A 109-year-old former NSW Government Railways steam locomotive will return to Bathurst this June Long Weekend (6–8 June), operating a series of heritage rail journeys to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Main Western Line reaching Bathurst.
More than 3,000 passengers are expected to travel behind historic locomotive 3526 during the three-day event, which will feature regular steam train rides departing Bathurst Station, including a return journey to Orange.
Transport Heritage NSW CEO Andrew Moritz said the event offered a unique opportunity for visitors to experience a living piece of NSW history.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for families, visitors and railway enthusiasts alike to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and atmosphere of steam rail travel," Mr Moritz said.
"Locomotive 3526 first entered service in 1917 and remains one of the finest examples of NSW steam heritage still operating today.
"It is especially fitting that the locomotive is returning to Bathurst as part of celebrations marking 150 years since the railway first arrived in the city."
Bathurst has long played a significant role in the State's railway story, serving as a major operational and maintenance centre for steam locomotives throughout much of the twentieth century.
"At its peak, more than 500 railway employees worked in Bathurst maintaining and operating the steam locomotives based there," Mr Moritz said.
"The city's railway heritage is deeply woven into its identity. Even former Prime Minister Ben Chifley began his career at the Bathurst Locomotive Depot, working his way through the ranks to become a locomotive driver before entering politics."
Transport Heritage NSW is once again partnering with Bathurst Museums for the event, with all steam train ticket holders receiving 20 per cent off admission to the Bathurst Rail Museum.
