DownsSteam Toowoomba is a community based, solely volunteer run organisation dedicated to the establishment of a tourist railway for the Darling Downs region. DownsSteam Toowoomba was formed in 2001 to enable the preservation and active restoration of the last remaining steam locomotive built at the historic Toowoomba Foundry Company, C16-106 Southern Cross Works No. 28 circa 1914. Named The Pride of Toowoomba, C16-106 is now used for steam train trips across a number of townships throughout the Darling Downs, alongside another recently restored steam locomotive, The Peter Ford BB18 ¼ 1037.
The organisation also operates The Commissioner’s Railmotor, RM2004 and RM2032, originally built as passenger cars and later repurposed for inspection tours across Queensland. After extensive mechanical upgrades, they now offer comfortable, air-conditioned rail journeys as part of DownsSteam’s expanding service.
DownsSteam runs train trips from its Drayton Station to the local townships of Clifton, Pittsworth and Brookstead, with trips including meals at local hotels, campfire lunches and visits to local museums. These experiences have sparked new interest in these small communities, with feedback from passengers being overwhelmingly positive. The group’s trips are well attended and often sell out.
The organisation has recently received approval from Queensland Rail to expand operations beyond its previous borders. Steam and railmotor trips are now permitted to run from Toowoomba Railway Station — reconnecting the city’s rail heritage — and out to scenic destinations like Stanthorpe, Ballandean, Goondiwindi and Thallon. While steam operations to these areas are expected to begin in 2026 following further crew training and logistics planning, railmotor journeys have already commenced, including overnight escapes and all day gourmet adventures.
A full trip schedule through to the end of 2025 includes highlights such as a Truffle Farm tour in Stanthorpe, Super Saturday steam shuttles from Toowoomba to Drayton, pub and trivia nights, vineyard lunches and Christmas Lights trains. Steam train trips will also run during Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers.
The Drayton precinct also features a museum, a striking Dreamtime Carriage adorned with contemporary Aboriginal art and beautifully maintained gardens, making it a popular destination for families, history lovers and railway enthusiasts alike. Entry to the station and museum is $5, with children under 16 free.
DownsSteam is entirely powered by volunteers, including notable figures such as Ros Scotney (Chair and former Mayor of Pittsworth, a Toowoomba Regional Councillor and a recipient of the Order of Australia Medal) and Andrew Caldwell (Operations Manager, ex-Army and now a CareFlight helicopter pilot). DownsSteam Toowoomba has received support from government grants and generous donations from philanthropists including Clive Berghofer.
Whether you’re chasing nostalgia or looking for a unique way to explore the Darling Downs, DownsSteam Toowoomba offers a heritage experience that’s hard to beat.
DownsSteam Toowoomba
16 Cambooya St, Drayton QLD 4350
(07) 4630 2358
downssteam.com
