- Tickets are now available to ride Queensland's historic Gulflander service
- Higher-than-average rainfall and flooding across north Queensland had delayed the reopening
- The service travels through the glorious Gulf Country along a heritage-listed line.
NEWS GRABS WITH LOUISE COLLINS
Take a journey through wetlands and grasslands and the arid Savannah with Queensland Rail's historic tourism train the Gulflander returning 15 May 2024.
Tickets to ride the RM93 diesel railmotor, known as the 'tin hare', are now available following an extended closure due to significant weather.
The Gulflander operates seasonally, however higher-than-average seasonal rainfall and flooding across North Queensland this past wet season resulted in a later start to this year's season.
The service operates out of North-West Queensland along the heritage-listed Normanton to Croydon line.
The line was never connected to the state rail network and remains the only line in Queensland still measured in miles.
This year we are pleased to welcome a new driver at the controls of the railmotor, which was built in Ipswich in 1950. Garry Breitkreutz has moved from Weipa and is a qualified fitter and turner.
As stated by Executive General Manager Louise Collins:
"I'm pleased to announce the iconic Gulflander service will return to the track on 15 May.
"This trip is like no other. The line was originally built to connect the once bustling river port of Normanton to the gold fields of Croydon.
"It's a tribute to the early pioneers of the Gulf country and the railway line still retains the original rail and sleepers laid between 1888 and 1891.
"The recent wet weather also means passengers will be in for a picturesque journey with the rainfall transforming the journey's landscape into a flourishing oasis."
As stated by Queensland Rail Officer in Charge, Garry Breitkreutz:
"I'm very excited to have the opportunity to have my team and I deliver this unique and iconic experience to visitors coming into this remote but beautiful region of Queensland.
"I have a passion for all things mechanical and a huge admiration and respect for all who contributed to our rich rail history.
"We are so reliant on technology these days compared to our predecessors in the 1800s.
"You only have to look at the beautiful buildings and machinery of our ancestors to see the skills that were required, skills that are being lost to technology today. So, I'm very pleased to be a part of preserving the past.
"Come join me on the trip. It will be a lot of fun and I will provide commentary on the local history, while pointing out unique sights, plants and animals along the way."
Background
Tickets start from $75 one way and $125 return for an adult, $37.50 one way and $62.50 return for a child, $60 one way and $100 return for concession. Customers can purchase tickets now ahead of services resuming on 15 May.
