- Historic experience: Take a one-of-a-kind historic rail experience while riding in the steam train's rebuilt vintage engines and carriages.
- Countryside: Discover the charming villages and country lifestyle in Queensland's countryside.
- Beautiful scenery: Take a ride on the Rattler Steam Train and take in the beautiful, tranquil vista of Mary Valley.
- Various stations: Visit Gympie, Dagun, and Amamoor, three fully restored heritage stations based on the Mary Valley Rattler ticket option you select.
- Kangaroo spotting: Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos hopping beside the tracks, a common sight during the journey.
- Delicious delights: Indulge in scrumptious meals and snacks served on the train, prepared using locally sourced produce for a true taste of the region.
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Mary Valley Rattler | A Heritage Steam Train Journey
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time, to an era when steam trains ruled the rails? Well, look no further than the Mary Valley Rattler in the beautiful Sunshine Coast! This iconic tourist attraction is a journey through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
The historic steam train transports you to a bygone era with beautifully preserved interiors that showcase the elegance and craftsmanship of the time. Gaze out the large windows and soak in the gorgeous views of the Sunshine Coast as you indulge in morning tea or a delicious lunch spread.
Why Book Mary Valley Rattler Tickets?
Mary Valley Rattler Highlights
Classic Rattler Train
The 40-kilometre voyage in a rebuilt C17 steam train is a legendary experience that takes you from Gympie via the picturesque Mary Valley to the sleepy town of Amamoor. Spend a short time browsing and watch the train get ready for the return trip on the historic turntable.
Steam Locomotive Tour
The train driver gives you a private tour in the early morning and demonstrates how the locomotive is fueled and ready for a day on the tracks. Then take a guided tour of the workshop where volunteers have meticulously restored and maintained the Rattler fleet.
Rusty Rails Cafe
Nestled at the Gympie Station, the Rusty Rails Cafe epitomizes culinary charm. With locally-sourced ingredients, it serves a big selection of breakfast dishes, lunch bowls, and snacks like muffins and scones. The cafe's train carriage booth seats offer a nostalgic twist to a delightful dining experience.
Sights Covered With Mary Valley Rattler Tickets
Plan Your Mary Valley Rattler Experience
Mary Valley Rattler Timetable
Wednesdays and Saturdays
- Departure from Gympie: 9am
- Arrival at Amamoor: 10am
- Arrival at Amamoor: 10am
- Departure from Amamoor: 11am
- Arrival at Gympie: 12pm
Sundays
- Departure from Gympie: 9am
- Arrival at Amamoor: 10am
- Arrival at Amamoor: 10am
- Departure from Amamoor: 10:40am
- Arrival at Gympie: 12:30pm
Address: Mary Valley Rattler, Tozer St, Gympie QLD 4570. Find on Maps
- By Train: QR’s North Coast Railway line.
Nearest Stop: Gympie. - By Bus: #3 & #4.
Nearest Stop: Mellor Street near Power Street (Hail n Ride). - By Car: The Gympie station is around 78 km away from the Sunshine Coast airport, about a 1-hour distance by car.
Car Parking: On-site parking is available while nearby streets also offer free parking spaces, including accessible parking.
Wheelchair carriages: There are specially designed carriages with more space that are suitable for wheelchairs. Ramps allow you to board the train with ease and you can also borrow a wheelchair on a first-come-first-serve basis if you don't have your own. You will need to inform the station to make any necessary arrangements for wheelchair access.
Toilets: There are toilets available both on the train and at the stations, including accessible toilets.
Service dogs: Service dogs are allowed onto the train.
Parking: There are parking spaces available on-site and also on nearby streets.
Pets: You can bring your pets along on the Classic Rattler Train on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. There are specialised carriages for pets to keep them comfortable. You can bring 2 pets per group.
Rusty Rails Cafe
Located at the Gympie Station, the Rusty Rails Cafe offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options. Designed to resemble an old-school Resfreshment Room, the Rusty Rails Cafe includes nostalgic carriage booth seats that add a rustic charm to the station.
Upgrade your Classic Rattler tickets to the Rattler Tasting Train tickets to enjoy a delectable meal at this cafe after the scenic train ride.
