Minister for Transport and Main Roads, HON. V. G. JOHNSON
26/2/98
HISTORIC STEAM EXCURSION UNWINDS ITS WAY TO THE OUTBACK
The grand era of steam train travel throughout central Queensland will be recreated in April with a special rail excursion to Winton and Longreach.
Member for Gregory and Transport and Main Roads Minister Vaughan Johnson has congratulated Queensland Rail Traveltrain for encouraging Queenslanders to visit the region.
"Guests participating in this special excursion will travel west aboard vintage wooden carriages drawn by an historic steam locomotive, with their return journey on the famous Spirit of the Outback," said Mr Johnson.
"An adventure in its own right, the nostalgic steam train journey has been specially created to tie in with the inaugural Easter in the Outback Festival, which promises to be the most significant cultural and entertainment event ever staged in Queensland's outback," he said.
The unique 10-day excursion combines the grace and charm of historic steam train travel, with the comfort of one of Traveltrain's award-winning services.
Departing Brisbane on Saturday 4 April, the steam locomotive will travel north though the Glass House Mountains, Gympie and Bundaberg to Rockhampton.
"From here, it heads west through Emerald, Barcaldine and the heart of Queensland's enchanting outback, enroute to Longreach and Winton," said Mr Johnson.
Incorporating a host of stop-overs and attractions along the way, the steam train journey will culminate with the grand opening celebrations of the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton on Saturday 11 April and the 10th Anniversary of the Stockman's Hall of Fame in Longreach on Sunday 12 April.
Part of Queensland Rail's fleet of restored heritage locomotives and one of the last steam trains to be built in Queensland, the 1950's C17 engine is affectionately referred to as the Brown Bomber'.
The vintage wooden carriages, which were built in 1905, feature open platforms, polished timber interiors, pressed metal ceilings and authentic lacework gates, allowing passengers to relive the romance of rail travel during the turn of the century.
Tour prices start from $1,421 per person, twin share, including the steam train excursion return travel on the Spirit of the Outback, ten nights accommodation on a share basis in a range of quality hotels and motels in Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Emerald, Longreach and Winton. Transfers between accommodation and most meals are also included.
Supplementary accommodation and transport prior to and following the conclusion of the tour can be made at the time of booking.
For bookings and further information about the Steam Train Excursion, telephone Roma Street Travel Centre on 07 3235 1331, or contact your local travel agent.