Mary Valley Rattler

Mary Valley Rattler Celebrate the history of the Mary Valley Rattler and experience the magic of heritage rail travel. All aboard! Experience the Magic of the Mary Valley Rattler!
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Step back in time and rediscover the charm of a bygone era aboard the award-winning Mary Valley Rattler. Our heritage fleet of steam and diesel locomotives, carriages, and vintage railmotors each carry a unique story, creating an unforgettable journey through the picturesque Mary Valley. The beautifully restored historic Gympie Station on Tozer Street is where your adventure begins. Dive into the

rich history of the Rattler line, its people, and the region through our Heritage Display and interactive exhibits. It’s a place where the past comes to life, and every visit offers a new discovery. Hop onboard our Classic Rattler Run and enhance your journey by upgrading to a VIP Booth or VIP Experience, or take the ultimate rail adventure by riding upfront with our Footplate Friends Experience. Indulge in elegance with our Silver Bullet High Tea or join one of our many themed and specialty rail journeys for a truly unique experience. Plus, Pets on Board means your furry friends can join in on the fun! With accessibility, safety, and enjoyment always top of mind, we welcome everyone to experience the magic of the Rattler. Fuel your journey with delicious fare from the Rusty Rails Café, offering a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal before or after your rail adventure. On Friday and Saturday nights, don’t miss Tapas on Tozer, where live music, tapas, and the station’s atmosphere combine for an unforgettable evening. We proudly welcome Probus, Lions, Rotary, and sporting groups, as well as clubs of all kinds to join us onboard or in the café, making your group outings truly special. Don’t forget to explore our gift shop, featuring local goodies, unique giftware, and memorable souvenirs—an excellent way to take a piece of the Rattler magic home with you. This incredible experience is made possible by our dedicated volunteers, whose passion and hard work ensure the Mary Valley Rattler remains a treasured icon for generations to come. Their commitment keeps the wheels turning and the stories alive. As a registered charity and Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) organisation, your support helps us preserve this cherished piece of railway history and share it with future generations. Award-winning, volunteer-powered, and filled with heart, the Mary Valley Rattler is more than just a train ride—it’s an extraordinary connection to history, community, and adventure.

We’re not saying John was giving C17 967 a stern talking to……but we’re also not saying he wasn’t."Now listen here, young...
31/05/2026

We’re not saying John was giving C17 967 a stern talking to…
…but we’re also not saying he wasn’t.

"Now listen here, young lady. I've told you before... no showing off in front of the guests!"

The funny thing is, after all these years, we're convinced our volunteers have conversations with the locomotive like she's part of the family. And honestly? We think she listens.

Want to see what C17 967 has to say for herself?

Hop onboard a Classic Rattler Run and experience the steam-powered personality of the Mary Valley Rattler for yourself.

Thanks to Tracey Jaffrey for this great photo.

You're never too old for cake, celebrations and a day out on the rails!Yesterday we had the pleasure of welcoming John a...
30/05/2026

You're never too old for cake, celebrations and a day out on the rails!

Yesterday we had the pleasure of welcoming John and his family onboard our Silver Bullet High Tea Experience to celebrate a very special milestone.

At 88 years young, John proved that great adventures, good company and a little indulgence never go out of style.

From bubbles on arrival to sweet treats and beautiful Mary Valley scenery, it was a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday surrounded by family and friends.

Happy Birthday, John! We hope your day was every bit as special as you are!

Thanks to Kate Suzette for the photos.

Tracks are for trains. Not people.Safety is always our top priority at the Mary Valley Rattler.While we don’t operate ra...
29/05/2026

Tracks are for trains. Not people.

Safety is always our top priority at the Mary Valley Rattler.

While we don’t operate rail experiences every day, we are still a working railway corridor with maintenance activities, asset movements and rail operations happening regularly between Gympie and Amamoor.

That’s why we’re reminding everyone to:
⚠️ Stay off the tracks
⚠️ Keep out of the railway corridor
⚠️ Stay alert at railway crossings

With 10 railway crossings along the line, we ask all drivers, pedestrians and members of the community to take extra care around the railway.

A moment of caution can make all the difference!

28/05/2026

HAVE YOU SAVED THE DATE?!

The Rattler Community Christmas in July Fair is rolling into historic Gympie Station on Saturday 04 July and it’s going to be BIG!

Think Christmas cheer with a Mary Valley twist:
🎶 Live music + roving performers
🛍️ Local market stalls
🚂 Festive train rides (bookings open now!)
🎨 Kids activities + family fun

And wow… the response from vendors has been incredible.

We’re officially SOLD OUT of vendor space… except for ONE final spot!

