Southern Downs Steam Railway

Southern Downs Steam Railway Southern Downs Steam Railway Association Inc (SDSR) is a Heritage Rail operator based in Warwick QLD Online tickets are processed securely and safely.
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Find out about our mainline train tours on the 'Downs Explorer' and purchase tickets online by selecting from the trips we have available below to view dates and details. If you have any suggestions or enquiries regarding charters, please contact us. Warwick to Toowoomba and return
Warwick to Goondiwindi
Warwick to Stanthorpe Mystery Wineries tour
Warwick to Wallangarra and return
Warwick to Clifton and return
Warwick to Clifton NIGHT RUN and return

đźš‚ BECOME A MEMBER AND HELP KEEP HERITAGE RAIL ALIVE!The Southern Downs Steam Railway is inviting individuals, couples an...
06/09/2026

đźš‚ BECOME A MEMBER AND HELP KEEP HERITAGE RAIL ALIVE!

The Southern Downs Steam Railway is inviting individuals, couples and families to become members and help secure the future of heritage rail in our region.

Membership is only $30 per year and covers two family members.
You do not have to volunteer every week—or volunteer at all—to make a valuable contribution. Your membership alone provides important financial support for the restoration, maintenance and operation of our historic locomotives, timber carriages, railway buildings, museum collection and Warwick Rail Precinct.

By becoming a member, you can enjoy benefits and opportunities including:
• A 10% members’ discount on Downs Explorer rail tours
• Occasional complimentary members’ train rides and special outings
• Invitations to members’ barbecues, social gatherings and railway events
• SDSR newsletters and updates on tours, restoration work and future projects
• Opportunities to meet people who share an interest in railways, history, tourism and community service
• The satisfaction of directly supporting a volunteer-run, not-for-profit heritage railway
• The choice to become practically involved whenever your time permits

For those who would like to participate more actively, there is an extraordinary variety of ways to help. Opportunities include:

• Restoring and maintaining steam and diesel locomotives
• Repairing and preserving our historic timber carriages
• Mechanical fitting, welding, fabrication and machining
• Carpentry, joinery, painting and building maintenance
• Electrical, plumbing and general trade work
• Track maintenance and railway infrastructure projects
• Gardening, mowing and maintaining the Warwick Rail Precinct
• Cleaning locomotives, carriages, buildings and visitor areas
• Assisting as a carriage attendant, guard, fireman or train driver, with the appropriate training and competencies
• Helping passengers on heritage rail tours
• Preparing and serving morning teas, meals and refreshments
• Assisting with barbecues, special events and community functions
• Welcoming visitors and conducting museum or precinct tours
• Administration, bookkeeping, compliance and record keeping
• Marketing, photography, social media and tour promotion
• Fundraising, grant applications and sponsorship
• Helping with the Warwick Railway Station arts, heritage and community activities
• Sharing railway knowledge, local history or specialist skills with others

Whether you live in Warwick, elsewhere in Queensland or interstate, your membership matters. Every membership strengthens our organisation, helps fund essential work and shows that the community values the preservation of Australia’s railway heritage.

For just $30 a year for two family members, you can become part of the SDSR family and help us keep the sights, sounds and experiences of heritage rail alive long into the future.

đźš‚ Join the journey today:
www.downsexplorer.org.au/membership

Southern Downs Steam Railway Association Inc.
Home of the Downs Explorer—preserving our railway heritage for future generations.

Building skills and strengthening Australia’s rail futureThe Warwick Railway Precinct is once again alive with the sound...
06/09/2026

Building skills and strengthening Australia’s rail future

The Warwick Railway Precinct is once again alive with the sound of track work as this year’s participants undertake their Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure – Track Work training.

The four-week program combines classroom learning in the beautiful heritage surrounds of Warwick Railway Station with two weeks of practical training throughout the adjoining rail precinct. As the photographs show, participants are gaining genuine hands-on experience while completing a range of carefully supervised track repairs and infrastructure upgrades.

The work requires precision, teamwork and a strong commitment to safety. Participants develop practical skills that can include installing sleepers, repairing rail fastening systems, maintaining rail joints, undertaking track ballasting, installing rail and measuring and recording track geometry.

The nationally recognised TLI27121 Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure provides foundational skills for employment as a track worker, track installer or track maintainer. It prepares participants for the routines, procedures and responsibilities involved in maintaining Australia’s rail infrastructure.

Southern Downs Steam Railway proudly hosts this valuable training program each year and has supported its delivery at the Warwick Railway Precinct for many years. It is a wonderful partnership: participants receive practical experience in an authentic railway environment, while their carefully completed projects contribute to the continuing maintenance and improvement of our historic precinct.

