Australia For Everyone: Scenic and Heritage Tourist Railways

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You are here: Home > Destinations > Recreational Activities > Scenic and Heritage Tourist Railways

Destinations: SCENIC AND HERITAGE TOURIST RAILWAYS

More than a generation after steam railway locomotives disappeared from active service, Australians continue to remain fascinated by them. This is true for at least two reasons. They are eminently simple mechanical devices that are easily understood by following the various rods and linkages from the pistons backwards. In a world increasingly surrounded by "black box" technologies, there is something comforting in knowing how the steam locomotive works by seeing the pistons' push and pull of the rods make the wheels go round. Another reason we remain fascinated with them is nostalgia. The sight of a clean locomotive conjures up images of an idealized past where these enormous machines pounded the rails while hauling their trains.
This fascination no doubt accounts for the popularity of the many vintage steam and diesel tourist railways across the country, not to mention the railway museums and preservation societies that lovingly restore and run them. Often adding to their appeal is the inclusion of picnic and recreational areas within their grounds, which all but ensure that visitors have a totally enjoyable day out as well as a nostalgic railway experience. See also: Miniature Tourist Railways

Favourite Steam Train Journeys

Zig Zag Railway, NSW: the Zig Zag heritage railway near Lithgow in the Blue Mountains operates on the lines of the famous but long abandoned Lithgow Zig Zag, which operated between 1869 and 1910. As built, the line formed part of the Main West line from Sydney across the Blue Mountains and served to lower the line from its summit into the Lithgow valley on the western flank of the mountains. The tourist railway passes through tunnels and over majestic stone viaducts built in the 19th century. It is a great destination to incorporate into a trip to The Blue Mountains, or youy can catch a CityRail train from Sydney direct. More >>

West Coast Wilderness Railway, Tas: this popular attraction forms a gateway for visitors to not only travel through the pristine rainforst wilderness of Tasmania's west, but also to explore Tasmania’s unique rail heritage, discovering the inspiring story of the pioneers who built the railway more than 100 years ago. Along this journey the train stops at stations of the past – where trained guides bring to life the stories of these historic points on the railway. More >>

Pichi Richi Railway, SA: this popular tourist railway passes through the picturesque Pichi Richi Pass in the Flinders Ranges on its weekly journey between Port Augusta and Quorn. It route follows that of the first stage of the original Ghan train, opened in 1879 that was to link Port Augusta with Darwin, but was never completed beyond Alice Springs. More >>

Puffing Billy Railway, Vic: the restored Puffing Billy Steam Train in the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne takes travellers on a memorable journey on Australia's most notable narrow gauge railway through lush ferns and towering timbers in the Dandenong Ranges. A century-old steam train that runs on its original mountain track from Belgrave to Gembrook, Puffing Billy travels 24.5 km up and back with mountain scenery and panoramic views constantly passing the windows of the fully enclosed heritage carriages. More >>

The Valley Rattler, Qld: The Rattler's spectacular journey begins at historic Gympie Railway Station. Built in 1913, the station building is a living tribute to Gympie and Cooloola's golden rail heritage which began in the 1870's and is a link to the region's "Golden" past. Valley Rattler steam heritage tours are operated by The Mary Valley Heritage Railway. More >>

State By State list of Tourist Railway websites

New South Wales