Steam in Australia, 2019 onwards

At the end of steam, many locomotives were put out to graze in public parks and other open spaces. I have not attempted to list these because not only are there too many, but in the last few years, the growth of the heritage industry (not to mention the condition of the locomotives which can make them a health hazard) has led to many being moved, often for restoration. Many narrow gauge steam locomotives (especially those in Queensland where cane tramways are still in use) lead a somewhat nomadic lifestyle and again these tend not to be mentioned. A feature of steam operation in Australia is the number and variety of mainline steam specials. Since these are usually anything but predictable, you should regularly access the websites of those organisations operating these trains.

I have used a variety of sources for this information, particularly the Continental Railway Journals from 1973, the information is given in good faith but I accept no responsibility for either accuracy or current validity. Although I shall update it from time to time, you should check the particular websites for up-to-date information, especially if you are planning a visit, because most operating sites are seasonal or work only at weekends. Entries are by state, in roughly alphabetical order of location. I would like to thank the late Graeme Stanley for a valuable set of updates which are those shown below dated 12th February 2006 and 22nd June 2006. Lindsay Barford has provided an update website address for Thirlmere, NSW (9th January 2007), James Waite a link to a further preserved steam locomotive site (15th January 2008) and Andrew Forbes for information on the Kerrisdale Mountain Railway (3rd March 2008).  Peter Silva of ATR has checked the Victoria data and provided corrections and updates (20th October 2008) and Graeme Stanley has provided updates for much of New South Wales and ACT (20th May 2009). For 2014 updates, please search the page for "Kevin Hoggett" who visited several locations in 2014. James Waite has since (2015/6) added reports of his visits and Ned Johnson has supplied multiple updates to mid 2018).

Please note that this compilation does not include most static displays and non-steam operational sites - see the Guide mentioned below which is far more comprehensive. I have used it to complete a major revision of this page on 27th September 2007.

• New South Wales (includes ACT, 21sr June 2024) 

• Northern Territory

• Queensland (updated 21st November 2015)

• South Australia (2nd May 2018)

• Tasmania (updated 9th November 2018)

• Victoria (updated 21sr June 2024)

• Western Australia (updated 25th March 2018)

Corrections and additions are very welcome. In researching this page, I have found many organisations have changed their names as they have developed. I believe those names used are current. Send an email to: webmaster@internationalsteam.co.uk

Most of the links are 'official' and all were current in May 2002. !!!) Even then I had to use a search machine (www.google.com) to find some of them because links on sites which ought to be in the front line were out of date. Please send corrections to me: webmaster@internationalsteam.co.uk - I certainly won't have time to check them through regularly. Over the years, I have found Australian (together with Brazilian) heritage railways to be the worst offenders in terms of serially changing website addresses without arranging for the traffic to the old address to be redirected.t 

To research individual locomotives, I recommend this site offering information on all the preserved locomotives - allegedly 572 in March 2002 - in Australia (and yet more links) check out  http://www4.tpgi.com.au/users/ews3/. Another excellent site (added 27th July 2004) is http://www.the-commissioner.com/ (Link dead by May 2023) and James Waite recommends www.australiansteam.com (15th January 2008).

For those with a general interest in Australian railways, Ned Johnspn recommends (20th September 2018) Railpage Australia https://www.railpage.com.au and Vicsig (more in-depth though mainly focuses on Victoria) http://vicsig.net.  

Australian Gauges

A legacy of the way that the states developed their railways is the variation in gauge. In the rural areas 3ft 6in (1067mm) predominated - Tasmania, Western Australia and Queensland and to an extent elsewhere. Broad Gauge 5ft 3in (1600mm) was found in South Australia and Victoria although much is now converted to standard gauge, 4ft 8½" (1435mm), which has always been used in New South Wales/South Queensland and for most newly constructed railways. Victoria tended to use 2ft 6in (762mm) for the narrow gauge with 2ft (610mm) elsewhere. Assume 'local' gauge unless otherwise stated.

A useful organisation and website is the Association of Tourist and Heritage Rail Australia (ATHRA) - www.athra.asn.au. This is a national body representing the interests of rail preservation groups Australia-wide. Thanks to Graeme Stanley for this one (June 2006).

The website of the  LRRSA (http://www.lrrsa.org.au/index.html) has links to many operating railways and collections within Australia, while their 40 page bi monthly 'Light Railways' magazine features articles on operating railways, both tourist and industrial, and we also have a ‘Heritage and Tourist’ section, which reports on operations at some of the tourist railways.

For an alternative summary of parts of the active steam scene in Australia, see http://www.steamlocomotive.com/Australia/ (amended 25th October 2016).

New South Wales (including ACT)

ARHS Australian Capital Territory, see http://www.trains.org.au (added 29th May 2009, now dead) formerly www.arhsact.org.au now dead. The chapter entered bankruptcy in 2016. 