Australia is a vast country with an extensive rail network that requires skilled and dedicated people to keep it safe and operational. Queensland Rail also participates in the national Rail Industry Worker competency-management system, highlighting the importance of properly trained and competent personnel throughout the industry.

SDSR is proud to play a small but meaningful part in helping people gain recognised qualifications, practical experience and a pathway into the Australian rail industry.
We congratulate this year’s participants on the quality and precision of their work and wish them every success in their training and future rail careers. We hope their time at the historic Warwick Railway Precinct will remain a memorable and rewarding part of their journey.

Southern Downs Steam Railway — preserving our railway heritage while helping build the skills needed for its future.

A HERITAGE RAIL HIGHLIGHT FOR NATIONAL CONFERENCE DELEGATESMore than 160 delegates attending the Social Impact in the Re...
06/09/2026

A HERITAGE RAIL HIGHLIGHT FOR NATIONAL CONFERENCE DELEGATES

More than 160 delegates attending the Social Impact in the Regions 2026 national conference recently enjoyed a memorable journey aboard Southern Downs Steam Railway’s Downs Explorer.

The heritage train carried conference participants from Stanthorpe to Ballandean and return, with workshops continuing aboard the train and at venues throughout the Granite Belt.

Held in Stanthorpe from 2–4 September, Social Impact in the Regions brought together regional changemakers, social entrepreneurs, community leaders, government representatives, researchers, philanthropists and investors from across Australia. The conference explored practical ways to strengthen regional communities, encourage collaboration and create lasting social and economic benefits.

The Downs Explorer journey was one of the highlights of the three-day conference and provided delegates with a wonderful opportunity to experience our region’s railway heritage, scenery and warm country hospitality.

Southern Downs Steam Railway was delighted to play a part in showcasing the Granite Belt to such a diverse national audience.

The accompanying photograph captures some of these adventurers alighting from the train upon their return to Stanthorpe.

We sincerely hope everyone enjoyed their time in our beautiful region and that we can welcome them aboard the Downs Explorer—and back to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt—again very soon.

Learn more about Social Impact in the Regions:
https://socialimpactintheregions.com.au/

Discover upcoming Downs Explorer heritage rail adventures:
https://downsexplorer.org.au/

🚂 ALL ABOARD FOR BALLANDEAN – SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER!Join the Southern Downs Steam Railway for an enjoyable heritage trai...
04/09/2026

🚂 ALL ABOARD FOR BALLANDEAN – SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER!

Join the Southern Downs Steam Railway for an enjoyable heritage train journey from Stanthorpe to Ballandean and return on Saturday, 26 September.

Travel through the beautiful Granite Belt countryside aboard our historic timber carriages and enjoy a relaxing visit to Ballandean. It is an affordable day out for families, friends and railway enthusiasts.

🎟️ Return train fares

Adults – $25
Children – $10

🍽️ Important lunch reminder

Passengers wishing to have lunch at the Ballandean pub must book their lunch directly with the pub before travelling. Lunch is not included in the train fare, so please reserve your table early.

đź”— BOOK YOUR TRAIN TICKETS NOW: bit.ly/4gEFD9a

Seats are limited, so book early and join us for a wonderful heritage rail experience in the Granite Belt.

Every ticket helps the Southern Downs Steam Railway—an entirely volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation—maintain its locomotives, historic carriages and railway facilities for future generations.

đź“… Saturday, 26 September 2026
🚉 Stanthorpe to Ballandean return
🎫 Adults $25 | Children $10

Come along and enjoy the journey!

🔥 BBQ LUNCH AT CLIFTON RAILWAY STATION TODAY! 🚂Clifton locals—come down to Clifton Railway Station from 11.30am today an...
04/09/2026

🔥 BBQ LUNCH AT CLIFTON RAILWAY STATION TODAY! 🚂

Clifton locals—come down to Clifton Railway Station from 11.30am today and enjoy a BBQ lunch in support of the junior and senior Warwick Rodeo Queen entrants.

You do not need to be travelling on the train. Everyone is welcome to come along, purchase lunch and support this important local fundraiser.

The Southern Downs Steam Railway heritage train will also be at Clifton Station, giving families and visitors a wonderful opportunity to see the train while enjoying lunch.

đź“Ť Clifton Railway Station
🕦 From 11.30am today
🔥 BBQ lunch fundraiser

Bring the family, see the heritage train and help support the Rodeo Queen entrants ahead of the Warwick Rodeo in October.

Lunch at Clifton Station is the place to be today—we look forward to seeing you there!

