Two steam trains are due to ‘race’ through Sydney suburbs early next month as part of the 2025 Transport Heritage Expo.
Dubbed the Great Train Race, the 124-year-old steam locomotive 3001 will go head-to-head against the 108-year-old express locomotive 3526.
The trains are due to depart Sydney’s Central Station on Saturday, October 4 as part of the long weekend (October 4-6).
VIDEO: What you can expect from the expo.
The two trains will race along the T4 Illawarra Line, with the victor to be declared at Hurstville, before the trains return, with passengers, to Central Station.
“There are not many places in the world you can operate and experience two historic steam trains racing through the heart of a major city,” said Transport Heritage NSW chief executive officer Andrew Moritz.
“We’re grateful for the ongoing support of the NSW Government in working with us to once again showcase our state’s rich transport history through this award-winning annual event!”
OTHER (STEAM) ATTRACTIONS
The race is among many attractions due to appear at this year’s Transport Heritage Expo, Transport Heritage NSW says. Other events include:
- Heritage train rides: a one-hour steam train ride to Hurstville and back, climb aboard a 1960s railcar, tour the Botany freight line or ride through the underground and across the Harbour Bridge on a 1970s silver electric train to Lavender Bay.
- Vintage bus rides: A 30-minute round trip around the Sydney CBD aboard a restored double-decker bus from the Sydney Bus Museum.
- Harbour steam cruises: Take a 45-minute harbour cruise aboard the Waratah or Lady Hopetoun, two 120-year-old ships.
- Central Clock Tower and Mortuary Station tours: Climb the Central Station Clock Tower or explore Mortuary Station (tickets are extremely limited, the organisers say).
- 1960s dining car high tea: one-hour aboard the Southern Aurora, featuring high tea service by the Hydro Majestic Hotel.
- Driver’s cab visits and heritage displays: Explore heritage carriages and locomotives on display or watch historic trains arrive and depart Central Station.
Tickets for the expo are now on sale at www.transportheritageexpo.com
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