ARHS New South Wales https://arhsnsw.com.au/ (Link broken by May 2023)

3801 Ltd @ www.3801limited.com.au (updated 2nd May 2018)

What follows is essentially history as the company is more or less defunct following internal problems and loss of mainline accreditation, a great shame. Please check the website for the latest news.

This company operates main line specials using the eponymous Pacific 3801 and sister locomotive 3830 from the Powerhouse Museum among others. Also responsible for the Illawara and Southern Highlands Tourist Railway which is also known as the Cockatoo Run (Port Kembla - Moss Vale), variously steam and diesel hauled in recent years. 3801 is normally kept at Eveleigh Workshops.

Graeme Stanley reports (June 2006) - "The buildings at which the 3801 Limited collection is housed are now earmarked for demolition and the group is faced with having to relocate its operations elsewhere. Locomotive 3801 is likely to be returned to the NSW Rail Transport Museum at Thirlmere next year."

Graeme Stanley reports (20th May 2009) Still based at Eveleigh Railway Workshops but without loco 3801 which has been returned to the NSW Rail Transport Museum.

BHP Steelworks, Port Kembla

A former steelworks 0-6-0ST was restored in 1996 and was available for use on special occasions, but is now with 'Transport Heritage' advises Ned Johnson (25th March 2018).

Bulahdelah Logging Railway (updated 12th February 2006)

10km north of Bulahdeah, which is 180km north of Sydney, not far from the coast, at the entrance to Myall Lakes National Park. This is a 2ft (610mm) gauge re-creation of the logging railways that once existed in this area. I have no recent information but in 1993 zig-zags were in operation with a Perry 0-4-2T the motive power. Now said to be defunct.

Canberra Railway Museum see http://www.trains.org.au (added 29th May 2009) formerly www.arhsact.org.au, entry updated 29th May 2009, link dead by 12th April 2018.

Sadly the ARHS chapter collapsed into bankruptcy in 2016, the museum has closed, some items have been sold but there are hopes it can be re-established. (added belatedly 22nd March 2018).

Ned Johnson advises that attempts are being made to resurrect the museum but these are being hampered by theft of locomotive parts  The new website is http://www.canberrarail.org.au (20th September 2018) 

The information that follows is thus of historic interest only and is not necessarily relevant to the current position and should be read as such.

The pictures below showing 1210, 3016 and 6029 (x2) are courtesy of Graeme Stanley (added 27th July 2009, but those of 6029 are not new...) Of course, 6029 has now re-emerged after restoration and the web is littered with pictures and videos.

This has a number of steam locomotives including 4-4-0 1210 which has been active on tourist trains in recent years on the Michelago Railway. It hauled the first train into the new national capital in 1914. Graeme Stanley adds (12th February 2006) "Trains from the museum are not restricted only to the Michelago Tourist Railway but also regularly run over the NSW railway network and can also run to Melbourne, Victoria. Steam loco 1210 occasionally operates at Thirlmere and recently was the oldest locomotive to take part in the September 2005 celebrations in Sydney commemorating 150 years of railways in NSW, including the use of 5 steam locos (including loco 1210) combining to haul the one train between Picton and Moss Vale and return on 17 September 2005."

Graeme Stanley adds: "Canberra's 4-6-0 3016 is currently under restoration at the NSW Rail Transport Museum at Thirlmere and is expected to be back in service late this year, or following the summer fire ban season, which could make it around April/May 2007. Loco 1210, which has been out of service for around 6 months undergoing boiler and other repairs, is expected to be back in service by mid-June 2006."

Graeme Stanley adds (20th May 2009): 4-4-0 1210, whilst still operational, is unfit for use on passenger trains due to cracks in the driving wheel castings. New wheels will have to be manufactured and fitted before the engine can haul passenger trains again. However, it was most recently steamed on Easter Saturday 2009 and hauled diesel locomotive 4807 and a number of the Museum's carriages to and from Canberra Railway Station where they were on display with the engine in steam while 4-6-0 steam locomotive 3016 hauled shuttle trains between Canberra and Queanbeyan. Locomotive 3016 usually operates on the third Sunday of each month over the steeply graded route through the Molonglo Gorge and over Pine Range and Brooks Bank between Canberra and Bungendore, leaving Canberra at 10.45 am, returning around 3.30 pm. Carriages used on the train are around 100 years old while 3016 dates from 1903. The train also operates on certain weekdays during school holidays - details of all tours from Canberra are available at http://www.trains.org.au (link broken by December 2021).  Steam locomotives are not used during the summer fire ban period - usually from mid-December until Easter.

A major project currently underway at Canberra Railway Museum is the restoration to service of 265-ton Beyer-Garratt 4-8-4+4-8-4 6029. Full details available at http://project6029.blogspot.com/. Hopefully the loco will be running again by the end of 2010. It last ran in 1981 when it was retired from heritage rail operations due to boiler condition. A replacement boiler formerly used at a Victorian sawmill has successfully undergone hydrostatic testing and reassembly of the locomotive is now underway. Donations to help to finance the project are most welcome.

