Experience History onboard The Mary Valley Rattler
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
The Mary Valley Rattler is one of Queensland’s most iconic heritage steam train experiences, capturing the Gympie region’s rich history while offering visitors a contemporary tourism attraction and the beauty of the spectacular Mary Valley landscape.
This 3 hour, 40km journey, in a beautifully restored C17 steam train, is an iconic experience like no other. Departing from the Historic Gympie Station, you travel through rich agricultural farmland right into the heart of the picturesque Mary Valley.
On arrival in the quaint town of Amamoor, here you can disembark your carriage and make your way to a viewing area to watch the train engine as it turns on the turntable. Enjoy a short stay to explore the Amamoor Village Green before reboarding your assigned carriage for your return journey to the Gympie Station.
On board, volunteer guides provide a wealth of historical detail about the trains and the region as you enjoy the views and the nostalgia of travel from times past.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Mary Valley Rattler
Rusty Rails Cafe & Heritage Museum.
Options
Classic Rattler Run
Departures: Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday.
What‘s Included
Mary Valley Rattler train ticket
Food and drinks, unless specified
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
978 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
waynegQ209QN,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great experience on this train trip. All staff were great. Our carriage volunteer Ryan was very informative. Would highly recommended this.
Fabulous historic train journey
Eleanor U,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great journey travelling on this historic engine and track . Beautiful station with coffee and food at either end of journey . Highly recommended . Well done to the Rattler team .
Mary Valley Rattler Gympie
N4424OXsandyv,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Have been wanting to do this trip for sometime as my husband is a train enthusiast. It was very enjoyable and our carriage Attended was very informative. The volunteers who keep this piece of history going and in such good condition should be proud of themselves. Well done 👏👏
Silver bullet high tea
vanessapB9519DX,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fabulous morning. The staff were attentive, friendly and helpful, assisting with photo opportunities and making sure our trip was comfortable. Very generous savoury and sweet treats with a glass of bubbles included in the price. The commentary was interesting and kept to a minimum so we could enjoy the scenery and the rhythmic clickety clack.
Great experience
P5768DUlynb,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful and interesting train ride. Very friendly and helpful staff and volunteers.
Awesomeness
S8229VQkayd,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely well worth it. Very affordable, especially when it’s a three hour experience, great atmosphere, fantastic staff (John you are awesome). We went on the Wednesday so plenty of room, not crowded just very relaxing and so informative. We had the best time. Thank you so much.
A lively and informative heritage rail experience
jennydI3116DD,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00A lively and informative heritage rail experience through the beautiful Mary Valley with a strong sense of local history and community. The volunteers were welcoming, and it was clear that safety is a strong priority throughout the journey. One helpful tip for visitors—when using Google Maps, make sure you search for Mary Valley Rattler in Gympie, as it can sometimes direct you to Amamoor Station instead. It was interesting learning about Gympie’s gold mining history and hearing stories about the original railway line built in 1911 by immigrants and locals, taking three years to construct. Crossing Deep Creek and travelling at a slower pace gave us time to take in the scenery and history of the region. We found the intercom system on the train very loud at times, which made parts of the commentary a little overwhelming. The café staff at Gympie Station were also friendly and welcoming, both at the station and when they boarded the train. The train also offers a “Pets On Board” experience on selected days, which is a great option for dog owners. Overall, a unique experience that highlights local history, volunteers, and the character of travelling through the Mary Valley.
Great trip, Locomotive was authentic and the passager cars were comfortable.
Rex S,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was ANZAC week and the older military uniforms worn by the veterans was fantastic and added character. The displays were great so was the free ANZAC Biscuits.. The guides, Maggie and Marlene were very informative and delightful volunteer workers.
Awesome
tonyaY7838IG,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience for 3 generations of family on a week long trip. Great service, friendly people, great insight I to the workings of a steam train from a bygone era.
What a pawsome day! 🐾
roneenf,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mary Valley Rattler Train – Pets on Board What a pawsome day! 🐾 The Pets on Board experience was an absolute blast. Huge thanks to Kate for making it all happen! The staff were amazing, the food was delicious, and Shelby had the best time ever. So relaxing, full of smiles, and topped off with a lovely little treat for Shelby at the end of the train — we can’t wait to hop on board again! Already recommending to other friends. Thanks Roneen
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