30/08/2026
🚂 More Than a Train Ride—A Complete Heritage Touring Experience
We occasionally receive questions about the cost of travelling with Southern Downs Steam Railway, so we would like to explain what is included in one of our heritage rail adventures.
Our full-day tours to destinations such as Stanthorpe and Ballandean generally run for around 10 hours. The $230 fare, including GST, usually provides much more than a seat on a heritage train.
Depending on the particular tour, your experience may include:
Travel aboard our lovingly maintained heritage train through the beautiful Southern Downs and Granite Belt.
Morning tea with cakes, biscuits, tea and coffee.
A two-course lunch, including a main meal and dessert.
Entry to, or guided tours of, wineries, national parks, festivals and other regional attractions.
Connecting bus transport.
The assistance of SDSR’s friendly volunteers throughout the day.
A complete and carefully organised day out, with much of the planning and transport taken care of for you.
Many of our passengers tell us they are amazed that SDSR can provide such a comprehensive experience for the fare charged. When the meals, entertainment, attraction visits, bus transfers and approximately 10 hours of heritage travel are considered together, we believe our tours represent very good value.
SDSR is a not-for-profit, volunteer-managed heritage railway. No one involved in operating our tours is paid. Every dollar earned is returned to the maintenance and restoration of our locomotives, carriages and railway infrastructure, as well as the care of our 4.5-acre heritage railway precinct in central Warwick.
Operating a heritage railway is a substantial and continuing responsibility. Our locomotives and century-old timber carriages require specialist inspections, servicing, repairs and restoration to ensure they remain safe, compliant and operational. Despite the enormous voluntary contribution made by our members, the Association generally finishes each year close to break-even.
When you purchase an SDSR ticket, you are therefore doing much more than booking a day out. You are helping preserve an important part of Queensland’s railway history and supporting its continued operation for future generations.
A journey with SDSR is a unique combination of heritage rail travel, regional scenery, good food, interesting destinations and warm country hospitality. It is a complete touring experience—and one that directly helps keep Queensland’s railway heritage alive.
đźš‚ Come for the journey, enjoy the complete experience and help us keep heritage rail operating long into the future.