Restoration of 4-6-0 tender engine 3102 is expected to get underway later in 2009. Arrangements are also being made to transport 4-6-4 tank locomotive 3013 to Canberra Railway Museum from the Lachlan Valley Railway's depot at Cowra. The locomotive will be reassembled for static display and some interchange of parts with 3102 are envisaged.

Privately-owned steam 4-6-4 steam tank locomotive 3112 is now also resident in Canberra on a private siding adjacent to Canberra Railway Museum.: 

Dorrigo Steam Railway and Museum (until mid-1982 this was the Hunter Valley Steam Railway and Museum) @ http://www.dsrm.org.au (link broken 5th April 2019)

Nearly 20 years ago, this museum possessed the majority of its present large collection of steam locomotives and was looking to operate the Dorrigo - Glenreagh line. Since then little progress has been made although in recent years the stock has been transferred to a new site nearby and things are now looking up. Likely to operate the Dorrigo - Ulong section in due course.

Glenreagh Mountain Railway @ http://www.gmr.org.au/ - link dead by 26th April 2014 (updated 12th February 2006)

This railway is situated some 600 km north of Sydney. Originally a splinter group from the Dorrigo Steam Railway and Museum, it now owns the 35km from Glenreagh to Ulong (the line continue up to Dorrigo) and is currently clearing the line and resleepering. 1878 built ex-NSWGR 0-6-01919 is approaching completion of its overhaul and will be used initially on the lower half of the line for approximately 8km. Also available is an old wooden cph railmotor. It will be some years before the whole line is restored and in the meant time it hopes to run trike rides on the top half from Ulong to Lowanna. Later news is that 1919 was steamed on 30th September 2002 and is now able to haul trains 
from Glenreagh to Tallawudjah Creek bridge. (12th February 2006)

Graeme Stanley adds (20th May 2009): Not currently operating due to rail safety accreditation having expired. The Railway is working on renewing their accreditation but the requirements are now far more stringent and there is no estimate as to when or if re-accreditation may be possible.

Goulbourn Loco Roundhouse Preservation Society Inc @ http://www.gchr.4t.com/ (link broken by December 2021)

Host to 2-6-0 2419 and several diesels 111/54. An operational day in 1999 used a loco from Lachlan Valley Railway

Marsden Weir Steam Museum

Goulbourn is some 200km south-west of Sydney on the main line to Melbourne (34/265). Mainly industrial steam locomotives but also beam engines, steam cranes and traction engines. The railway was 2ft (610mm) gauge but was closed in 1999 as the lease with Council had expired and the stock has been dispersed.

Hunter Valley Railway Trust (formerly Rothbury Riot Railway and Steam Museum) @ http://huntervalleyrailway.tripod.com (updated 25th July 2005)

The former Rothbury Colliery (50km north-west of Newcastle), is home particularly to a number of the ex-South Maitland Railway 2-8-2Ts and much passenger carriages, which were to be joined by coaching stock currently at Junee and Goulbourn when facilities are developed. The immediate intention was to operate trains between Rothbury and Branxton, eventually extending some 20km in all over former colliery branches. In the event, all the steam locomotives were sold to the Dorrigo Group in 2014 advises Ned Johnson (25th March 2018). 

Illawara Light Railway, Albion Park @ http://www.ilrms.com.au/index.htm (updated 27th September 2007)

Albion Park is a small village, some 125km south of Sydney. This long-established museum has a number of operational 2ft (610mm) gauge industrial steam locomotives and is working to restore a Shay. (not to be confused with the Illawara Tourist Railway / The Cockatoo Run operated by 3801 Ltd.)

Lachlan Valley Railway @ www.lvr.com.au also http://lachlanvalleyrailway.wordpress.com/ (updated 27th September 2007)

The LVR's base is the semi-roundhouse at Cowra, some 300km west of Sydney. The railway operates occasional trains on the Cowra - Blayney (75km) branch and regular excursion trains to various destinations in the state. The Cowra - Trajere (Eugowra) branch (63km) over which it used to run is currently closed owing to bridge damage. The railway's railfreight division is now a separate company. For May 2002 current information, see also a note I have had from Ian Larcher. 4-6-0 steam loco 3237 is now operational after complete restoration but not yet in regular service.

Graeme Stanley adds: "4-6-0 3237 returned to service briefly over the Easter long weekend (14-18 April 2006) but suffered mechanical failure during local operations at Temora and is believed to be still at that location pending repairs." According to the ARHS 2007 guide it is probably operational again by now.

Graeme Stanley adds (20th May 2009): 3237 is indeed now operational. Privately owned 2-8-2 5917 has also returned to service and is presently based in Sydney where it is scheduled to operate jointly with 4-6-0 3526 and 4-6-0 3642 on a NSW Rail Transport Museum triple-header tour up the steeply graded Illawarra Escarpment line from Wollongong to Moss Vale on 4 July 2009.

