Volunteers

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Mary Valley Rattler community.

Whether you would like to work within a heritage environment, support the operation of our unique steam locomotives or help others to enjoy their railway experience, we would love to have you join us.

Please email volunteering@maryvalleyrattler.com.au to express your interest.

Gallery

COME ON A JOURNEY WITH US

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

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Oct 19

As the weather warms up you will notice GERTIE (Gympie Emergency Response Train) following behind the steam locomotive.

Gertie and her operators travel some distance behind the Rattler on its journey and looks out for any fires which may occur.

Gertie was once part of a Sleeper laying machine but now modified to do her part in protecting the community.

#maryvalleyrattler #Heritagerailway #emergencyresponse #steamlocomotive #visitgympieregion #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland

maryvalleyrattler

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Oct 17

We are very excited to be a part of the Great Queensland Getaway!

The following are 50% off for a very limited time.

🚂 Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children (aged 2-12yrs))
🚂. Premium Dine & Ride (per person)
🚂. VIP Club Car (per person)

Available on our Classic Rattler Run (on Wednesday's and Saturday's) or our All Stations Train (on Sunday's).

Don't miss out, claim your promo code today via https://tinyurl.com/QLDGetawayDealMVR

#maryvalleyrattler #heritagerailway #greatqueenslandgetaway #thisisqueensland @queensland

Subject to availability
Terms & Conditions Apply

maryvalleyrattler

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Oct 16

Celebrating our region with our new #lovegympie merchandise.

Visit the historic Gympie Station at 10 Tozer Street, Gympie (open daily from 9:00am to 2:00pm) to have a look. Our retail shop is full of local produce and Gympie souvenirs to celebrate our wonderful town.

There's also a selection in our online shop https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/shop/

#maryvalleyrattler #lovegympie #visitgympieregion #heritagerailway #historicgympiestation #giftshop #souvenir #localproduce #trainmemorabilia #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

maryvalleyrattler

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Oct 14

Tomorrow is the 154th anniversary of the discovery of gold by James Nash. Celebrate our town this weekend with Gympie’s annual Steam Festival.

Today is the first day of the Steam Festival, starting at the Woodworks Museum. There’s still time to book for the weekend festivities which include Railmotor shuttle services to the Gympie Gold Museum, Markets & Cafe and the Ultimate Steam Train experience.

Please go to the link in our bio or type in your browser https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/steamfestival/ for more information and to book your tickets.

#maryvalleyrattler #heritagerailway #steamlocomotive #historicgympiestation #steamfest #visitgympieregion #gympiesteamfestival #steamfestival #festival #gympiegoldmuseum #gympiewoodworksmuseum #railmotor #nostalgia #heritage #railjourney #rail #localfood #localproduce #foodjourney #railways_of_our_world #railwayphotography #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

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Oct 14

In 1928 the first railmotor was introduced onto the Mary Valley lines. Railmotors would continue to operate on the branch until the late 1960s. RM28 was the first railmotor to be built for operation on the branch.

The purpose of the railmotor was to provide a passenger service on the branch and main lines where passenger numbers did not justify the expense of running a steam train service.

RM28 entered service on 11th May 1928. It was built at North Ipswich Railway Workshops, at a cost of £2076.10. It was able to carry 28 passengers in four compartments. After 1955, RM28 left its Southern haunts and went to Rockhampton.

RM28 was one of a number of railmotors built on bus and truck chassis of the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) and Associated Daimler Company (ADC). Buses in London had been built on the same type 506 chassis since 1914. Power was supplied from a four cylinder 45Hp engine. 38 were imported into Queensland between 1927-31, and then entered service. They were fitted out with seats and bodies, and converted for rail use. The introduction of the 45 HP AEC cars revolutionised rail services in local and regional Queensland.

The Mary Valley Rattler’s RM76 was built in 1934 and traditionally ran the Brooloo line to Gympie, providing a daily link to the town for shopping, the transportation of goods and a means for children to get to school.

RM76 is still operational today as our Rattler Tasting Train running every Thursday. With a tasting platter onboard, and lunch at historic Gympie Station, it is the perfect way to see the picturesque Mary Valley.

Go to the link in our bio to book your seats.

We also have RM76 running this weekend as part of our Steam Festival events. Go to https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/steamfestival/

#maryvalleyrattler #visitgympieregion #historicgympiestation #booknow #tastingtrain #rustyrailscafe #heritagerailway #rattlertastingtrain #toottoot #railmotor #nostalgia #rm76 #heritage #railjourney #rail #localfood #localproduce #foodjourney #joinus #railways_of_our_world #railwayphotography #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

maryvalleyrattler

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Oct 13

All aboard the Rattler Ghost Train!

Join us for a SPOOKtacular journey onboard the historic Mary Valley Rattler. A delicious meal is included in your ticket price with plenty of entertainment and scares along the way!

A night not to be missed!

Don't miss out book your tickets today!
Go to the link in our bio or type in your browser https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/upcoming-events/

#maryvalleyrattler #visitgympieregion #bookahead #halloween #trickortreat #specialevent #spooky #halloweencostume #historicgympiestation #ghosttrain #heritagerailway #steamtrain #steamlocomotive #toottoot #locomotive #nostalgia #heritage #railjourney #rail #railways_of_our_world #railwayphotography #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

maryvalleyrattler

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Oct 12

Meet Rossco

Rossco is one of the unseen players in the Mary Valley Rattler story. Rossco drives from the Sunshine Coast (about 160km return) before the sun rises three days a week to light the fire in the C17 class locomotive. Rossco has been an integral part of the team since we came back on track in October 2018. Thank you Rossco.

If you're thinking of volunteering then contact us. We have a number of areas you can volunteer in from guest experience to workshop crew to drivers and more. No experience necessary as full training is offered but a friendly and helpful attitude is a must.

Please type in your browser https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/volunteer/ or email volunteering@maryvalleyrattler.com.au

#maryvalleyrattler #visitgympieregion #volunteers #weloveourvolunteers #thankyou #Heritagerailway #historicgympiestation #traindriver #steamtrain #locomotive #guestexperience #customerservice #volunteering #volunteer #vollies #lookingforvolunteers #workshopcrew #joinus #training #loveourvolunteers #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #volunteerteam #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

maryvalleyrattler

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Oct 11

Gympie’s premier heritage organisations; the Mary Valley Rattler, the Gympie Gold Museum, Markets & Cafe and the
Woodworks Museum and Interpretive Centre are partnering for the annual Steam Festival and Conference which starts this Friday 15th October.

Day 1 – Friday 15th
* Guided tour of the Woodworks Museum with a blacksmith demonstration, live steam sawmill demonstration & breakfast.
* Ralph Richardson, historian Allan Blackman and Queensland rail historian.
* Greg Hallam will each present on the history of the region, including the discovery of gold and how the railway shaped the region. (Lunch is included in ticket price.)

Day 2 – Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th
Jump on RM76 Railmotor at the Mary Valley Rattler for the shuttle service to Monkland where the 1932 Leyland Bus, which served the Gympie community until the 1960’s, will take you to the Gympie Gold Museum. (Gold Museum entry is included in ticket price.)

Day 3 – Sunday 17th
For the ‘Ultimate Steam Train Experience’, join our workshop crew for the light up of the C17 Steam Locomotive followed by a workshop tour. Breakfast is included and then jump onboard the scheduled service and enjoy your premium experience.

Please go to the link in our bio for more information and to book your tickets.

#maryvalleyrattler #heritagerailway #steamlocomotive #historicgympiestation #steamfest #visitgympieregion #gympiesteamfestival #steamfestival #festival #gympiegoldmuseum #gympiewoodworksmuseum #railmotor #nostalgia #heritage #railjourney #rail #localfood #localproduce #foodjourney #railways_of_our_world #railwayphotography #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

maryvalleyrattler

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Oct 10

'𝑭𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆! 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝑪𝒓𝒆𝒘. 𝑶𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆.' quote from Michael who joined us this week for our 'Footplate Friends Experience'.

This premium experience includes a morning briefing with the train crew, morning tea, return steam train footplate cab ride, Mary Valley Rattler high vis vest, cap, pin, lunch with the crew and certificate of travel. All guests will be included in the Footplate Friends Gallery on our website.

Book your Footplate Friends Experience today via the link in our bio or type in your browser https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/footplate-friends-experience/

#maryvalleyrattler #visitgympieregion #heritagerailway #historicgympiestation #holidays #thingstodo #footplate #giftvoucher #traindriver #thingstodosunshinecoast #steamtrain #steamlocomotive #toottoot #locomotive #nostalgia #heritage #railjourney #rail #railways_of_our_world #specialevent #railwayphotography #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

@maryvalleyrattler

COME ON A JOURNEY WITH US

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

maryvalleyrattler

View

Oct 19

As the weather warms up you will notice GERTIE (Gympie Emergency Response Train) following behind the steam locomotive.

Gertie and her operators travel some distance behind the Rattler on its journey and looks out for any fires which may occur.

Gertie was once part of a Sleeper laying machine but now modified to do her part in protecting the community.

#maryvalleyrattler #Heritagerailway #emergencyresponse #steamlocomotive #visitgympieregion #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland

maryvalleyrattler

View

Oct 17

We are very excited to be a part of the Great Queensland Getaway!

The following are 50% off for a very limited time.

🚂 Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children (aged 2-12yrs))
🚂. Premium Dine & Ride (per person)
🚂. VIP Club Car (per person)

Available on our Classic Rattler Run (on Wednesday's and Saturday's) or our All Stations Train (on Sunday's).

Don't miss out, claim your promo code today via https://tinyurl.com/QLDGetawayDealMVR

#maryvalleyrattler #heritagerailway #greatqueenslandgetaway #thisisqueensland @queensland

Subject to availability
Terms & Conditions Apply

maryvalleyrattler

View

Oct 16

Celebrating our region with our new #lovegympie merchandise.

Visit the historic Gympie Station at 10 Tozer Street, Gympie (open daily from 9:00am to 2:00pm) to have a look. Our retail shop is full of local produce and Gympie souvenirs to celebrate our wonderful town.

There's also a selection in our online shop https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/shop/

#maryvalleyrattler #lovegympie #visitgympieregion #heritagerailway #historicgympiestation #giftshop #souvenir #localproduce #trainmemorabilia #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

maryvalleyrattler

View

Oct 14

Tomorrow is the 154th anniversary of the discovery of gold by James Nash. Celebrate our town this weekend with Gympie’s annual Steam Festival.

Today is the first day of the Steam Festival, starting at the Woodworks Museum. There’s still time to book for the weekend festivities which include Railmotor shuttle services to the Gympie Gold Museum, Markets & Cafe and the Ultimate Steam Train experience.

Please go to the link in our bio or type in your browser https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/steamfestival/ for more information and to book your tickets.

#maryvalleyrattler #heritagerailway #steamlocomotive #historicgympiestation #steamfest #visitgympieregion #gympiesteamfestival #steamfestival #festival #gympiegoldmuseum #gympiewoodworksmuseum #railmotor #nostalgia #heritage #railjourney #rail #localfood #localproduce #foodjourney #railways_of_our_world #railwayphotography #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

maryvalleyrattler

View

Oct 14

In 1928 the first railmotor was introduced onto the Mary Valley lines. Railmotors would continue to operate on the branch until the late 1960s. RM28 was the first railmotor to be built for operation on the branch.

The purpose of the railmotor was to provide a passenger service on the branch and main lines where passenger numbers did not justify the expense of running a steam train service.

RM28 entered service on 11th May 1928. It was built at North Ipswich Railway Workshops, at a cost of £2076.10. It was able to carry 28 passengers in four compartments. After 1955, RM28 left its Southern haunts and went to Rockhampton.

RM28 was one of a number of railmotors built on bus and truck chassis of the Associated Equipment Company (AEC) and Associated Daimler Company (ADC). Buses in London had been built on the same type 506 chassis since 1914. Power was supplied from a four cylinder 45Hp engine. 38 were imported into Queensland between 1927-31, and then entered service. They were fitted out with seats and bodies, and converted for rail use. The introduction of the 45 HP AEC cars revolutionised rail services in local and regional Queensland.

The Mary Valley Rattler’s RM76 was built in 1934 and traditionally ran the Brooloo line to Gympie, providing a daily link to the town for shopping, the transportation of goods and a means for children to get to school.

