Railmotor, passengers will enjoy a scenic journey winding through the beautiful hills of the Mary Valley, while onboard a tapas tasting plate is served comprising a cheese burger slider, pork belly bites, salt and pepper squid, and bruschetta. Gluten free options are available on request. Chilled alcoholic and soft drinks are available for purchase from the onboard menu via the dedicated service attendant. Tickets are just $79 per adult. Upon returning to Gympie station, there will be live music, allowing passengers to continue the evening in style, with tapas, desserts and drinks able to be ordered from Rusty Rails Café.

 

In addition, the Classic Rattler Service will operate each Wednesday from 9am.

 

Passengers and other visitors can explore Gympie Historic Station, with Rusty Rails Cafe open for drinks and meals before and after departures.

 

For a full list of available services during December, and for bookings:  https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/