Dozens of tourists have created history as the first passengers in decades to arrive in the tiny southern Queensland town of Thallon by rail.
Excited passengers travelled for hours on a special Steam Train to attend the grand opening of the Thallon Rail Interpretive Centre on the 28 March.
Thallon Progress Association’s Leanne Brosnan, said it was a huge milestone for Thallon.
“Our town is a very proud railway town, and our Goods Shed was the perfect location to showcase this,” Mrs Brosnan said.
“So, we moved it across town, gave it a scrub, and have filled it with amazing rail memorabilia and stories from the area.
“It’s our way of paying tribute to the region’s strong rail history which has helped the Balonne Shire prosper.”
Mrs Brosnan said that it’s been 40 years since passenger trains regularly pulled into town.
“We still have a strong freight train presence; we are one of the busiest grain depots in the country.”
“But there are plenty of locals who’ve never seen a train with people on it in Thallon.
“So, it was a real thrill to host hundreds of visitors on the weekend on the Steam Train trips.”
The train, run by Downs Steam Toowoomba, travelled west from Toowoomba, overnighting in Goondiwindi before making its way to Thallon for the Rail Centre Opening.
Downs Steam also ran a Steam train shuttle from Thallon to Gradule on the day, which proved hugely popular attracting more than 130 passengers from the local area.
The Queensland Government’s Building Bush Tourism Fund was a catalyst for the creation of the Thallon Rail Interpretive Centre.
Member for Warrego Ann Leahy said that the Thallon Progress Association were a dedicated group of locals who had worked tirelessly to promote the community of Thallon.
“With stunning painted silos, wombat sculpture, and now steam trains, the Thallon Progress Association punch well above their weight,” Ms Leahy said.
“The Association’s hard work has created a once in a lifetime opportunity for railway passengers and again they have succeeded in putting Thallon on the map as a great community and outstanding tourist destination.”
