Mary Valley Rattler: The Rattler Tasting Train

Celebrate the history of the Mary Valley Rattler and experience the magic of heritage rail travel. All aboard! @maryvalleyrattler  #maryvalleyrattler  


Hop on board the vintage railmotor RM76 which traditionally ran the Brooloo line to Gympie providing a daily link to the town for shopping, the transportation of goods and a means for children to get to school.

Sit back and relax as you begin your nostalgic rail journey through one of the most beautiful parts of Queensland.

Our region boasts great produce and producers. Enjoy a tasting plate on board featuring local fare and learn about the food bowl that is the Mary Valley on board as you cross the Mary River as you travel around an abundance of curves, over bridges and numerous gentle hills.
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Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Mary Valley Rattler, 10 Tozer Street Old Railway Station, Gympie, Queensland 4570 Australia

Platform No. 1 Cafe & Heritage Museum.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Mary Valley, Mary Valley, Queensland

Discover the romance of the railway through the scenic Mary Valley. The journey crosses the Mary River as you travel around an abundance of curves, over bridges and numerous gentle hills.

The line wanders away from the river and into the valleys of some of its main tributaries including the Yabba, Kandanga and Amamoor Creeks.

Reviews

Jeff M - 5/5
The Mary River Rattler organisation operates 4 historic railway experiences from the Historic Gympie Station - three on the G17 steam train and one on the RM76 Railmotor. We chose the Railmotor experience from Gympie to Amamoor and return, which also included a tasting plate of local produce and a two course meal in the Historic Gympie Station on our return. The two carriage railmotor is diesel powered and our two drivers were seated in our carriage and gave us insight into the operation of the train and the safety measures which needed to be followed on the single track. It was a trip back in time and the well named Rattler lived up to its name. A gloriously noisy rattling journey along the narrow track with appropriate blasts on the steam whistle to warn of our approach to the various crossings along the way and as we approached the next station. The trip to Amamoor took an hour, followed by a half hour stop to allow the train to be turned around on the turntable, ready for the one hour return journey. Beautiful green rural scenes with cattle in lush pastures, after significant rain in the area, were contrasted by industrial sites, private backyards and the excited school-children who lined the school fence to wave to us at our safety stop at Monkland. On return to Gympie Station we enjoyed a two - course lunch along with drinks in the cafe. The Rattler trains are maintained by a large number of volunteers and volunteers are also engaged in the catering and service in the cafe. All who contribute to the Rattler are to be commended for their enthusiasm for the project, the information they freely give and for the overall quality of the experience. A great experience which we would recommend to all. Not the smoothness or the speed or comfort of the trains of today, but a rare opportunity to experience and enjoy rail travel back in the day. Thank you Mary Valley Rattler. 5 Stars.
GlenG5 - 5/5
From being greeted on arrival and throughout the journey , the friendly knowledgeable volunteers provide a commentary, are available to answer questions and are extremely helpful. At the old station stops along the way, there are general stores to explore, history rooms, playgrounds and games for kids, live music and you can make purchases from the small markets and wine and cheese tasting. On the Tasting Train you have an allocated compartment that can seat easily seat 6, light snack and water on the journey and then lunch back at the cafe. It was a lovely day out, fantastic food and the volunteer staff are amazing.
regit1950 - 5/5
The Twilight trip was great out to Anamoor for their "Cheers & Beers: night. Our Carriage staff where very friendly and gave lots of information about the countryside and also the train.
Jill A - 5/5
A lovely way to travel through Mary Valley on a heritage train. The seats alone were very much of yesteryear....well padded and plenty of space. The staff were excellent, cheerful and helpful and we were amazed to hear they volunteer their time. There is a real feeling of a community working together. As we passed a little school the children happily waved at the train. Along the way cars tooted their welcome, Gympie, take a bow! We enjoyed our lunch at the station after the train trip. Again the volunteers were remarkable; hard working and delightfully cheerful.
raywI6977NG - 5/5
The views were great, the helpful commentary by the guide informative, and the food was very tasty. Lots of volunteers doing a great job.
leannejanek - 5/5
Great experience. The volunteers make the trip. They are all so friendly and knowledgeable. The train itself is a great step into the past. Loved the smell of the coal and the feel of the coal dust. Food was varied and delicious
594trixieh - 5/5
The whole experience was magical taking you back in time but with all the special treats. From cheese to entertainment to the warm friendly staff thankyou very memorabl
Cokeday123 - 5/5
Today’s ride was my 3rd and my partners 1st on the ‘Tasting Train’. Its a bit more expensive than the standard but well worth the extra bit. Snacks on the train followed by a full lunch (and a beer and wine) on return to Gympie Station. We had sooooo much fun and the drivers and staff were fantastic. Would thoroughly recommend this experience as well as the Steam Rattler. We will be booking on the ‘Murder on the Mary Valley Express’ run coming up in September.
Objecitve - 5/5
The Mary Valley Rattler Tasting Train on Thursday was wonderful. The morning tea box containing biscuits, cheese, salami, tomatoes, zucchini pickles and macadamias was excellent. The 2 carriage Rattler was so cute and very comfortable & was lovely travelling slowly through the countryside. All the staff were fantastic and informative and less people on this train than on the steam train. The 3 course lunch back at the station could not be faulted, nor could the service. The Lime & Lemon custard style Posset for dessert was divine. So glad we did this trip.
Nicole J - 5/5
What a great morning on the Rattler Tasting Train yesterday with my sister. Really friendly and helpful staff, a delicious tasting plate of local cheese, chutney, salami and biscuits on the train and then a three course lunch back at the station on our return. But the best bit was by far being on the train and winding our way from Gympie to Amamoor in The Mary Valley. Definitely worth the $125! Relax and enjoy...

Inclusions

  • Lunch - Lunch served at the historic Gympie Station
  • Alcoholic Beverages - Choice of beverage with lunch
  • Snacks - On Board Tasting Plate

Exclusions

Terms & Conditions

    All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Additional Information

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Stroller accessible
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
    • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
    • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
    • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
    • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
    • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
    • Guides required to regularly wash hands
    • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
    • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons