Date:

Sunday, 18th May, 2025

Join us aboard the Picnic Train for a special return day trip from Sydney to Thirlmere, celebrating the annual Thirlmere Festival of Steam.

For one day only, the Picnic Train will operate a steam-hauled journey to the event, with steam locomotive R766 leading the way. Board the train at either Central Station or Strathfield, where we will initially travel behind our heritage diesel locomotives. At Enfield, in the heart of Sydney, the powerful steam locomotive R766 will be attached to take the train all the way to Thirlmere.

Your ticket includes event and museum access, and upon arrival in Thirlmere, you'll disembark right at the heart of the event, at the exhibition platform within the museum.

In the afternoon, you will depart Thirlmere behind steam locomotive R766. A special treat awaits as R766 will run parallel to the train between Campbelltown and Glenfield, offering a unique experience as we travel through Sydney's suburbs. The heritage diesels will drop passengers off at Campbelltown, Glenfield, and Central.

Fares:

Please Note: All fares are for same-day return travel and include museum and event access.

Private Compartment — $550 per group of 8

Enjoy the benefits of an entire compartment to yourselves — great for families and social groups!

One booking is good for up to a maximum of eight (8) people.

Four Seat Booth — $360 per group of 4

Four seat booth with a table in a heritage saloon carriage.

Single Tickets — $110 Per Person

Single Ticket at a shared table of 4

Kids Festival High Tea* - $440 per group of 4 

Travel in our air conditioned dining car and receive a kid friendly high tea served on the way to Thirlmere comprising of party pies and sausage rolls, spring rolls, fairy bread and an assortment of chocolate treats. Includes unlimited tea and coffee, and refills of soft drink

Southbound Journey

• Central - dep. 08.00am 

• Strahfield - dep. 8.15am 

• Thirlmere - arr. 11.55am

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Northbound Journey

• Thirlmere - dep. 4.20pm 

• Campbelltown - arr. 5.40pm 

• Glenfield - arr. 6.00pm

• Central - arr. 6.40pm

*Approximate times only. Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to departure. An event update email will be sent to the ticket bookings a couple of days prior to the event with final trip details.

Buffet Car:

Our buffet car will be available for light snacks and drinks. We encourage passengers to bring their own picnic hampers.

BYO alcohol is allowed and can also be purchased from the Buffet Car.

The Picnic Train is now a licensed venue.  We have obligations under our Plan of Management to ensure the safety of passengers.  Whilst the Plan of Management and the liquor license act are available should anyone wish to review, some important conditions are
* Alcohol will not be sold to persons under 18 and our team is trained to request proof of age.
* There are maximum limits in place, our team is trained to deny serving alcohol where appropriate.
* No Alcohol is to be taken or consumed off the train.

BYO alcohol is allowed, however, large eskys will not be permitted

Babies and Toddlers:

Babies in arms and small toddlers may be brought along at no additional cost. Babies and toddlers must be nursed and not occupy a booked seat. 

Toilets:

Toilets are available in all carriages.

Mobile Phones:

There are limited charging points on the heritage equipment. It is recommended that you bring an external battery charger for your mobile devices.

Motive Power:

One of our Heritage Diesels is planned for the journey.

Location:

Central Station, Strathfield Station

Contact Details:

Contact Event Organiser