Mary Valley Rattler: Gympie steam train tour prices & timetable

The Mary Valley Rattler from Gympie, Queensland, offers a steam train experience plus a Tasting Train, serving up local Sunshine Coast food.

The Mary Valley Rattler is a heritage steam train operating from Gympie Station in Gympie, Queensland.

There are several tourist train services running along the preserved stretch of Sunshine Coast train line from Gympie to Amamoor. The total journey covers 40km, although it’s much more about the experience of being on the steam train than what you see along the way.

Steam train from Gympie Station

Of the several options for tours on the Mary Valley Rattler, the Classic Rattler Run is the standard option. This steam train tour departs on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10am. The cost for this three hour trip is $65, although you can upgrade with food and drink options.

On Sundays at 10am, the Mary Valley Rattler is an all stations train. In practice, that doesn’t make an awful lot of difference. It just stops at Dagun Station as well, and takes half an hour longer. Tickets still cost the same $65 price.

Mary Valley Rattler Tasting Train

Perhaps the most interesting option along the Gympie to Amamoor rail line, however, is the Tasting Train. If you definitely want to be on a steam train, this is not the service for you. If you want to dine while you pootle along the railway, it will be more up your street.

There’s a heritage railmotor pulling the Tasting Train every Thursday morning, but it’s not a steam train.

Again, the guides provide plenty of historic detail about the train and the Mary Valley. But this time you get to listen in between mouthfuls from the tasting plates. These are made up of locally-grown Sunshine Coast hinterland foods.

When you get back, a two course lunch is served up at Gympie Station inside the Rusty Rails Café. A beer, wine or soft drink is included in the price.

The Tasting Train version of the Mary Valley Rattler costs $125.