Lithgow, State Mine Railway Heritage Park @ http://www.statemine.org.au/ (updated 2nd May 2018)

This based at the former State Mine and the short branch which served it. Ex-NSWGR 2-6-2ST 2605 was operational but reported out of use in 2007, the Park has steadily developed into a large cultural heritage project (it is the site of Australia's first steelworks) and may eventually be joined to the Zig Zag railway nearby. Some buildings and contents were damaged by arson in October 2001. It is planned that the railway items will be relocated to the Eskbank Locomotive Depot and Museum which has bought a 3 truck Shay (Lima 22366/1910) from the USA - four similar locomotives worked on the Wolgan Valley system for the Commonwealth Oil Corporation (see http://eskbanklocomotivedepotmuseum.com.au/aboutus.htm). 

Lithgow Zig Zag Railway @ http://www.zigzagrailway.com.au

The main line west of Sydney originally descended the west side of the Blue Mountains by a zig-zag which was abandoned when a deviation was built in 1910. Since the 1970s the original formation has gradually been re-opened as a 3ft 6in (1067mm) gauge railway and, as such, has primarily used ex-Queensland Railway locomotives. It is now recovering from a disastrous bush fire in 2013.

Megalong Valley Tourist Railway, Blackheath

This 2ft (610mm) gauge railway, 30km east of Lithgow has been closed for some years and the main stock dispersed.

Melaleuca Station, Chinderah  

This tea-tree plantation adjacent to the Pacific Highway between Murwillumbah (Condong) and Chinderah in the north-east corner of NSW has built a 2ft (610mm) gauge tourist steam railway which is operated by a Perry 0-6-2T from Marian Sugar Mill at Mackay, but possibly for group bookings only.

Menangle Narrow Gauge Railway

2ft (610mm) gauge tourist railway just 600m long operates in the grounds of the Campbelltown Steam and Machinery Museum (60km south-west of Sydney). Although most of the available locomotives are diesel/battery electric, there is one steam locomotive which sees regular use.

Michelago Tourist Railway http://www.arhsact.org.au (updated 12th February 2006,link broken by December 2021)

The ARHS ACT division leased the disused line south of Queanbeyan as far as the picturesque village of Michelago for tourist operations. The railway is scenic, with a 1 in 40 climb from Queanbeyan and fine views over the Tuggerong and Melrose Valleys. Services have been operated by serviceable locomotives from the Canberra Railway Museum if available, otherwise diesel. Graeme Stanley adds "The line is open only as far as Royalla, about half way to Michelago."

Graeme Stanley adds (20th May 2009): "The line has been closed for some time due to track condition. Restoration work is underway with a view to reopening the line as far as Jerrabomberrra Creek for vintage rail motor operations. Steam train trips are now run on the main line, usually between Canberra and Bungendore."

The Picnic Train (added 21st June 2024) 

This runs trips throughout NSW but mainly to Kiama with their fleet of two locomotives NSWGR D59 5917, and more recent gauge converted Victorian Railways R Class 766 after a decade long conversion and overhaul process from 1600mm to 1435mm. https://www.picnictrain.com.au

Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo, Sydney https://maas.museum/ (revised link 29th October 2017)

In Harris Street, just 10 minutes walk from Central station or served by the Darling Harbour monorail, this museum has some prize early exhibits including a Boulton and Watt stationary steam engine of 1785 (in working order) and NSWR 1 0-4-2 (R. Stephenson 958/1854). It also operates Pacific 3830 in conjunction with 3801 Ltd, Graeme Stanley adds that it "also displays historic 4-4-0 steam locomotive 1243." 

Graeme Stanley adds (20th May 2009): Restoration to service of 4-6-0 steam locomotive 3265 is nearing completion at nearby Eveleigh railway workshops.

This Kevin Hoggett picture shows the 1854 0-4-2 by RS:

Regional Heritage Transport Association (new entry 12th February 2006)

The association is based at Junee Roundhouse in southern NSW. They have static exhibit 2-6-0 steam loco 2413 on long term loan from Canberra Railway Museum as well as a steam crane.

Richmond Vale Railway, Kurri Kurri  @ http://www.richmondvalerailwaymuseum.org (added 27th September 2007) 

This is based at the loco-shed of long closed Richmond Main Colliery to operate over the Richmond Vale Railway which saw its last coal train in 1988. Initially trains ran with ex-South Maitland 2-8-2Ts over a 4km line to Pelaw Main Colliery. The Maitland area sees an annual festival with steam hauled trains into the area. As of 2014, the only working loco is Clyde 0-4-0ST "Marjorie" according to Kevin Hoggett, whose pictures appear below:

Steam Tram and Railway Preservation Society @ (ex Parramatta Park Steam Tramway)

After arson in 1993, the group ceased to operate in Parramatta Park. In 2000 the group moved to the Valley Heights Depot Museum.

Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Museum http://infobluemountains.net.au/locodepot/

This former loco depot is located about half way up the electrified 'long drag' of the NSW main line, some 77km west of Sydney. It serves as the home of the Blue Mountains Division of the NSW Transport Museum. Some stock has been transferred here from Thirlmere and is the new site for the Steam Tram and Railway Preservation Society. Star performer is restored Sydney steam tram motor 103A, built Baldwin in 1891. 

Thirlmere, NSW Rail Transport Museum https://www.nswrailmuseum.com.au/ http://www.trainworks.com.au/ (corrected yet again 25th March 2018)

Thirlmere is now operated by Transport Heriatge NSW - http://www.transportheritagensw.com.au/, from 2013 following an independent review set up by the NSW government advises Ned Johnson (25th March 2018)..

This long established museum has a large collection of locomotives and rolling stock at Thirlmere, some 80km south-west of Sydney. Graeme Stanley adds "it also operate its own branch line between Picton and Buxton - steam and diesel services, as well as steam and diesel mainline excursions." 

Graeme Stanley adds (20th May 2009): The museum is being redeveloped with funding from RailCorp's Office of Rail heritage - details on NSWRTM's website. Locomotive 3801 has returned to Thirlmere from 3801 Limited and is undergoing complete restoration at The Hunter Valley Training Company's workshop at Maitland NSW, including construction of a new boiler.

There is a list of locomotives here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_South_Wales_Rail_Transport_Museum.

As of 2014, reports Kevin Hoggett, this is now marketed as 'Train World' with steam hauled trains on Sunday. His pictures show 4-6-4T 3137 and 4-6-2 3830 (first row) 0-4-2 78 and 4-8-4+4-8-4 6040 (second row) 

Timbertown, Wauchope

Situated 435km north of Sydney, 3km west of Wauchope station. This is a popular recreation of an 1880s sawmillers' village. It has a 2.4km 2ft (610mm) gauge railway operated by steam.

Yass Railway Museum

A small museum has been established in the restored town station. Prime exhibit is 4-4-2T 1307 which worked on the 'tramway' from Yass Junction.

Graeme Stanley also recommends the following (non-steam) organisations:

The Cooma Monaro Railway (new entry 12th February 2006) http://www.cmrailway.org.au.

The railway is based at Cooma Railway Station in the NSW Southern Tablelands. They operate 1920s rail motors over the line from Cooma to Chakola and house their equipment in the old steam loco shed at Cooma.

The Rail Motor Society (new entry 12th February 2006) http://www.railmotorsociety.org.au website largely defunct 26th April 2014 except for http://www.railmotorsociety.org.au/tours_frame.htm (link broken July 2020) and http://www.railmotorsociety.org.au/history_frame.htm.(link broken July 2020)

The society is based at Patterson NSW on the lower North Coast line near Newcastle. They operate main line tours using 1920s vintage rail motors.

Northern Territory

Ghan Preservation Society

The HQ is at MacDonnell Siding, some 10km south of Alice Springs. There is a museum and an operational 3ft 6in (1067mm) gauge railway using ex-WAGR and ex-QR power.

Kevin Hoggett (2014) reports that it is now a static museum with just WAGR 924 present, confirmed by Ned Johnson.

Pine Creek Railway Precinct (added 27th September 2007)

The most complete example of the 3ft 6in (1067mm) gauge North Australia Railway installations, with ex-NAR 2-6-0 (Beyer Peacock 1877) operable, but only steamed on special occasions. Ned Johnson syas as of 2018 it remains serviceable but is not used as there are no resources to run it.

Queensland

As noted in the introduction, there are quite a few ex-sugar mill locomotives which are in operation, but they tend not to have a fixed base! Also a large number of individual 'preserved' locomotives which are not documented here. For more information on Queensland Sugar Railways/Tramways please see http://www.lrrsa.org.au/LRR_SGR.htm (added 31st August 2006). This site also includes a list of all known preserved locomotives from these systems.

James Waite was here in July 2015 to observe part of the Queensland Railways 150th anniversary celebrations (21st November 2015).

ARHS Queensland http://www.arhs-qld.org.au/

Association of Tourist Railways of Queensland Inc. http://www.atrq.net (added 26th June 2006)

This is an umbrella organisation representing Queensland rail preservation groups.  

Queensland Railways Mainline (updated 27th September 2007)

The former museum at Redbank which hosted many ex-QR locomotives has closed (in 1997 many of these were stored in a nearby warehouse). The Roundhouse Railway Museum at Rockhampton is operated by Queensland Rail Heritage Volunteers and serves as the base for the QR heritage fleet and volunteers engaged in rolling stock restoration. There is regular steam on the QR mainline often operated by the local ARHS division. Operational steam locomotives may be found between duties at the diesel depot at Mayne, 4km north of Brisbane Central. In recent years, active locomotives have included examples of BB18¼ (4-6-2), C17 (4-8-0), DD17 (4-6-4T), A10 (0-4-2), Garratt (4-8-2 + 2-8-4). The number and type is only likely to increase with C17, C16 (4-6-0) and AC16 (2-8-2) are under restoration. Many of these trips are organised by Sunshine Rail Express Tours (ARHS, Queensland).

