Embark on an unforgettable three-day heritage rail journey as DownsSteam invites you aboard the very first long-distance Commissioner Railmotor overnight tour to the far south-west of Queensland. This historic trip celebrates the Grand Opening of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre in partnership with the Thallon Progress Society – marking the return of heritage passenger rail to Thallon after a decade.
Step back in time aboard our exquisitely restored 2000 Class Railmotors RM2004 & RM2032, known as the “Commissioner Cars.” Relax in vintage comfort as you journey across the Darling Downs, through cotton and grain country, past the iconic Yelarbon Silos, and into the heart of outback Queensland. With all meals, accommodation, transfers, and touring included, this is a rare chance to experience the romance of overnight heritage rail in country style.
🚉 Your Itinerary
Day 1 – Friday 27 March 2026: Toowoomba → Goondiwindi
7:00am – Guest check-in at Toowoomba Railway Station (luggage loaded by crew)
8:00am – Departure south through Warwick and the Southern Downs
Morning tea served onboard
Comfort stop at Warwick Station
Lunch served onboard during the run west across grain and cotton country
5:00pm – Arrive Goondiwindi, transfer to accommodation
Evening Dinner included, followed by time to explore Goondiwindi’s relaxed country hospitality
Day 2 – Saturday 28 March 2026: Goondiwindi → Thallon → Goondiwindi
• Breakfast at your hotel
• 8:00am – Depart Goondiwindi by Commissioner Railmotors
• Travel west across the vast plains to Thallon,
• Participate in the Grand Opening of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre at 12 midday - 12:15pm
• Pub BBQ Lunch included in Thallon township at the Francais Pub
• Bus tour around Thallon to Rogues Gallery/Silo Art/Info Station/Sculptures (lead by local guide)
• Tour the Rail Centre/Thallon Park (Giant Wombat Sculpture & War Memorial) . (lead by local guide)
• Afternoon return journey to Goondiwindi
• Dinner included at a local venue with DownsSteam hosts
Day 3 – Sunday 29 March 2026: Goondiwindi → Toowoomba
Breakfast at your hotel
Morning departure eastbound through cotton and grain country
Morning tea and lunch served onboard
Comfort stop at Warwick
5:30pm – Return to Toowoomba Railway Station
🍷 Your Ticket Includes
Return rail travel aboard DownsSteam’s heritage 2000 Class “Commissioner Cars”
Two nights’ accommodation in Goondiwindi (twin share or single)
All meals: daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and morning/afternoon teas
Exclusive entry & tour of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre Grand Opening
Sightseeing: Yelarbon Silos, Warwick highlights, Thallon township tour
All ground transfers, luggage handling, and guest service
Dedicated DownsSteam hosts throughout the journey
💰 Pricing (All-Inclusive, includes GST and booking fees)
Ticket Type Price per Person
Couple (Shared bed) $1,845.45
Twin Share (one room, two single bed) $1,845.45
Single Traveller $1,107.27
🎟️ Limited Seats Available – Don’t Miss the Train!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Thallon by heritage rail for its Rail Heritage Centre’s grand opening. With just 40 seats available, demand will be extremely high – secure your booking early.
Please Note:.
• Passengers are strongly encouraged to wear flat, comfortable shoes as the experience will be held outdoors on varying surfaces including gravel, grass and some uneven walkways.
Additional Info
Guests should arrive at Toowoomba Railway Station by 7:00am for luggage check-in. Train departs promptly at 8:00am.
Onboard toilets are available on both Railmotors.
Concession fares are not available for this trip.
Light refreshments and snacks are also available for purchase from onboard the Railmotors and the visitor souvenir shop will also be open before the tour.
We will endeavour to honour advance seating requests, however, we cannot guarantee any particular seat. We reserve the right to assign or reassign seats at any time, even after boarding the train. This may be necessary for operational, safety, security or other reasonable reasons.
Accessibility
Unfortunately, due to the era of the Railmotors, wheelchair access is not available. Access requires using steps into the carriages.
You may also like the following events from DownsSteam Toowoomba:
Also check out other
Workshops in Thallon,
Arts events in Thallon.
