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The 'Rattler at Amamoor Station' Experience

Updated: Aug 29


We woke to a chilly winter’s morning and felt we needed to do something fun. But low-cost! But, we decided, free-of-cost would be even better!


Only one activity fit the bill — the Rattler experience at Amamoor!


Okay, it's not entirely free because of the +-25 km drive from Gympie, but what a morning! So worth it. Easy to approach from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, or even from Maryborough up north.

Amamoor Station

We arrive to find ample parking beside Amamoor station. As we exit our vehicle, the friendly sound of buskers fills the air. Walking behind the station to the pedestrian crossing, there is a good view of the Amamoor Village Green. It is 30 minutes before the steam train is scheduled to arrive and it is already a hive of activity.

Bandstand

The sound from the band of ukulele buskers is absolutely delightful, playing songs from the 70s to suit everyone’s style. The sun is warm on our backs. A few folks are having tea at the Village Green Café. All waiting expectantly for the star of the show!


Picnic tables are available on the green, so to pass the time we enjoy our flask of tea brought from home. This is supposed to be a low-cost outing, right? I cave to the desire for something sweet and practically rush to the café counter to see what is on offer. Among the decadent delights, is one slice of lemon meringue just waiting to be snapped up! We share it at our picnic table over tea … what joy … so deliciously smooth, sweet and tangy with just the right amount of meringue on top. Magnifique!

cake
Tea in the park
Sharing is beneficial ... for the hips!

Twelve minutes later, we hear the t-o-o-t of the rattler, and sure enough, almost on time (a little past 11 am), she rolls slowly into the station, steam pumping, wheels squeaking, rails rattling! It is nothing less than a thrill to be there, and to experience the sights and sounds of yesteryear.

Steam Engine
Captured from a video

Phones recording, cameras snapping, people clapping. Everyone is smiling from ear to ear. This is, after all, what we have all come to see! The Mary Valley Rattler in all her glory!

Steam Engine from the side
Engine 967

As the passengers disembark and make their way onto the green, they, too, are met by the unique ukuleles and smiling faces all around. Some go to the café; some remain at the railing to view that majestic engine up close. Some visit the quaint, old-time general store over the road. A few simply relax on the lawns. Others browse the market stalls or stop at the Mary Valley Rattler gift shop to purchase a memento of their experience.

gift shop
crios
gift shop

The Rattler's gift shop opens after the rattler arrives at the station. It is housed in the old station building and sells curios, gifts, snacks and drinks. There is a mock-up of a coach, where you and the family can pose, waving out of the windows, for a photo op.

hanging basket of flowers

Once everyone has crossed the tracks, the steam engine is disconnected from the coaches and is readied by volunteers who lovingly check all her bits. One is oiling parts; another placing an eagle eye here and there; another stoking that ever-hungry fire with more coal. Toot! She moves a little ahead, changing tracks, and then manoeuvres into reverse to make her way to the turntable.

Many of us run to the fence beside the turntable to secure a good vantage point. Puff, rattle, hiss, squeak … she’s there, in position!

Steam Engine on the turntable

The table begins to turn. The delight of the steam enthusiasts is palpable. The children are enthralled! Even a hound adds his voice – woof-woof – responding to the excitement all around. The atmosphere is electric!


As soon as she’s turned, the tracks need to be changed to put her on course to move to the opposite end of the carriages for the return journey to Gympie. We all wait, patiently. Toot! That quick indication — on the move! She moves forward, slightly out of sight, ahead of the carriages. Again, we wait.  


train signs
Cafe table, coffee and pie

The ukulele band is strumming and singing with all their heart, buoyed by folk joining in. The smell of fresh pies, toasted sandwiches, and coffee fills the air. People are laughing and chatting. Dogs greet each other as their owners sip their drinks contentedly. “Take me home, country roads, to the place I belong…”. Several extra voices join in!

view of the park

Suddenly, a burst of steam … more steam, and yet more … the Rattler is readying to reverse. Toot! She edges up close and is hooked up to the carriages. She seems to heave a sigh of relief.

engine steam and carriages

steam train in the station

Thirty minutes is left before she departs. Everyone is enjoying the moment. The warm winter sun. The country views. The music. Children are focusing on their ice cream. Families and friends enjoy each other’s company. It’s a chance to unwind. To gather outdoors with others. To smile. To chat. To sigh and reminisce. To sing and laugh! A perfect Saturday morning.

dog waits for his owner

All too soon, it’s time to board the train. The Rattler volunteers ensure that all the passengers are accounted for. Contented faces appear at the windows. Shooosh! Steam blows. Toot! Puff, rattle, hiss, squeak … and she’s off! Waving hands appear from windows as they pass by. She rounds the far bend, the sounds disappear, and then, silence. Oh, wait, not quite!


“These boots are made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do…”, strums the ukelele band… “are you ready boots … are you ready …?”

“Yeah”, we all shout together!

Such fun! Even my normally staid-out-in-public hubby trotted out some vibes on the green!


