The Toowoomba Region in Queensland is home to the DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum, a community-based volunteer organization dedicated to preserving and restoring the area's railway heritage. Located in the suburb of Drayton, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of rail in the region. Some highlights of the museum include a large rolling stock fleet, a DownsSteam Museum housed in a former "Pullman" first-class sleeping car showcasing historical artifacts, the impressive Dreamtime carriage, and the heritage-listed Toowoomba Railway Station.
The rolling stock fleet includes steam locomotive No. 106 'Pride of Toowoomba', 'Drayton Bell' diesel loco, 'Gatsby Flyer' railmotor, Brisbane Suburban Set 49, and 11 M-Class Air-Conditioned 'Lander' coaches. The museum displays historical artifacts like locomotive firing shovels, builders' plates, operating manuals, photographs, maps, and railway crockery and cutlery. The Dreamtime carriage is an impressive 3D artwork that needs to be seen to be believed. The Toowoomba Railway Station, which opened in the 1870s, is heritage-listed and features a magnificently carved silky oak honor board listing 560 names in gold lettering on cedar.
The DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum not only serves as an educational destination but also functions as a venue for small events like birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. The dedicated volunteers at DownsSteam work tirelessly to preserve and restore the region's railway heritage, making it a must-visit attraction for rail enthusiasts and history buffs alike.