🍦 Calling all dessert vendors, ice cream trucks and sweet treat legends - if you’d love to join the fun, we’d love to hear from you. Please email [email protected]

27/05/2026

Your weekend deserves an upgrade…

Skip the rush, settle into your own comfy VIP Lounge seat and let the Mary Valley roll by outside your window.

Along the journey you’ll enjoy:
🥂 Relaxed heritage rail travel
🧀 An onboard tasting plate
🌿 Beautiful countryside scenery
🍴 A delicious lunch at Rusty Rails Café on your return

It’s the kind of day out you’ll wish lasted longer.

And with limited VIP Lounge seats available… don’t wait too long to book!

Thanks to for joining us.

If you’ve been thinking about booking our Degustation Train with Chef Matt Golinski… this is your sign!✨ VIP Lounge has ...
26/05/2026

If you’ve been thinking about booking our Degustation Train with Chef Matt Golinski… this is your sign!

✨ VIP Lounge has officially SOLD OUT
🥂 Only limited VIP Booth Shared seats remain

On Friday 14 August, step onboard for an unforgettable evening of:
🎶 Live music + red carpet welcome
🌅 Sunset views through the Mary Valley
🍴 Curated tasting plates by Chef Matt Golinski
🍷 Local wine + cheese tastings
🚂 Heritage steam rail magic

This isn’t just dinner… it’s a moving feast with serious wow factor!

Don’t get left standing on the platform while everyone else rolls into one incredible night (link in comments).

Rain on the roof. Steam in the air. Countryside rolling by…Honestly? This is Rattler weather!As the cooler days settle i...
25/05/2026

Rain on the roof. Steam in the air. Countryside rolling by…

Honestly? This is Rattler weather!

As the cooler days settle in, there’s something extra magical about watching the Mary Valley roll past from the comfort of a heritage rail journey.

And the best part?
The Mary Valley Rattler runs rain, hail or shine every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday

Keep it relaxed with General Seating or warm things up with:
✨ VIP Lounge
🥂 VIP Booth Experience

Don’t let a little rain keep you at the station!

Could this be your year to volunteer?As National Volunteering Week comes to an end, we want to say a huge THANK YOU to e...
24/05/2026

Could this be your year to volunteer?

As National Volunteering Week comes to an end, we want to say a huge THANK YOU to every volunteer who has been part of the Mary Valley Rattler journey - past and present.

From those who helped bring the Rattler back to life in the early days, to the volunteers who continue keeping the steam dream alive today, your passion, dedication and community spirit are part of every journey we share.

The friendships, stories, skills and memories created here are something truly special.

And maybe… now it’s your turn!
If you’ve ever thought about joining the Rattler family, we’d love to hear from you.

Volunteering Australia Visit Gympie Region Volunteering Sunshine Coast Volunteering Queensland Visit Sunshine Coast Visit Queensland, Australia Ann Leahy Andrew Powell MP Queensland Tourism Industry Council - QTIC Queensland Tourism Development

The whistle blows… the flag waves… and another journey begins.As part of National Volunteering Week and this year’s them...
23/05/2026

The whistle blows… the flag waves… and another journey begins.

As part of National Volunteering Week and this year’s theme “Your Year to Volunteer”, today we’re celebrating the incredible volunteer drivers and guards helping keep the Mary Valley Rattler on track.

From the footplate to the platform, these passionate volunteers do far more than operate trains - they help bring history to life for every guest onboard.

They’re the friendly waves, the stories shared, the precision behind the scenes and the people helping create unforgettable rail memories.

Volunteering Australia Visit Gympie Region Volunteering Sunshine Coast Volunteering Queensland Visit Sunshine Coast Visit Queensland, Australia Ann Leahy Andrew Powell MP Queensland Tourism Industry Council - QTIC Queensland Tourism Development

Railway passion really does run through generations!As part of National Volunteering Week and this year’s theme “Your Ye...
22/05/2026

Railway passion really does run through generations!

As part of National Volunteering Week and this year’s theme “Your Year to Volunteer”, today we’re celebrating one very special Rattler family.

Meet Ray, Amanda and Megan - three generations volunteering together at the Mary Valley Rattler.

From Ray working as a Queensland Rail guard decades ago, to Amanda growing up around the railway, to Megan proudly continuing the family tradition today… their story is proof that heritage rail is about far more than trains.

It’s about family, friendships, community and keeping history alive for future generations.

Volunteering Australia Visit Gympie Region Volunteering Sunshine Coast Volunteering Queensland Visit Sunshine Coast Visit Queensland, Australia Ann Leahy Andrew Powell MP Queensland Tourism Industry Council - QTIC Queensland Tourism Development

Address

1 Tozer Street
Gympie, QLD
4570

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 8am - 2pm
Thursday 8am - 2pm
Friday 8am - 2pm
Saturday 8am - 2pm
Sunday 8am - 2pm

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