🚂 ALL ABOARD FOR A GREAT CAUSE TODAY! 🤠Join us at the historic Warwick Railway Station from 9.00am this morning for a de...
04/09/2026

🚂 ALL ABOARD FOR A GREAT CAUSE TODAY! 🤠

Join us at the historic Warwick Railway Station from 9.00am this morning for a delicious breakfast fundraiser hosted by the junior and senior Warwick Rodeo Queen entrants.

Everyone is welcome—you do not need to be travelling on today’s heritage train to come along, enjoy breakfast and support this wonderful cause.

The fundraising continues at Clifton Railway Station from 11.30am, where the entrants will be serving a BBQ lunch. If you live around Clifton, are passing through or travelling aboard the train, please stop by and show your support.

Today’s special heritage train tour from Warwick to Clifton is also raising funds for the Warwick Rodeo Queen Quest, ahead of the Warwick Rodeo in October.

🎟️ A limited number of last-minute train tickets are still available!

Come to Warwick Railway Station by 9.30am to purchase your ticket before the 10.00am departure.

đźš‚ Warwick to Clifton return
🎫 $100 per person

Enjoy a memorable day aboard our heritage train while helping the Rodeo Queen entrants raise funds for one of Warwick’s most important annual events.

See you at the station this morning—come aboard and support a very worthy local cause!

Wanted 3-4 Truck Brake Drums... used!The Southern Downs Steam Railway is in need of 3-4 used truck brake drums. If you h...
31/08/2026

Wanted 3-4 Truck Brake Drums... used!

The Southern Downs Steam Railway is in need of 3-4 used truck brake drums. If you have some spare behind the shed they would be very handy for projects we have underway here at the Warwick Rail Precinct. Please email us if you can help us out... [email protected]. We can arrange to pick them up.

🚂 More Than a Train Ride—A Complete Heritage Touring ExperienceWe occasionally receive questions about the cost of trave...
30/08/2026

🚂 More Than a Train Ride—A Complete Heritage Touring Experience

We occasionally receive questions about the cost of travelling with Southern Downs Steam Railway, so we would like to explain what is included in one of our heritage rail adventures.

Our full-day tours to destinations such as Stanthorpe and Ballandean generally run for around 10 hours. The $230 fare, including GST, usually provides much more than a seat on a heritage train.

Depending on the particular tour, your experience may include:

Travel aboard our lovingly maintained heritage train through the beautiful Southern Downs and Granite Belt.
Morning tea with cakes, biscuits, tea and coffee.
A two-course lunch, including a main meal and dessert.
Entry to, or guided tours of, wineries, national parks, festivals and other regional attractions.
Connecting bus transport.
The assistance of SDSR’s friendly volunteers throughout the day.
A complete and carefully organised day out, with much of the planning and transport taken care of for you.

Many of our passengers tell us they are amazed that SDSR can provide such a comprehensive experience for the fare charged. When the meals, entertainment, attraction visits, bus transfers and approximately 10 hours of heritage travel are considered together, we believe our tours represent very good value.

SDSR is a not-for-profit, volunteer-managed heritage railway. No one involved in operating our tours is paid. Every dollar earned is returned to the maintenance and restoration of our locomotives, carriages and railway infrastructure, as well as the care of our 4.5-acre heritage railway precinct in central Warwick.

Operating a heritage railway is a substantial and continuing responsibility. Our locomotives and century-old timber carriages require specialist inspections, servicing, repairs and restoration to ensure they remain safe, compliant and operational. Despite the enormous voluntary contribution made by our members, the Association generally finishes each year close to break-even.

When you purchase an SDSR ticket, you are therefore doing much more than booking a day out. You are helping preserve an important part of Queensland’s railway history and supporting its continued operation for future generations.

A journey with SDSR is a unique combination of heritage rail travel, regional scenery, good food, interesting destinations and warm country hospitality. It is a complete touring experience—and one that directly helps keep Queensland’s railway heritage alive.

đźš‚ Come for the journey, enjoy the complete experience and help us keep heritage rail operating long into the future.

đźš‚ SDSR Represents Southern Queensland Heritage Rail at Goondiwindi Community CabinetRepresentatives of the Southern Down...
30/08/2026

đźš‚ SDSR Represents Southern Queensland Heritage Rail at Goondiwindi Community Cabinet

Representatives of the Southern Downs Steam Railway Association recently attended the Queensland Government Community Cabinet meeting in Goondiwindi, providing an important opportunity to advocate directly for heritage rail, regional tourism and the future of SDSR’s operations.

