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Right: Valley Rattler train about to depart Gympie, 23 October 2004.

  Valley Rattler about to departr Gympie.
 

The Valley Rattler departs from Old Gympie Station, Tozer Street, Gympie.

E-mail: rattler @ mvhr.org.au

Phone: 07 5482 2750

PO Box 385, Gympie Qld 4570

 

The Mary Valley Rattler

The Valley Rattler is one of Australia's most successful heritage railway operations, providing scenic tours of the Mary Valley. Equipment includes an ex-QR C17 and 'Silver Bullet' Railmotor.

Check the railway's web site for schedules and other details.
    According to Rod Milne, whose history of the Branch appeared in the ARHS Bulletin (The Mary Valley Branch Line, December 1996, pp 363-374), was developed to support the budding pineapple and timber industries, as well as already well-developed dairy industry.
    Work commenced in 1911 and was completed in 1915 with a terminus at Brooloo. An extension beyond was approved in 1920 but never constructed. Initial mixed goods trains were replaced in 1928 by rail motor services and goods only trains. Rail motor services were discontinued in 1971 but three times per week goods trains continued until 1971 when services became conditional. In 1994 portions of the line were closed and services deteriorated further until the line was partially reopened as a heritage railway offering twice weekly tourist services.

Photos: C17 #802 at Gympie Station, Gympie Station and (panorama); Railway Hotel and Station Overbridge (panorama); Valley Rattler en route; Valley Rattler at Dagun, Dagun Station; Amamoor Station; C17 on Turntable at Amamoor 1, 2.

 

 

qldrailheritage.com site developed and maintained for Queensland's rail heritage providers. Contents provided for non-commercial use only and are copyright © A C Lynn Zelmer or as indicated. Page last updated: 26/06/06 [lz].