Our Steam Train Celebrated 60 Years

Updated: 26 August 2024

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 this year, the iconic first steam train ran every Saturday during July. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary guests could experience the magic of the steam train by hopping on and off the train at one of our four stations throughout the Sanctuary, or stay on for a whole lap, which took around 25 minutes.

How Do Steam Locomotives Work

We asked Dave how the steam train works.

“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 with a smile on his face.

We also wanted to know what the people think about our iconic red steam train:

“Children love it but for adults it brings back their childhood memories of having a train set.”

Do you have a memory with our steam train that you want to share? We'd love to see them! Share your favourite moments on social media using the hashtag #CWSsteamtrain.

7 Facts About the Steam Train

Here are seven interesting 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

You can still experience the magic of this locomotive! Once a month, the steam train makes its way through 27 hectares of lush rainforest, bringing you to places where you can meet native wildlife and exotic species.

Keep an eye on our socials as days vary!