This is in celebration of Queensland Rail’s 160 years of service, as marked by the Santa Steam Express that will offer a heritage train ride event over the holidays that is both nostalgic in nature and a means of raising funds for a crucial cause.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Ride the Santa Steam Express for a Magical Christmas
Photo: Queensland Rail

Santa Steam Express Unites History and Celebration

Queensland Rail marks a significant milestone in this festive journey aboard the BB18¼ steam locomotive, Bety. Families will take return trips from Roma Street Station in Brisbane through the picturesque suburbs of Milton, Sherwood, and Fairfield.

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Each train ride is set to be between 40-60 minutes long, giving enthusiasts a way to experience what it is like to journey through the age of steam trains. Since tickets sold out in no time, one way to experience the thrill is to welcome the train at Platform number 3.

This year, this event is a little different from the usual Santa Express as they showcase a heritage locomotive. Therefore, Queensland Rail combines history with community events to support a cause that matters.

Santa Steam Express Supports Mater Little Miracles

All funds raised will go towards Mater Little Miracles, a fund of the Mater Foundation, supporting Queensland’s smallest and most vulnerable babies.

It will help purchase a state-of-the-art ventilator that will benefit the Neonatal Critical Care Unit located in South Brisbane.

Queensland Rail’s Head of South East Queensland, Neil Backer, is pleased that the partnership signifies both heritage and hope. He added that marking the occasion of 160 years of train service during the time of Christmas captures the essence of giving.

Mater Foundation CEO Andrew Thomas praised the initiative, saying that this event brings together not only two wonderful causes, as Mater Foundation and the Queensland Ballet are both Queensland institutions in themselves, “but also gives these families a chance to experience some of the magic of the holiday season.”

“The Santa Steam Express is the finale of Queensland Rail’s year-long celebration of a major anniversary,” Queensland Rail spokesperson Annasta Tatchell explained. “It included operating trains with steam during Ekka events as well as other community events.” Queensland Rail is intent on keeping history alive as well as fostering a new set of memories for years to come.

Source: www.railexpress.com.au

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What is the Santa Steam Express?

The Santa Steam Express is Queensland Rail’s heritage steam train event celebrating its 160th anniversary and raising funds for Mater Little Miracles.

How can I attend the Santa Steam Express event?

Tickets are sold out, but visitors can still join the fun by watching the train arrive and depart from Roma Street Station Platform 3 in Brisbane.

Who benefits from the Santa Steam Express charity ride?

All proceeds go to Mater Little Miracles, which supports neonatal care for premature and seriously ill babies in Queensland.

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