Steaming into the past!
Book Now
Thirlmere Festival Of Steam Picnic Train
Central, Lidcombe & Glenfield to Thirlmere (Return)
-
Sunday 17th May 2026 - Festival of Steam
Join us aboard The Picnic Train for a special return day trip from Sydney to Thirlmere, celebrating the annual Thirlmere Festival of Steam hosted by the NSW Rail Museum.
For one day only, the Picnic Train will operate a steam-hauled journey to the event, with steam locomotive 5917 leading the way. Board the train at either Central Station, Lidcombe or Glenfield as we make our way through Sydneys suburbs to Thirlmere.
Your ticket includes event and museum access, and upon arrival in Thirlmere, you'll disembark right at the heart of the event, at the exhibition platform within the museum.
In the afternoon, you will depart Thirlmere behind steam locomotive 5917 again as we power back towards Sydney. The train will only be dropping off at Glenfield on the return leg as we travel a different route towards Sydney Central Station.
Fares
Note: All ticket options include NSW Rail Museum and event access.
Private Compartment - $570 per group of 8
Enjoy the benefit of an entire compartment to yourselves in a heritage 'S' type — great for families and social groups! One booking is good for up to a maximum of eight (8) people, including children. Compartments are fitted with tables.
Four Seater Booth - $380 per group of 4
Spacious four seat booth with table in a 'N' type classic heritage saloon carriage. Booths are fitted with tables.
Lounge Car Group of 4 Seating - $380 per group of 4
Four seats together in our air conditioned lounge car.
Dining Car Group of 4 Seating - $380 per group of 4
Four seats together with a table in our air conditioned dining car.
Single Ticket — $125 per person
Travel for a single person in a 'N' type classic non air-conditioned heritage saloon carriage, sharing a booth and table with up to 3 other passengers.
NOTE: Groups are not guaranteed to be seated together.
Indicative
Timetable
PLEASE NOTE: The train only picks up from the listed stations on the way to and from Thirlmere.
Sunday 17th May 2026
Towards Thirlmere:
-
Central - dep 9.30am
-
Lidcombe - dep 9.55am
-
Glenfield- dep 10.25am
-
Thirlmere - arr 11.55am
Towards Central:
-
Thirlmere - dep 4.20pm
-
Glenfield - arr 6.00pm
-
Central - arr 7.15pm
NOTE: The locomotive rostered for each service cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change due to operational reasons with or without notice. Your ticket is for the journey and is not dependent on the locomotive advertised.
*Indicative times only. Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to departure. An update email will be sent to the ticket booking a couple of days prior to the event with final details. Train departure and arrival times are subject to change at any time. Should anything change on the day the onboard crew will keep you informed.
Buffet Car:
A buffet service selling light snacks and refreshments will be available on this train. In the spirit of The Picnic Train, we encourage passengers to bring their own picnic hampers.
The Picnic Train is a licensed venue and will be offering alcoholic beverages for sale in the Buffer car.
Babies and Toddlers:
Babies in arms and small toddlers not requiring a booked seat may be brought along at no additional cost.
Prams, wheelchairs and walkers:
Due to space restrictions and for the safety of all aboard, large prams and mobility equipment cannot be taken aboard the train. You may bring a small collapsible pram that can be stored in overhead luggage racks. The pram must be collapsed and ready to bring aboard when the train arrives at the platform. If in doubt please call us for further information.
Toilets:
Toilets are available in most carriages.
Mobile Phones:
There are no charging points on the heritage carriages. It is recommended that you bring an external battery charger for your mobile devices.