RM76 is still operational today as our Rattler Tasting Train running every Thursday. With a tasting platter onboard, and lunch at historic Gympie Station, it is the perfect way to see the picturesque Mary Valley.

Go to the link in our bio to book your seats.

We also have RM76 running this weekend as part of our Steam Festival events. Go to https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/steamfestival/

#maryvalleyrattler #visitgympieregion #historicgympiestation #booknow #tastingtrain #rustyrailscafe #heritagerailway #rattlertastingtrain #toottoot #railmotor #nostalgia #rm76 #heritage #railjourney #rail #localfood #localproduce #foodjourney #joinus #railways_of_our_world #railwayphotography #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

maryvalleyrattler

View

Oct 13

All aboard the Rattler Ghost Train!

Join us for a SPOOKtacular journey onboard the historic Mary Valley Rattler. A delicious meal is included in your ticket price with plenty of entertainment and scares along the way!

A night not to be missed!

Don't miss out book your tickets today!
Go to the link in our bio or type in your browser https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/upcoming-events/

#maryvalleyrattler #visitgympieregion #bookahead #halloween #trickortreat #specialevent #spooky #halloweencostume #historicgympiestation #ghosttrain #heritagerailway #steamtrain #steamlocomotive #toottoot #locomotive #nostalgia #heritage #railjourney #rail #railways_of_our_world #railwayphotography #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

maryvalleyrattler

View

Oct 12

Meet Rossco

Rossco is one of the unseen players in the Mary Valley Rattler story. Rossco drives from the Sunshine Coast (about 160km return) before the sun rises three days a week to light the fire in the C17 class locomotive. Rossco has been an integral part of the team since we came back on track in October 2018. Thank you Rossco.

If you're thinking of volunteering then contact us. We have a number of areas you can volunteer in from guest experience to workshop crew to drivers and more. No experience necessary as full training is offered but a friendly and helpful attitude is a must.

Please type in your browser https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/volunteer/ or email volunteering@maryvalleyrattler.com.au

#maryvalleyrattler #visitgympieregion #volunteers #weloveourvolunteers #thankyou #Heritagerailway #historicgympiestation #traindriver #steamtrain #locomotive #guestexperience #customerservice #volunteering #volunteer #vollies #lookingforvolunteers #workshopcrew #joinus #training #loveourvolunteers #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #volunteerteam #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

maryvalleyrattler

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Oct 11

Gympie’s premier heritage organisations; the Mary Valley Rattler, the Gympie Gold Museum, Markets & Cafe and the
Woodworks Museum and Interpretive Centre are partnering for the annual Steam Festival and Conference which starts this Friday 15th October.

Day 1 – Friday 15th
* Guided tour of the Woodworks Museum with a blacksmith demonstration, live steam sawmill demonstration & breakfast.
* Ralph Richardson, historian Allan Blackman and Queensland rail historian.
* Greg Hallam will each present on the history of the region, including the discovery of gold and how the railway shaped the region. (Lunch is included in ticket price.)

Day 2 – Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th
Jump on RM76 Railmotor at the Mary Valley Rattler for the shuttle service to Monkland where the 1932 Leyland Bus, which served the Gympie community until the 1960’s, will take you to the Gympie Gold Museum. (Gold Museum entry is included in ticket price.)

Day 3 – Sunday 17th
For the ‘Ultimate Steam Train Experience’, join our workshop crew for the light up of the C17 Steam Locomotive followed by a workshop tour. Breakfast is included and then jump onboard the scheduled service and enjoy your premium experience.

Please go to the link in our bio for more information and to book your tickets.

#maryvalleyrattler #heritagerailway #steamlocomotive #historicgympiestation #steamfest #visitgympieregion #gympiesteamfestival #steamfestival #festival #gympiegoldmuseum #gympiewoodworksmuseum #railmotor #nostalgia #heritage #railjourney #rail #localfood #localproduce #foodjourney #railways_of_our_world #railwayphotography #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

maryvalleyrattler

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Oct 10

'𝑭𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆! 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝑪𝒓𝒆𝒘. 𝑶𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆.' quote from Michael who joined us this week for our 'Footplate Friends Experience'.

