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| Thirlmere Festival of Steam |
Recognised as NSW’s premier steam heritage celebration, the much-loved festival will take place across Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May 2026, delivering an unforgettable weekend packed with authentic steam train rides, heritage locomotives, vintage machinery, carnival fun, live entertainment and family-friendly experiences.
Held in the charming railway town of Thirlmere in Sydney’s south-west, the annual event has delighted rail enthusiasts, families and tourists for more than 30 years.
Ride Behind Historic Steam Locomotives
One of the festival’s biggest attractions is the opportunity to travel aboard authentic steam-powered trains through the picturesque Wollondilly countryside.
Departing from Thirlmere Station, passengers can enjoy scenic 40-minute return journeys hauled by legendary former NSW Government Railways locomotives including locomotive 3526 travelling to Picton, and locomotives 3001 and 3265 operating services to Buxton.
The experience allows visitors to relive the romance and excitement of Australia’s steam rail era while enjoying beautiful rural landscapes and historic railway infrastructure.
Steam train ride tickets also include all-day access to the NSW Rail Museum, Ferris wheel admission and access to the evening Festival After Dark celebrations.
Discover Australia’s Rich Railway Heritage
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| Thirlmere Festival of Steam |
Home to Australia’s largest collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock, the museum offers visitors a fascinating journey through the history of rail travel in New South Wales.
Festival highlights include climbing into the driver’s cab of a live steam locomotive, watching roaming steam traction engines, experiencing vintage pump trolley rides and observing traditional blacksmith and leatherworking demonstrations.
Families and railway enthusiasts alike can spend hours exploring the museum precinct and its extensive collection of restored railway treasures.
Festival After Dark Creates A Magical Steam Experience
As night falls on Saturday evening, the festival atmosphere continues with the popular Festival After Dark celebrations.
From 5pm onwards, visitors can enjoy bustling food stalls, markets along Oaks Street, live music, carnival attractions and illuminated Ferris wheel rides.
One of the most extraordinary experiences of the weekend is the rare opportunity to enjoy steam train rides after sunset, hauled by a dramatic triple-header combination of steam locomotives.
The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks finale at 8pm, creating one of the most memorable heritage tourism events in regional New South Wales.
Family Carnival And Sensory-Friendly Experiences
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| Thirlmere Festival of Steam |
From classic carnival attractions to thrilling rides, the entertainment precinct provides additional excitement throughout the festival weekend.
A special sensory-friendly carnival session will also operate on Saturday morning between 10am and 12pm, ensuring a more accessible and inclusive experience for families requiring a quieter environment.
Travel Direct From Sydney On The Picnic Train
Visitors travelling from Sydney can make the journey part of the adventure aboard the special Festival of Steam Picnic Train.
Departing from Central and Strathfield stations, passengers travel directly to Thirlmere aboard a heritage train, with steam locomotive R766 taking over at Chullora for the scenic run into the festival.
Arriving directly inside the NSW Rail Museum exhibition platform, the Picnic Train offers one of the most immersive heritage rail experiences available in Australia.
Street Parades, Vintage Cars And Market Stalls
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| Thirlmere Festival of Steam |
The streets of Thirlmere will come alive with colourful stilt walkers, community groups, dancers and popular children’s characters entertaining crowds throughout the day.
Visitors can also explore food trucks, market stalls, handcrafted products and the popular vintage car show featuring beautifully preserved classic vehicles, hot rods and collector cars.
Combined with live entertainment, roving performers and community performances, the festival creates a vibrant atmosphere across the entire town.
The Legendary Huff ‘N’ Puff Road Race Returns
The festival excitement continues the following weekend with the iconic Huff ‘N’ Puff Road Race on Sunday 24 May 2026.
Participants can test themselves against a historic steam train in either the 6.7-kilometre road race from Buxton Station to Thirlmere Station or the shorter 3.5-kilometre family fun run from Couridjah Station.
The unique event combines fitness, heritage rail and community spirit, attracting runners and spectators from across New South Wales.
Why The Thirlmere Festival Of Steam Is A Must-Visit NSW Event
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| Thirlmere Festival of Steam |
Its combination of historic locomotives, interactive attractions, carnival fun and community celebrations makes it one of the most distinctive festivals in New South Wales.
Whether you are a passionate rail enthusiast, a family searching for an unforgettable weekend away or a traveller looking to experience Australia’s rich transport heritage, the Thirlmere Festival of Steam delivers an extraordinary journey into the past.
Festival Information And Bookings: Thirlmere Festival of Steam
Museum Information: NSW Rail Museum
Tourism Information: Wollondilly Tourism
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