To celebrate its 160th year of service, Queensland Railway is organising a special event that will both offer a nostalgic heritage journey and raise funds for an important cause: Santa Steam Express. This heritage train journey aims to keep history alive by bringing families together in the picturesque Brisbane suburbs at Christmas time.
Festive Journey with Historical Steam Locomotives
The event will include a journey on the Bety, the BB18¼ steam locomotive that has become an icon of the Queensland Railway. Families will experience the 40-60 minute round trip journey from Roma Street Station in Brisbane to Milton, Sherwood and Fairfield. Even though tickets are sold out fast, enthusiasts can share this enthusiasm by welcoming the train on platform 3.
This year’s Santa Express differs from traditional events in that it showcases a historic locomotive and has a charitable purpose. Queensland Rail sees this event as an important finale to its year-long 160th anniversary celebrations.
Santa Steam Express Supports Vulnerable Babies
All donations collected through Santa Steam Express will go to Mater Little Miracles, a fund of the Mater Foundation, which supports Queensland’s smallest and most vulnerable babies.
The funds raised will help purchase a state-of-the-art ventilator to benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in South Brisbane.
Neil Backer, Director of Queensland Railway Southeast Queensland, said he was pleased that the partnership symbolised both heritage and hope, adding that the celebration of 160 years of train services reflected the essence of philanthropy. Mater Foundation CEO Andrew Thomas emphasised that the event gives families a chance to experience the magic of the holiday season.
