60 years of iconic steam train

Toot toot – steam train celebrates 60 years!

In July, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of our much-loved steam train. For a whole month, guests could take a steam train trip and step back in time while it made its way through 27 hectares of lush wildlife reserve.

You can still experience the magic of the iconic locomotive as it runs once a month! Make sure to take snaps of your experience and share your favourite moments on social media using the hashtag #CWSsteamtrain.

TAKE A HISTORIC STEAM TRAIN TRIP

Journey on our iconic steam train through the Sanctuary's lush wildlife reserve – this is an experience like no other! The steam train will run every Saturday in July, where you can hop on & off at any of our four stations. If you want the full experience, stay on for the full 2.5km round trip, which takes about 25 minutes. Make sure to take snaps of your experience and share your favourite moments on social media using the hashtag #CWSsteamtrain!

Date & Time: Every Saturday in July, all day
Location: Departing first from Main Station
Additional info: This is a FREE experience included in your day pass

DID YOU KNOW?

Our steam train is 4.5 m long and weighs 2 tons!
It's design was inspired by an American Baldwin locomotive No. A.C.16 and an Australian locomotive C C.17.
The wheel arrangement is a Mikado design known as 2, 8, 2. Two forward wheels act as leaders, with eight driving wheels, and two trailing wheels in the rear bogie.
The driving wheels are cast iron spoked fitted with cast iron tyres. The coupling rods are a Baker valve gear design.
The tender has two bogies, each set with four wheels.
It's steam cylinders are 100mm with piston valves.The steam is produced by water turning to steam in the boiler.
The boiler is a wet leg design, meaning that water is circulating around in the walls that house the coal fire.
It creates 2.42 Australian standard horsepower.

Can't get enough? CLICK HERE to learn more about the steam train and get real insights from David Noble, Head of Trains and Mechanical.

History of the ORIGINAL Steam Train

Take a (steam train) down memory lane and see how it all started!

1964 - The steam train was built in Brisbane by engineer James Jackson. Founder of the Currumbin Bird Sanctuary (as it was known at the time) Alex Griffiths introduces a miniature railway system, to help guests navigate the whole Sanctuary.

1974 - The track is extended to travel under the new Currumbin Creek Bridge. It wasn’t long before the Sanctuary train began picking up steam – in 1974 the track was extended to comfortably escort guests on a scenic journey throughout the even larger expanse of sanctuary land. 

1974-1986 – Over time, four Diesel trains were added to the fleet to help keep up with demand.

2024 – The original steam train of the fleet turns 60 years, continuing to be one of the favourite experiences of guests.