On the 30^th of April 1867, an event occurred that changed the face of Queensland ensuring the then colony’s economic survival and ultimate prosperity. That event was the official opening of the Toowoomba to Ipswich Rail line.

The opening marked the completion of the first major infrastructure construction of the new colony and ensured quick and cost effective movement of the agricultural products of the rich Darling Downs, primarily wool, to the port of Ipswich. The coming of the rail provided the impetus for the rapid expansion in both the population and the economy of not only Toowoomba, but the colony.

In order to celebrate the 150^th Anniversary of this momentous event the community of Toowoomba with the support of the Toowoomba Regional Council is hosting a “Festival of Rail”. For the first time in many years two working steam trains will arrive at the station and the public will be treated to a range of Railway themed tours and presentations (See below)

All funds raised on the day will assit the National Trust Queensland Toowoomba Branch camapign to gain public access to the Air Raid shelters and to develop the Railway precinct as an educational tourist hub.

150^th Anniversary “Festival of Rail” celebrations. Events.

10.00am – 3.30pm      Power Media Group markets – Railway Station Car Park

10.00am – 3.30pm      Power FM Live Broadcast in conjunction with Toowoomba 4350TV

10.00am – 3.30pm      Static Displays - Railway Station Car Park

10.00am – 3.30pm      Air Raid Shelters self-guided tours

10.00am – 3.30 pm    Personal Recollection project: Power FM broadcast area.

10.45 am – 12.15        Harlaxton RSL Brass Band

11.15 am                     Southern Downs train from Warwick arrives at Toowoomba Railway Station.

11.15am                      Welcome by Downs Steam

11.25am                      ARHS train arrives Toowoomba from Brisbane

11.25 am                     Welcome by Downs Steam

11.45am                      TALK / TOUR 1* –

The triumphs and tragedies of the steam engine (Downs Steam)

Presentation area Railway forecourt

12.30pm                      TALK TOUR 2*:-

History of the WW1 Honour boards (Toowoomba Historical Society)

Honour Boards display area.

Presentation area Railway forecourt - Platform

1.15pm                        TALK / TOUR 3*:-

Toowoomba and the railway precinct during WW2 including tour of the air raid shelters. (National Trust)

Presentation area Railway forecourt

1.40pm                        ARHS Train Departs Toowoomba Station

2.00pm                        TALK / TOUR 4*:

                                    Crossing the Range:   The construction of the Railway. (Greg Hallam, Queensland Rail)

Presentation area Railway forecourt

2.30pm                        Southern Downs Steam train departs.

2.45pm                        TALK / TOUR 5**:

The Railway the track that saved Queensland (National Trust)

Presentation area Railway forecourt - Platform

3.30pm                        Event Closes