Rusty Rails Opening Hours:
Wednesdays to Sundays: 8 AM to 2 PM
Breakfast: 8 AM to 11 AM
Lunch: 12 PM to 2 PM
There are partnered hotels in Gympie that provide discounts on stay for those who ride the Mary Valley Rattler. Most hotels in Gympie are moderately priced with all the necessary facilities available. Here are some great stay options near the Historic Gympie Station.
Great Eastern Motor Inn: less than 5 km away, bar and restaurant, room service, pet-friendly
The Royal Hotel: 1.5 km away, rooms with kitchenettes, sports bar with live entertainment
Amamoor Homestead: 23 km away, hilltop bed and breakfast, country cottages, pet-friendly
- Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum: The Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum features exhibits on Australia's military, rural, transport, communications, and steam advancements, in addition to artefacts from the early days of gold mining.
- WoodWorks Museum: The WoodWorks Museum offers information about the timber industry and social aspects of the past through exhibitions, and displays bullock carts, a 1925 Republic vehicle, a significant collection of pioneering hand tools, and a blacksmith shop.
- Amamoor Reserve: The Amamoor State Forest and Forest Reserve is a riverine rainforest in the Gympie region where National Country Music Muster, the largest outdoor country music festival in Australia is held every year.
- Skydive Noosa: If you're in the mood for some adventure, try the tandem skydive experience at Skydive Sunshine Coast, which is only about an hour away from the Gympie Station.
Visitor Tips
- Witness train arrival: If you have the time, reach about 45 minutes before your train's departure to witness the arrival of the train.
- Bring identification: Please bring your current photo ID document with you in case your discounted tickets need to be verified. A current student ID is required for all students.
- Take precautions against smoke: If you have a lung ailment that could be aggravated by coal dust it’s best to avoid the trip. Alternatively, take proper precautions before boarding the train.
- Request assistance beforehand: If you have any special requests or need assistance for the disabled, ensure that you inform the Gympie station in advance to avoid delays.
- Book online tickets: Book your Mary Valley Rattler tickets online to guarantee your seats.
- Stay hydrated: Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated, especially during summer.
- Free travel for infants: Infants under 2 years old who are not occupying a seat travel free.
- Book child ticket for infant reservation: If you would like to reserve a seat for your infant under 2 years old, please book as a child fare.
- Guardian for minors: Minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- No smoking: Smoking is not allowed on the train, on the platforms, or in any shaded spaces.
- Don't get on the tracks: It is forbidden to stand or walk on the tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mary Valley Rattler Tickets
The cost of Mary Valley Rattler Train tickets is AU$65.
You can buy Mary Valley Rattler Train tickets online.
The best way to buy Mary Valley Rattler tickets is to book them online. This allows you to enjoy several benefits like:
Advanced booking: You can plan your trip in advance and ensure a seat even on crowded days.
Free cancellations: Cancel you tickets anytime if you change your mind.
Online discounts: Get great deals and discounts when booking your tickets online.
Yes, you can get a discount on Mary Valley Rattler Train tickets if you book your tickets online.
The Mary Valley Rattler, formerly known as the Mary Valley Heritage Railway, is a heritage railway line in Australia, that operates steam train journeys and tours from Gympie through the Mary Valley.
You can access the Mary Valley Rattler Train by purchasing tickets for the tour.
The Mary Valley Rattler Train is located in the Gympie Region of Queensland, Australia.
Some of the highlights of Mary Valley Rattler Train include the Light Up & Workshop Tour.
You can board the Mary Valley Rattler Train in Gympie by choosing and booking one of the options available for Mary Valley Rattler Train tickets.
The Mary Valley Rattler Train has different timings depending on the experience you choose. The Classic Rattler runs from 9am to 12pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Mary Valley Rattler Train provides guides, food and drinks onboard, is wheelchair accessible and has toilets.
Yes, Mary Valley Rattler Train is accessible by wheelchair.
Yes, photography is allowed on Mary Valley Rattler Train.
Mary Valley Rattler Train allows you to have a heritage experience like none other, taking you along the picturesque Mary Valley landscape and providing you with a delectable meal, these alone make the trip worth it.
