“On this day in 1870, Sergeant Moore and Trooper Knox have been commissioned to escort a large shipment of gold from the Gympie Goldfields to Imbil. There has been recent bushranger activity in the area and we have reason to believe an attempted armed hold-up will take place. We think a serious attempt will take place when we reach Imbil so alight the train as quickly as possible.”

It might just be a re-enactment but the kids will love the Valley Rattler Bushranger Hold-Up, a steam train tour on the third Sunday of each month.

The historic Valley Rattler does several tours through South East Queensland’s scenic Mary Valley and is one of Queensland’s most scenic railway lines.

The Valley Rattler is open daily. The 'Red Rocket' Rail Motor departs Gympie Station on Tuesday mornings. Full Day Steam Tours depart every Wednesday and Sunday. Half Day Steam Tours depart every Saturday. Closed Christmas Day.

Disembark at fully restored historic stations and admire the original character of the early 1900s. Enjoy interesting excursions and good old-fashioned country hospitality. At Amamoor and Dagun Stations there is wine and cheese tasting and local produce, arts and crafts. Journey through the scenic Mary Valley and negotiate the steep slopes of the Mary River, offering spectacular views. It’s a great opportunity to view modern rural life from the seat of a heritage train.

Getting there:

Old Railway Station, Tozer Street, Gympie. Gympie is 170km north of Brisbane and easily accessed by road and rail.

By train:

Catch the Sunlander, Tilt Train or Spirit of the Outback to Gympie. To book your rail adventure call Traveltrain Holidays on 1800 627 655.

Further information:

Ph 07 5482 2750