Steam locomotives, vintage machinery and old-school carnival rides will take over the small town of Thirlmere this weekend as one of southwest Sydney’s biggest annual festivals rolls back into town. The two-day Festival of Steam transforms the historic railway village into a celebration of heritage transport and engineering, complete with working steam trains, blacksmith demonstrations, market stalls and a large street parade. Alongside the daytime events, visitors can also expect evening steam train rides and fireworks, with thousands expected to head to the Wollondilly region across the weekend. Here is everything you need to know about the local-favourite event.
Festival of Steam returns to Thirlmere this weekend
The NSW Rail Museum will once again sit at the centre of the action, with visitors able to ride behind heritage steam locomotive 3265 following its recent overhaul earlier this year. Across the weekend, guests can step inside the cab of a working steam locomotive, explore interactive rail displays and wander through a large steam and vintage machinery precinct showcasing engineering from the late 19th century through to the 1950s. Live blacksmith demonstrations from Eveleigh Works and an operational steam truck presented by the Powerhouse Museum will also be part of this year’s program.
Departing from Thirlmere Station, visitors can also hop aboard 40-minute steam train rides through the Wollondilly region, travelling to Picton behind steam locomotive 3526 or to Buxton behind locomotives 3001 and 3265 before returning to the festival grounds.
The charming locality will also come alive with market stalls, live entertainment and the festival’s annual street parade on Sunday. Families can expect carnival rides, a mini train and a Ferris wheel across the weekend, while Saturday night will feature the rare sight of three steam locomotives pulling a single train before the evening wraps up with glittering fireworks over Thirlmere Sportsground.
Key details
- Where: NSW Rail Museum and Thirlmere village, Wollondilly Shire
- When: Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17
- Highlights: Steam train rides, heritage locomotives, vintage machinery, market stalls, blacksmith demonstrations, carnival rides, street parade and fireworks
- Tickets: Adult tickets start at $37 and child tickets from $17, with concession discounts also available
Find more information and grab your tickets on the Festival of Steam website.
Getting there
Thirlmere is located around 90 minutes south-west of Sydney by car. Visitors travelling by public transport can catch a train to Tahmoor Station, where free shuttle buses will run regularly to and from the festival across both days. Parking is available though visitors are encouraged to arrive early as large crowds are expected. Plan your travels on Transport for NSW.