Graeme Stanley adds (22nd June 2006) that Loco AC16 221A has recently been restored to service.

Atherton - Herberton Tourist Railway (updated 22nd June 2006)

Operated by the same group as the Ravenshoe - Tumoulin Tourist Train. In northern Queensland, services commenced over 22km between Atherton and Herberton in 1996. Operated by C17 4-8-0 812, the line features steep grades and delightful scenery, but in 2001 the services were suspended due to accreditation difficulties, but I was told in May 2002 that services were likely to resume in June 2002. Graeme Stanley tells me (22nd June 2006) that this never happened and the railway is defunct.

Australian Sugar Museum, Mourilyan (all this added 27th September 2007)

This museum was established in 1977 to preserve the heritage of the sugar industry. It contains the world’s only remaining John Fowler jackshaft drive steam locomotive built in 1882.

Ballyhooley Steam Railway - Port Douglas (north of Cairns) http://www.ballyhooley.com.au (added 22nd June 2006)

This railway offers a weekly steam train trip over the 3.5 km 610mm gauge ex-sugar cane railway through Port Douglas. The main problem here is a lack of volunteers to maintain and operate the railway. Kevin Hoggett was here in 2014 and reports Sunday trains with Bundaberg-Fowler 0-6-2Ts, his pictures are below:

.

Beaudesert Tourist Railway (updated 12th February 2006)

It was one to watch. The QR suspended operations on the 43km Bethania - Beaudesert line in 1996. The Beaudesert Shire Railway Support Group obtained C17 4-8-0 967, obtained a grant to restore it to working order and it had been working since March 2003. As of April 2004 they were operating steam trains every Saturday and Sunday. Graeme Stanley adds that the railway has since collapsed into bankruptcy in very dubious circumstances and its assets disbursed far and wide...

Bundaberg Steam Tramway Preservation Society http://qldrailheritage.com/ascr/ (added 27th September 2007, link broken by July 2020)

The society has a 2ft (610mm) line at the Botanical Gardens which is operated by one of their small locomotives. 

Graeme Stanley adds (22nd June 2006); "Steam services utilising an ex South African 24 class loco (from New Zealand) commenced on 3 March 2004 but failed to attract sufficient passengers and services ceased on 31 October 2004. The locomotive is currently out of service but is being maintained and is earmarked for future use in a role which is yet to be disclosed."

Cairns Hinterland Railway Interest Society Inc. (CHRIS) (added 22nd June 2006)

This group is trying to reopen the former RAILCo operated line from Platypus Park (Atherton) to Herberton. The cost of reboilering loco C17 812 and restoring the track as far as Carrington Falls (about half-way to Herberton) is estimated at five million dollars. The loco is owned by Atherton Rotary Club while Platypus Park Station is now in private ownership.

Darling Downs Historical Rail Society Ltd, Toowoomba http://www.downssteam.com/ (new website 16th January 2010)

This group is restoring C16 class 4-6-0 106.

DreamWorld, Gold Coast http://www.dreamworld.com.au/ - link not working by 26th April 2014 - information from Mark Gough (7th October 2006).

This theme park has two steam locomotives, one a Perry 0-6-2T of 1952 and the other a Baldwin 4-6-0(exT) of 1917. Kevin Hoggett reports that by 2014 it was using a 4-4-0 steam outline diesel.

Durundur Railway, Woodford http://www.angrms.org.au/

This is the site of the Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum Society, 100km north of Brisbane. The society owns a number of 2ft (610mm) gauge steam locomotives, mostly from sugar mills and operates trains on a 1.2km track on the trackbed of the former QR Wamuran - Kilcoy branch. 

Gin Gin

The historical centre here has 0-6-0T Bunyip from the nearby sugar mill. 

Ipswich Railway Workshops Museum http://www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au (Link dead by May 2023) (added 27th September 2007)

The former workshops date from 1900 and QR now uses Redbank, 13km east. The world-class museum opened in 2002 which is managed by the Queensland Museum encompasses all operation in the state and not just QR. 

Kuranda Scenic Railway http://www.kst.com.au (updated 27th September 2007)

Regular diesel tourist trains have operated over this line for some years. Ex-South African 24 3620 (renumbered 401) has been restored to operate this service. Three successful test runs were carried out with 401 in early July 2002 and presumably a regular service will now be offered. However, by the end of October 2002 it seems that the project was disintegrating with the stock under lock and key. Emails from the New Zealand based owners of 401 make it clear that most problems have been resolved and they are looking to start running at Easter 2003. The ex-SAR 19D intended for this operation is under overhaul in Bulawayo, Zimbabawe but is not expected here for some time yet. Latest information in 2007 is that the train was being operated by historic QR diesel locomotives and there is no current prospect of steam use advises Ned Johnson (25th March 2018).

