Gympie Ultimate Steam Festival

For the first time, all three Gympie heritage attractions will combine forces to present a unique experience, not just for steam buffs, but for all people, young and old, to experience the various uses of the power of steam.

The Valley Rattler steaminging through the Mary Valley.

Friday 9th – Monday 12th April 2010

Click here for information on the Mary Ann replica Steam Locomotive.

One of the highlights of the festival will include rides on the unique ‘Mary Ann” full size replica of an 1873 timber line steam engine.

Click to listen to the 4GY Interview with MVHR President, Tony Hallam

Watch the huge 1899 working steam winding engine, combined with a steam powered compressor, used to power jackhammers and rock drill in the mine and steam powered electric generator. Woodworks Museum activities will include a mobile saw milling competition and traditional handtool demonstrations, while the Rattler will run two return trips each day to Amamoor, 23 km down the old Mary Valley branchline.

Visitors will experience a full range of heritage steam working across a range of industries with combined ticket prices giving entry to all venues for four days of exceptional value and entertainment.

The map below shows the location of the three venues and the shuttle bus (Polleys Coaches) pickup point in Jaycee Way, Nelson Reserve. The shuttle bus will run hourly between the 3 venues – fare $4.40 Adults and $2.20 concession all day ticket.

Gympie Ultimate Steam Venue Map.

Heritage Steam Attractions

 

 

 

 

 

  

The Valley Rattler

Valley Rattler

The Valley Rattler heritage steam train will run three hour trips twice a day over the four day Gympie ltimate Steam Festival. The train features a C17 class locomotive and original wooden carriages, with volunteer locals manning the train, as you gently make your way through Mary Valley scenery, starting from the historic Old Gympie Station. Click to read more...

Click here for information on the Mary Ann replica Steam Locomotive.

The Mary Ann

The Mary Ann is a faithful replica of the first steam locomotive built in Queensland in 1873, serving on timber lines in Cooloola National Park. Based in Maryborough, and operated by Volunteers, the replica is on its second visit to Gympie and will be running tours from Old Gympie Station on Sunday and Monday during the festival. Click to read more...

 

   

Gympie Gold Mining Museum

Mining Museum

During the Steam Festival between 10am and 3pm each day, the Gympie Gold Mine and Historical Museum will be lighting the 20,000 litre Cornish Boiler to generate the steam to operate a 110 year old Walker Winding Engine as well as operating the Thompson steam powered 12 tool 2 stage air compressor and other steam equipment. Click to read more...

Gympie Woodworks Museum

Woodworks Museum

Woodworks The Forestry and Timber Museum in Gympie provides a fascinating insight into the role of timber in Queensland and the Gympie region’s colonial beginnings. Discover how the pioneers worked the timber and how the industry evolved over the decades up to the 1950’s – from axes and adzes, to chainsaws and saw mills. Click to read more...