By Jess Baker
Southern Downs Steam Railway (SDSR) volunteers are gearing up for their next sunset ride from Warwick to Clifton, and are calling all interested in experiencing a unique heritage train trip to join them.
Volunteer Chris Freeman said SDSR was eager to welcome visitors on Saturday 28 August for a leisurely tour to Clifton, where they can enjoy dinner and drinks at O’Shanley’s Irish Hotel.
“Running a heritage railway is not just about blokes in greasy overalls fixing stuff, although to be honest there is a fair amount of that,” Chris said.
“Besides maintaining the heavy metal, there are volunteers organising the sale of tickets and designing merchandise, handling the paperwork that allows us to run on the mainline tracks.
“We have a museum collection to look after and grounds to be cared for, so there is always a wide variety of tasks to attend to.
“The pleasure is in saving a piece of our local history and then sharing that with the people of the local community and with our visitors from far and wide.”
Visitors are invited to watch the sun set through the window of the heritage train, feel the rhythmic movement of the journey, and experience the charm of Clifton and the countryside by night.
“If you want to dress up and bring along your guitar then that will only add to the fun,” Chris said.
For more information about the night train, including price details and bookings, visit www.downsexplorer.org.au.