This premium experience includes a morning briefing with the train crew, morning tea, return steam train footplate cab ride, Mary Valley Rattler high vis vest, cap, pin, lunch with the crew and certificate of travel. All guests will be included in the Footplate Friends Gallery on our website.

Book your Footplate Friends Experience today via the link in our bio or type in your browser https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/footplate-friends-experience/

#maryvalleyrattler #visitgympieregion #heritagerailway #historicgympiestation #holidays #thingstodo #footplate #giftvoucher #traindriver #thingstodosunshinecoast #steamtrain #steamlocomotive #toottoot #locomotive #nostalgia #heritage #railjourney #rail #railways_of_our_world #specialevent #railwayphotography #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

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Oct 9

Thank you to everyone that joined us for our 3rd birthday last Saturday, our team had a great day!

Do you have any photos from our birthday celebrations? Tag us or #maryvalleyrattler so we can see.

Need a day out tomorrow? Join us for our 'All Stations Train'. Go to the link in our bio to book your seats.

#3rdbirthday #celebrations #heritagerailway #historicgympiestation
#tripletreat #specialevent #visitgympieregion #spiritofthemaryvalley #steamtrain #allstationstrain #joinus #birthdayfun #steamlocomotive #toottoot #locomotive #nostalgia #railjourney #railmotor #railways_of_our_world #railwayphotography #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

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Oct 8

Congratulations to Chloe who has won our Steam Man prize pack! Thank you to all who entered our Scavenger hunt competition these school holidays!

Do you have any photos with Steam Man from these holidays? Tag us or #maryvalleyrattler so we can see.

#winner #schoolholidays #familydayout #Heritagerailway #historicgympiestation #visitgympieregion #holidayexpress #schoolholidays #thingstodo #thingstodosunshinecoast #joinus #diesellocomotive #toottoot #locomotive #nostalgia #heritage #railjourney #rail #railways_of_our_world #railwayphotography #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

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Oct 7

Steaming into the weekend!
Join us on Sunday for our 'All Stations Train'.

Journey through the Mary Valley before stopping in Amamoor where you'll watch the turning of the engine on the turntable or the @friendsofamamoor welcome you to explore the historic town.

On the return to historic Gympie Station you'll stop at Dagun Station where a cheese and wine tasting session is available to purchase with the Dagun Community Group.

For more information and to book your seats please go to https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/buy-tickets/

#maryvalleyrattler #allstationstrain #sundayfunday #Heritagerailway #historicgympiestation #visitgympieregion #classicrattlerrun #dagunstation #winetasting #amamoorstation #thingstodo #booknow #thingstodosunshinecoast #steamtrain #steamlocomotive #locomotive #nostalgia #heritage #railjourney #railways_of_our_world #railwayphotography #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

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Oct 5

Travel in style this weekend onboard our First Class carriage.

Enjoy a local cheese platter, beverage of choice, your own carriage attendant and much more onboard the iconic Club Car.
Bookings are essential as seating is limited.

Go to the link in our bio for more information and to book your seats.

#maryvalleyrattler #firstclass #clubcar #Heritagerailway #historicgympiestation #visitgympieregion #spiritofthemaryvalley #bookingsessential #classicrattlerrun #allstationstrain #thingstodo #thingstodosunshinecoast #rail #steamtrain #steamlocomotive #locomotive #nostalgia #heritage #railjourney #railways_of_our_world #railwayphotography #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

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Oct 3

A reminder that the historic Gympie Station and the Rusty Rails Café are 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 today.
Our team are taking a well earned break.

The historic Gympie Station will be operating as normal tomorrow from 9.00am to 2.00pm with our scheduled services running on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Rusty Rails Cafe will be open from 8.00 to 3.00pm.

Book your seats via the link in our bio.

#maryvalleyrattler #rustyrailscafe #closedtoday #publicholiday #historicgympiestation #Heritagerailway #visitgympieregion #spiritofthemaryvalley #opentomorrow #volunteers #team #wellearnedbreak #steamtrain #steamlocomotive #toottoot #locomotive #nostalgia #railjourney #railmotor #railways_of_our_world #railwayphotography #maryvalley #gympie #amamoor #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #thisisqueensland #goodtogo #seeaustralia #holidayherethisyear

@maryvalleyrattler