Celebrating 60 Years of Iconic Red Steam Train
No one knows more about the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Steam train than David Noble, Head of Trains and Mechanical - he’s been working on the train for the last 30 years!
“Since 1964 the coal fired steam train has entertained and delighted our guests as it’s meandered its way through the heritage-listed wildlife sanctuary,” says Noble.
“It’s become a generational attraction now. People come up to me and ask is this the same train I went on as a kid? They can’t believe it’s still running.”
Take a Steam Train Ride
To celebrate its 60th anniversary, the iconic first steam train will run every Saturday during July for Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Visitors. Hop on and off the train at one of our 4 stations throughout the Sanctuary, or stay on for a whole lap, which takes around 25 minutes. This is a free experience, all included in your general admission ticket.
If you’re passionate about steam trains, this is a must-do! You can purchase day tickets by clicking here.
The Best of the Steam Train
We asked Dave about his favourite steam train moment:
“It takes over an hour to fire up the steam train. There’s 100 litres of water in the boiler which you have to heat up but once she gets going there’s simply no comparison to the feeling of driving it,” he says.
We also wanted to know what the people say about our iconic red steam train:
“Children love it but for adults it brings back their childhood memories of having a train set.”
If you have steam train memories to share, we'd love to see them! Whether they’re old or new, we’d love to see them! Share your favourite steam train memories on social media using the hashtag #CWSsteamtrain.
Fun Facts about the Steam Train
Here are some fun facts about the first Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary steam train:
- The train was built in 1964 by Brisbane engineer Jim Jackson
- It used to only go around in a circle on the east side of the Sanctuary but the line was extended in 1974 to travel under the Gold Coast Highway
- It now travels on a 2.5km track
- The train pulls 9 carriages and can carry up to 70 people
- There are 4 stations throughout the Sanctuary where guests can jump on or off the train
- Coal for the train is donated by the Ipswich Rail Museum
- There are only two times the train didn’t run. When Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary was closed due to COVID in 2020 and in 2011 when the train was rebuilt
Take a steam train ride by visiting us on any Saturday in July!