Mackay Heritage Railway Inc (added 27th September 2007)

Mackay Heritage Railway is restoring two 4-6-2 express locomotives to operating condition to provide steam tours around Mackay. Its railway depot at Outer Harbour is open to the public.

Mary Valley Heritage Railway http://www.mvhr.org.au/ (link broken by December 2021) also http://www.thevalleyrattler.com (Link dead by May 2023)

The group has operated trains over the scenic Mary Valley line from Gympie to Imbil (41km south-south-west) using C17 4-8-0 45 since 1998. A second C17 is under restoration.

Kevin Hoggett reports service suspended in 2014 owing to certification problems. Ned Johnson advises it will reopen 'shortly' (25th March 2018).

Mount Morgan Railway and Information Centre (all this added 27th September 2007)

The railway station and goods shed were part of a line which included a Abt rack section to the eponymous mine. Two of the former mine locos are here, one operable and tourist operation may resume at some stage.

Ravenshoe Railway (formerly Atherton Tablelands Tourist Railway) http://ravenshoesteamrailway.webs.com (amended and updated December 2021, yet again, what a bunch of useless tossers) 

The 56km Ravenshoe - Atherton line in North Queensland was closed in 1988 and the 7km section to Tumoulin re-opened the by RAILCo in 1991. Uses D17 4-6-4T 268, but in 2001 the services were suspended due to accreditation difficulties, but I was told in May 2002 that services were likely to resume by June 2002. It seems by October 2002 that there was some steam at the Atherton end on weekends and public holidays.... Services are expected to resume in late 2007.

Rockhampton, Archer Park Railway Station http://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/FacilitiesRecreation/Archer-Park (amended 25th October 2016)

This museum site offers rides over 1km of (former QR) track in Denison St using a 1909 Purrey steam tramcar.

Rosewood Railway http://www.arhs-qld.org.au

Trains on part of the Rosewood - Marburg line are operated under the auspices of the ARHS Queensland Division. PB class 4-6-0 738 operated for 3km between Cabanda and Kunala from 1993, the 4km Rosewood - Cabana section being added in 2001. C17 4-8-0 720 is also to be restored.

Southern Downs Steam Railway http://www.southerndownssteamrailway.com.au/ (amended 26th March 2012, link broken by July 2020)

The Southern Downs Steam Railway Association have leased the former QR loco depot and roundhouse at Warwick and plan to introduce tourist trains to Stanhope and Wallangarra using C17 4-8-0 971 after restoration.

Swanbank Railway (formerly the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway) http://www.qpsr.net (added 27th September 2007)

This is a tourist line, 10km south-east of Ipswich, using ex-QR PB15 4-6-0 448 and a Perry 0-4-2T over 7km of track.

South Australia

ARHS South Australia http://www.steamranger.org.au

National Railway Museum, Port Adelaide @ (Port Dock Railway Station Museum) http://www.natrailmuseum.org.au

This is the Commonwealth Railways Museum Project and has a large number of locomotives of various gauges and origins, some of which operate within the site from time to time.

Kevin Hoggett reports of a 2014 visit  "3'6" (1067mm) Barclay 0-6-0T "Peronne" was in steam (see below) also a 18" miniature 0-4-2T. The museum also operates a 18" gauge miniature line at nearby Semaphore Beach."

Pichi Richi Railway http://www.prr.org.au/cms/index.php

This is part of the former 3ft 6in (1067mm) gauge railway that ran from Port Augusta to Alice Springs (with a branch to Peterborough - see below). Based in Quorn, it has operated since 1974 using a mixture of WAGR and SAR steam locomotives. Initially it ran for 15km to Woolshed Flat, then to Stirling North (1999) but in September 2001, it was extended to Port Augusta (40km) and appears to be thriving. James Waite visited in June 2016 and you can read his detailed and well illustrated report (20th June 2016).

These are Glyn Dawson's pictures from early 2008:

Kevin Hoggett writes of his 2014 visit "One of the better lines. Going strong. WAGR W class 4-8-2 934 in steam. Two other working locos at present." His pictures are below:

SteamRanger http://www.steamranger.org.au/

This is the operating arm of the ARHS (South Australia). It has operated a number of steam locomotives on the main line in recent years including 621, Duke of Edinburgh and trains on the 5ft 3in (1600mm) gauge the Victor Harbor Tourist Railway. They have a depot at Mount Barker (55km south-east of Adelaide) where the active fleet is based.

Kevin Hoggett writes of his 2014 visit "SAR Pacific 621 Duke of Edinbrugh in steam. At Goolwa the train connects with the paddle steamer "Oscar W" and at Victor Harbour makes an end on connection with the Victor Harbour horse tramway (very nice). The timetable is very complicated with different services running on different days, some steam other diesel. Two more locos are in advanced state of restoration (both 4-6-0s)."

