THE first rail line in Queensland was officially opened on July 31, 1856 and almost to the day, 160 years later, 350 passengers boarded a steam train at Ipswich bound for Grandchester.
The engine and carriages were part of the Queensland Rail Heritage Fleet, especially chartered for the event on Saturday – an event that marked the start of six months of anniversary celebrations.
The commemorative train ride featured food and entertainment … and according to the Queensland Rail … a walk down memory lane.
The celebration was held in partnership with the Australian Railway Historical Society.
While the train tickets had to be purchased, the festivities at Grandchester were free and open to the community.
It was also a special day for the town’s residents – it was on July 31, 1865, that Governor George Bowen declared that Bigge’s Camp was not a fitting name for the first railway station and named it Grandchester.