A delightful morning out, at the cost of a few litres of petrol, $7 for a slice of cake, and a gold coin donation to the buskers. But of course, if you can afford to, go along and support the Amamoor Village Green Café. Support the General Store. Support the buskers. But most of all, support The Rattler! Buy a ticket and take the ride. (Disclaimer: I receive no benefit from this promotion.) There are a variety of experiences and packages on offer. The train traverses through the beauty of the Mary River Valley. It crosses creeks and rivers! It navigates by long-forgotten stations of yesteryear and passes by lazy, grazing cows in pastures. And all the while you are looked after by faithful volunteers who are there to make your experience as memorable as possible.

Volunteer driver boards the train

Thanks to all the Rattler volunteers! Keep up the steam, team!


* 10 things you might not know:


  1. The Classic Rattler Run, a return trip to Amamoor, operates on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, leaving Gympie at 10 am, and returning at 1 pm.  

  2. On Sundays, the Classic Rattler Run includes an extra short stop at Dagun, where you can enjoy lawn games and purchase an optional cheese and wine tasting.

  3. The current star of the Rattler experience is the C17/967 Steam Locomotive, built at Walkers Limited in 1950, Maryborough.

  4. The Silver Bullet Railmotor 2000 Class offers a Friday run to Dagun, with a high tea experience thrown in.

  5. Ride with the Driver!! Yes, you can! A perfect Father’s Day gift, or birthday gift. The ‘Footplate Friends Experience’ allows you to ride in the cab with the train drivers, with several perks e.g. lunch with the crew, thrown in.

  6. Do you crave a VIP experience? You can have one on the Rattler! A special package ticket is available for the experience of a lifetime. With VIP treatment on the ride in the 1st class De Luxe carriage and a meal at the historic station’s Rusty Rails Café upon your return to Gympie, you will surely feel spoiled and special for a few hours.

  7. Take your furry friend along for the ride! Book the pet-friendly carriage, so that Baxter, Pixie, Chilli or Roxy can ride with you without moping at home.

  8. Support a Sleeper: One of their biggest challenges is maintaining the 25km of track, including 42,500 sleepers. For $100 you can support a sleeper, receive a certificate of recognition, and have your name displayed at the station. Best of all, this donation is tax deductible.  

  9. The Rattler Experience operates with volunteers. They become part of the ‘Rattler family’ and receive role-specific training when they join.

  10. Some exciting services include picnic trains, gourmet food services, and special event services for weddings, parties, Anzac Day, Australia Day, ‘Whodunit’ murder mystery rides and Halloween events.


*  Location


Amamoor is a small Mary River village a mere hour and a half from Brisbane, 30 minutes from the Sunshine Coast, and 20 to 25 minutes from Gympie. In the 2021 census, a population of 720 was recorded, with 32 identifying as Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander. Amamoor is adjacent to the Amamoor State Forest and Forest Reserve offering protection to more than 120 species of birds. The region is a birder’s delight!

Google maps of Gympie Region

 

* For the history buffs


Gold was discovered in Gympie in 1867. Brisbane and Maryborough sought to be the export point for gold mined in Gympie. Maryborough won, and the Mary River Line was opened from Maryborough Port to Gympie, in 1881. The existing railway station from which the Rattler operates was not the original – this was in a different location and situated at the top of a steep hill. Eventually, the line from Brisbane was connected, but the last stretch to the station from the south was so steep, that often two engines were needed to pull trains with heavy loads.

With the Gold Rush over, the Mary Valley began to thrive in other ways: timber, agriculture, and dairy. This resulted in a demand for transportation by rail. Subsequently, the line was expanded into the Mary Valley as far as Brooloo, and a new station in Gympie was part of the expansion. This was opened in 1913 and is where the Rattler now operates from. Built in a ‘pagoda’ or tiered style, the station has been recognised as the largest timber railway building in Queensland. It is now a heritage-listed building.

Passenger services to Gympie from the Mary River Valley ended in the mid-1990s; a modern line had been built that detoured Gympie, with a station erected at the northern end of the town.

A year later the Mary Valley Heritage Railway Organisation was created by community members, passionate about keeping the region's rail heritage alive. On May 23rd, 1998, the first Rattler Experience made its way along the line.

Between 2012 and 2018 the line underwent major upgrading, and the Rattler was forced to rest for that period. But, in 2018 the service began again, only to grow spectacularly, with various exciting experiences throughout the year. With a concerted effort from volunteers and the local community, the Rattler is operated as a not-for-profit enterprise. It provides a tourist experience like none other and is a delightful addition to the Gympie Region’s many attractions.

Gympie Railway Station
Heritage-listed Gympie Railway Station

Thanks for stopping by. We are off to the Rusty Rails café to try out their coffee.

If you enjoyed this post, please like, comment, or share on your socials. We'd appreciate it.

Or you can 'Buy me a Coffee'. (Link below.)

Until next time. 🌼 





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