Choo choo: Find out how this classic steam train keeps chugging along

They soon boarded, took their seats and were off on the Mary Valley Rattler for a three-hour trip back in time. The trip took them through the stunning Mary Valley and the small town of Dugun before arriving at Amamoor Heritage Station.

It's here that the Rattler makes its turn around on a restored turntable, which many passengers choose to stand and watch. Others head off to explore the quaint town before rejoining the train and heading back to Gympie.

The Mary Valley Rattler is one of Queensland's most iconic heritage steam train experiences, capturing the Gympie region's rich history.

During the 40km journey, volunteer guides provide a wealth of historical detail about the trains and the region.

The Mary Valley Rattler recently won at the Queensland Tourism Awards for its gold-standard volunteers.

The award for Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer Group was presented to the Rattler's General Manager, Sherry Lowe, at a ceremony at Queen's Wharf in Brisbane.

"Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Mary Valley Rattler community," she said. "The Rattler has won many awards in the past, but this is undoubtedly the most significant.

"I am so proud of and thankful to all our volunteers, many of whom have been contributing for years."

The Rattler was a driving force for the region's development following the discovery of gold in Gympie in 1867. The region became one of the wealthiest gold-fossicking areas in Australia and was credited with saving the fledgling Queensland colony from bankruptcy.

Both Brisbane and Maryborough fought long and hard to be the major port for Gympie to export its gold and produce from the valley. After nearly a decade of political battling, Maryborough won, and in 1881, the first railway linking Gympie to the port was launched and called the Mary River line.

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Commercial services ended in the mid-1990s but the Gympie/Mary Valley community were determined to keep their heritage railway.

A loyal group of volunteers restored the trains and rebirthed vintage carriages to ensure the Rattler remained on the rails.

On May 23, 1998, the Mary Valley again welcomed the familiar chugging sounds of the Rattler as it navigated its way through the spectacular countryside thanks to the work of the not-for-profit Mary Valley Heritage Railway volunteers.

"Keeping our vibrant tourist attraction operating requires people from all walks of life and all ages with a range of different skills and knowledge and we are always on the lookout for people interested in volunteering, said Ms Lowe.

"Whether they want to work behind the scenes supporting the operation of our unique steam locomotives, meet and greet guests on the platform or jump on board and share our rich history as part of their railway experience, we love welcoming new members of the 'Rattler Family'."

www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au 07-5482 2750.

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