Tickets on sale for historic steam train journey to Longreach

Queensland Rail’s steam train Bety will embark on her second trip to celebrate 150 years of rail in Queensland, this time to Western Queensland.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said the special heritage steam train will travel from Brisbane to Longreach from 10 to 17 April and make a special return to Rockhampton.

“Bety is travelling all across the State this year, as part of Queensland Rail’s yearlong celebrations to commemorate 150 years of rail in Queensland,” Ms Trad said.

“This special steam train has already provided an economic boost to regions along the coast, with more than 12,000 people taking a ride on her first trip from Brisbane to Cairns.

“This time, similar to Bety’s first trip, she will be stopping in towns and cities along the way, with many eager passengers keen to explore the local community and enjoy local accommodation and foods.

“I am encouraging people to get on board, especially as Queensland Rail returns to the Rockhampton region, which was hit hard by Cyclone Marcia.

“Earlier this year, as Bety made her way back down the coast, Cyclone Marcia devastated the Rockhampton region, which meant that some people missed out on taking a ride.

“We promised to send Bety back to Rockhampton and have scheduled her visit from 11 to 14 April, as she makes her way out to Longreach.”

Queensland Rail Senior Manager Heritage Greg Fill said thousands of hours of painstaking work had gone into restoring Bety, to ensure she was in pristine condition for her journeys.

“Staff and volunteers have meticulously and tirelessly overhauled steam locomotive BB18 ¼ 1079 and nine wooden carriages that will make their way across Queensland this year,” said Mr Fill.

Ms Trad said Queensland Rail was also offering B-Quick Fares until Saturday, discounted by as much as 40 per cent on all other Travel services, to support regional Queenslanders and local tourism operators recovering from Cyclone Marcia.

“I would encourage locals and visitors to take a ride on Bety or book a seat on another Queensland Rail Travel service and support regional communities as they recover from the recent weather event,” Ms Trad said.

Tickets for Bety’s Longreach trip are on sale now.  To purchase a ticket or B-Quick Fare visit the Queensland Rail Travel website: www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au

Media contact:       Deputy Premier’s office     0488 996 667