Steamtown Peterborough http://www.peterborough.sa.gov.au (updated 2nd May 2018)

Apparently, it last ran trains in 2004 and is now just a static roundhouse museum, there is currently no prospect of a return to action.

This is a 3ft 6in (1067mm) gauge railway centre had operated since the 1970s at the other end of the former branch from Quorn (see Pichi Richi Railway). Steam trains operated to Black Rock/Eurelia (57km), usually with an ex-WAGR W class 4-8-2.

Cobdogla Irrigation Museum

This is at the Cobdogla Pumping Station on the Murray River. A restored 2ft (610mm) gauge Bagnall 0-4-0ST is active here.

Tasmania

ARHS Tasmania http://www.railtasmania.com/arhs/ (Link broken by May 2023)

General Information on the Steam Scene in Tasmania http://www.railtasmania.com/pres/index.php (Link broken by May 2023)

Ned Johnson tells me that the various stakeholders including the sate government are working towards resuming mainline steam in late 2019 (6th May 2018).

Derwent Valley Railway http://www.dvr.org.au/ (rolling stock) (amended 21st October 2013)

This scenic TR branch to Maydena has been taken over by a preservation society, with HQ at New Norfolk. Restoration is proceeding with the help of Government grants, passenger trains to Westerway resumed in September 2000. Graeme Stanley adds that it is "no longer operational due to denial of track access by the private operator responsible for rail track management in Tasmania.", a situation confirmed by the ARHS guide in 2007.

Don River Railway http://www.donriverrailway.com.au

This picturesque 3ft 6in (1067mm) gauge railway runs 4km from Don Village (near Devonport) to Coles Beach. Operated by the Van Diemens Land Light Railway Society, it uses ex-TGR 2-6-0 and 4-6-2 which have also made appearances off the railway. See Kevin Hoggett's 2017 report (19th April 2017).

Emu Bay Railway

Private 3ft 6in (1067mm) gauge railway which has now been sold to Tasrail (per Ned Johnson, 25th March 2018). Steam may operate on special occasions with other railways stock/locos, but I can find no recent reports of such events.

Ida Bay Railway http://www.idabayrailway.com.au (amended 27th September 2007) 

A 7km long 2ft (610mm) gauge tourist railway is part of a railway originally built to carry limestone and is situated 113km south of Hobart on the A6 Huon Highway and while steam seems to have been used a bit at some stage, services appear to be 100% diesel these days.

Queen Victoria Museum, Invermay http://www.railtasmania.com/pres/group.php?id=qvm (Link broken by May 2023)

The site of the former TGR workshops are being developed as a cultural and leisure centre by Launceston City Council and will include railway exhibits. No steam here advises Ned Johnson (25th March 2018).

Redwater Creek Steam and Heritage Society, Sheffield http://www.redwater.org.au (link dead by 12th April 2018)

This is 30km south of Devonport on the old branch to Roland. There is about 1km of 2ft (610mm) gauge railway with at least one operational steam locomotive. See Kevin Hoggett's 2017 report (19th April 2017).

Tasmanian Transport Museum, Glenorchy, Hobart http://www.railtasmania.com/ttms/ (Link broken by May 2023)

The Museum has a number of steam locomotives, one or more of which may operate special trains on the island. Mount Lyell No. 2 has now left here for restoration to running order and will eventually be used on the West Coast Wilderness Railway (9th November 2019).

Wee Georgie Wood Steam Railway, Tullah

2ft (610mm) gauge 0-4-0WT worked on the Tullah Tramway near Primrose, about 2km of which have been restored. This is Glyn Dawson's picture from early 2008:

West Coast Wilderness Railway http://www.wcwr.com.au

In the last few years, the former Mt. Lyell Mining and Railway Company's Abt rack line from Strahan has been progressively relaid for 34km up to Queenstown. Two of the original locomotives have returned to service. Steam passenger trains operate over the completed section from Queenstown. This is Glyn Dawson's picture from early 2008: James Waite visited in March 2013 (30th March 2013). After a period of service suspension, it will run again from 6th January 2014 only between Queenstown and Dubbil Barril, i.e., including the rack section but only about one half of the total length of the line. The rest of the route to Strahan will be refurbished over the next few months (10th December 2013).  See Kevin Hoggett's 2017 report (19th April 2017).

Mount Lyell No. 2 has now left the Tasmanian Transport Museum for restoration to running order and will eventually be used on the West Coast Wilderness Railway (9th November 2019). This is Rowan Kinnane's picture.

ARHS Victoria http://www.arhsvic.org.au (updated 20th October 2008, link broken by December 2021 as the organisation is defunct post Covid.)

Apart from 'indigenous' locomotives, former Chonburi (Thailand) Sugar Factory 0-6-0T 103 was here and was working in 2001 and the ARHS 2007 guide states similarly, but Ned Johnson advises that it has now gone to the UK (25th March 2018)

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