Downs Explorer (formerly Southern Downs Steam Railway) — Attraction in Warwick

Last weekend, we had the pleasure of enjoying a Steam Train trip from Toowoomba to Wallangarra ( return) with an overnight stay in Stanthorpe. All food was provided on the tour and was well presented and plenty of it. We sure didn't go hungry. Wonderful country hospitality! Our journey on the steam train was a trip back in time to a by-gone era style of travel..........relaxed and at a slower pace to enjoy our great state of Queensland and the Southern Downs in particular. The tour Host and Hostesses were helpful and shared their interests and passion for this style of excursion. We had the opportunity to meet new and interesting folk who shared our carriage No 522. Special mention to hostess BETTY; who along with her knowledge and friendliness made our experience extremely enjoyable. The only downside was the unexpected delay on our return journey to Stanthorpe ( from Wallangarra ) which made our day very long by the time we reached our designated motel. After a good night's sleep , we were refreshed and ready to go for our new day. We will definitely do another Steam train journey...

I have taken a few trips on there wonderful steam train. The best trip would be Warwick to Wallengarra. Very scenic route and lovely lunch at Wallengarra station. Mind the flies though.

They also occasionally run long weekend trips to Gundy these are great fun too 3 days of train riding a couple nights in a hotel with cooked breakfast. Great fun especially when it's 30 degrees and sunny in May!

The Southern Downs Steam Railway has to be the number one attraction in Warwick. Definitely worth doing if in Warwick on a weekend.

However if you coming from Brisbane or further away you will need to make it a 3 day trip ie arrive friday and leave sunday. Its impossible to do it as a very long day trip. There are no buses from Brisbane or Toowoomba that arrive in Warwick early enough or leave later enough in the evening to allow it. So its a weekend away and a lovely...

Warwick’s elegant old railway station is a fitting place to begin a steam train ride through the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.

These trips take place on the Southern Line between Warwick, Toowoomba and Wallangarra, and details can be found on the Downs Explorer Website.

The pride of the fleet is a Queensland Railways C17 class steam locomotive, one of 227 manufactured for the operator between 1920 and 1953, restored to working order in 2000. This and a wealth of heritage rolling stock awaits at the old Warwick Locomotive Depot near the station, where there’s an original turntable, workshops, locomotive sheds and water tower.

The site opens to the public on Wednesdays and Thursdays, boasting a ton of railway memorabilia and rolling stock undergoing...