SDSR met with the Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, Andrew Powell MP, to discuss the Association’s role as a major heritage tourism operator in Southern Queensland.

The discussion highlighted the economic and tourism benefits generated by SDSR’s heritage rail experiences, which attract visitors to Warwick and communities along the wider rail network. SDSR also outlined its continuing investment in the Warwick Railway Precinct and its development as a heritage, arts, cultural, tourism and community destination.

SDSR also met with the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg MP, to discuss several matters important to the future of heritage rail in Queensland.

These included:
• Replacement of the railway bridges on the Wallangarra line that were destroyed by fire in 2023, and the need to investigate practical, cost-effective and compliant engineering solutions to restore this important tourism route.
• The future of the proposed Stanthorpe turntable, which could improve heritage train operations and support greater rail tourism activity in Stanthorpe and across the Granite Belt.
• The need for stronger Queensland Government recognition and support for heritage rail as an important part of the state’s history, regional tourism economy and volunteer community.
• The development of a more coordinated and consistent approach to maintaining Queensland’s heritage locomotives and rollingstock.

SDSR expressed support for Queensland Rail’s objective of improving the coordination of heritage rollingstock maintenance, including the possibility of major specialist maintenance being undertaken at Queensland Rail’s Ipswich Workshops. Access to the experience, equipment and facilities available at Ipswich could help protect historically significant railway assets and provide heritage operators with clearer and more consistent maintenance arrangements.

The Community Cabinet was a valuable opportunity to place these matters directly before the responsible Ministers and explain the challenges and opportunities facing volunteer heritage railway organisations.

SDSR will continue advocating for the restoration of the Wallangarra railway, improved infrastructure at Stanthorpe, appropriate maintenance support and greater recognition of heritage rail’s contribution to regional Queensland.

We greatly appreciate the time given by Ministers Andrew Powell and Brent Mickelberg to listen to SDSR’s proposals and discuss the way forward.

The matters have now been placed firmly before the Queensland Government—let’s see how we go!

đźš‚ Southern Downs Steam Railway Association Inc.
Preserving Queensland’s railway heritage while supporting regional tourism and local communities.

đźš‚ Strong Attendance at the SDSR Annual General MeetingMore than 50 members and guests attended the Southern Downs Steam ...
30/08/2026

đźš‚ Strong Attendance at the SDSR Annual General Meeting

More than 50 members and guests attended the Southern Downs Steam Railway Association’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 29 August, at the historic Warwick Railway Station.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on another productive year for SDSR, including the continued operation of our popular heritage rail experiences, major locomotive and rollingstock maintenance, improvements throughout the Warwick Railway Precinct, and the extraordinary contribution made by our volunteers.

Members were advised that SDSR’s finances remain in good shape, providing a sound foundation for the Association’s future. The meeting also considered plans for the year ahead, including further heritage rail operations, ongoing restoration and maintenance projects, the continued development of Warwick Railway Station as a heritage, arts, cultural and community venue, and new opportunities to strengthen tourism across Warwick and the Southern Downs.

We were privileged to welcome guest speakers Dr Gary Bacon and Hilda Maclean from the Royal Historical Society of Queensland. Their fascinating illustrated presentation explored Allan Cunningham’s journeys through the Southern Darling Downs during the early nineteenth century and the development of the Mill Hill and Warwick railway stations in the late 1800s.

The presentation, supported by an excellent slideshow of historical information and images, highlighted the important role that exploration, settlement and the arrival of the railway played in shaping Warwick and the surrounding district. It was particularly meaningful to hear this history while gathered inside the beautifully restored Warwick Railway Station—one of the region’s most significant heritage buildings.

The formal proceedings and historical presentation were followed by a sumptuous barbecue lunch, giving members, volunteers and guests an opportunity to relax, catch up and discuss the exciting year ahead.

It was a wonderful morning of history, fellowship and optimism for the future, held in an iconic building that SDSR’s volunteers are proud to preserve and share with the wider community.

Our sincere thanks go to Dr Gary Bacon and Hilda Maclean for their informative presentation, to everyone who prepared and served the barbecue lunch, and to all the members, volunteers and guests who attended and helped make the occasion such a success.

đźš‚ Southern Downs Steam Railway Association Inc.
Preserving our railway heritage and keeping history alive.

Images: Warwick Railway Station, Mill Hill, Allan Cunningham. WRS today, the Warwick Rail Precinct today.

Address

Our Base. . . Corner Hamilton And Fitzroy Street Warwick QLD/trains Depart From Warwick Railway Station
Warwick, QLD
4370

Opening Hours

Wednesday 8:30am - 3pm
Thursday 8:30am - 3pm

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