Grandchester Model Steam Railway

Fancy a family fun day out in the country? Half an hour from Ipswich you’ll find the Grandchester Model Steam Railway, where train enthusiasts young and old are in their element.

When you arrive, it’s like the hustle and bustle of a real railway station only the locomotives are scaled down versions of actual coal burning steam and diesel engines. While you wait to board your train in front of the original signal cabin from Yarongmulu on the Little Liverpool Range between Laidley and Grandchester circa. 1866, you’ll see the train drivers busily stoking the coal, topping up the water, releasing the steam and blowing their whistles, ready to go on the green traffic light.

The engines puff around 500m of track pulling their passengers on the back open carriages, through shady picnic areas and past onlooking families, over the bridge and past other locomotives of different shapes, colours and sizes.

There’s plenty of green space, shade and chairs to enjoy a family picnic as well as a canteen which offers light refreshments including soft drinks, burgers, sandwiches, hot chips and coffee.

The Grandchester Model Steam Railway is open on the first Sunday of every month from 10am to 2pm. Train tickets are $3* per ride or $10* for 4 tickets. Children under 5 ride free but must be accompanied by an adult.

So, if you’re looking for something a little different to do with the family and keen on taking a short drive through the country, head out to Grandchester Model Railway to experience a little bit of history and to have a ‘chuffing’ good time! Woot-woot!

Good to know - Children under 12 months old cannot ride.

Need to know - Fully-enclosed footwear is required for all train passengers.

by Eva Lewis