Train Attractions in Brisbane for Kids

Brisbane Kids love trains and we are lucky there are so many great places to take your train loving children to see these beauties in and around Brisbane.

To make finding these train attractions easier for you, we have compiled a list of cool places to get your child chugging their way to locomotive heaven.

Here’s where you can fill up your train enthusiast’s fuel tank in Brisbane.

Brisbane Train Attractions

Queensland Museum Rail Workshops

The holy grail of all things train related – Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, in North Ipswich, is a must-see for train enthusiasts of all ages.  Examples of steam engines are on display as well as electric engines, passenger trains, and lots of other train-related paraphernalia.

Spend time tracking the trains on the huge model railway, then continue on to ‘Play Central,’ an indoor railway-themed playground with costumes, carriages, bikes, signals and more to engage your train-loving Brisbane Kid.

There is generally a themed exhibition with additional special activities each school holiday period and once a year usually a Thomas the Tank event. 

Opening hours are 9.30am – 4pm daily (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day).

Check out the website for up-to-date entrance fees, current exhibitions, or visit the Brisbane Kids Events Calendar for more information. 

Xpress Fun Train – Roma Street Parkland

Roma Street Parkland is an excellent spot for your little train fan! Not only are the gardens spectacular and the playgrounds fun, but you can stand on the observation deck for a great view of Roma Street Station and watch the trains pass through the tunnel as they come and go.

For added fun head into the parklands to ride on the Xpress Fun Train. This trackless train weaves throughout the parklands, giving a guided tour of the grounds. It operates from 10am – 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, with tickets from just $6 per person. You can check on their schedule and confirm operation here.

Xpress Fun Train – South Bank Parklands

Did you know the Xpress Fun Train at Roma Street Parklands has a sibling which runs at the South Bank Parklands? The trackless train, which leaves from the South Bank Piazza (opposite the playground) transports guests around the parklands and along the Brisbane Riverfront, taking in the sites as they go. 

The South Bank Parklands Xpress Fun Train generally runs in the school holidays and on some weekends, though it is best to check their social media for exact running dates and times. It is also important to note the train does not run in bad weather. 

Woodford Railway Heritage Train Rides

Head north to the country town of Woodford on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month to take a ride on the charming heritage trains. Enthusiastic volunteers will guide you as you take the short 15min return journey through the bush, with trains running between 10am and 3.30pm. 

Tickets can be purchased on the day, with children under the age of four travelling free. Make sure you take time to look around the platform, before or after your ride, to see the train themed relics from yesteryear. More information can be found at ANGRMS.

Cross River Rail Experience Centre

Have fun while you’re learning at the informative Cross River Rail Experience Centre. Developed in partnership with the Queensland Museum, the centre is home to a variety of activities including a VR station, reality theatre, maker space, an archaeology table, touch wall and more. They even run children specific activities on the weekends and school holidays. 

You can find the Cross River Rail Experience Centre a short 10 minute walk from Central Station, at  1/151 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane City. Admission is free and the centre is open weekdays, 10am – 4pm. 

Pine Rivers Model Train and Hobby Show

Every year the crowds flock to Brisbane to take part in the popular Pine Rivers Model Train and Hobby Show. Held annually at the South Pine Sports Complex, over 30 exhibits and 15 traders join forces to put on a fantastic array of model railway layouts, demonstrations, LEGO displays, and more. Keep an eye on the Brisbane Kids calendar for details. 

Steam Train Rides

Queensland Pioneer Steam Train

The Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway is a heritage railway in Ipswich, Australia, allowing visitors to ride on restored steam trains from the early 1900s. The railway runs on a historic track and provides a unique learning experience about Queensland’s railway history. The train also passes through beautiful countryside scenery, and visitors can enjoy food and drinks on board.

Please note that while QPSR try to run steam trains on market and picnic days, there is occasion where they may be substituted for a heritage diesel locomotive. Dates and times vary, so check their website for details at www.qpsr.net

Steam Train Sunday

Unfortunately, steam trains are no longer running between Queensland Museum Rail Workshops and Roma Street Station due to Cross River Rail works. We will keep you updated on their return. 

Brisbane is blessed with various steam train experiences throughout the year. One of our favourites is Sunday Steam Train Rides at the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops. Bookings are essential with the steam train journey departing from Roma Street Station. 

Miniature Steam Trains

Please note that as a general rule, all miniature steam rides below require participants to wear enclosed shoes. This is an activity that is weather dependant and volunteer dependant, so we recommend checking with organisers before you visit to confirm operations. 

Bracken Ridge Miniature Steam Train Rides

Bracken Ridge Miniature Steam Trains run on the 4th Sunday of each month. Trains run 9am – 1pm in McPherson Park, Denham Street, Bracken Ridge.

Tickets start from just a few dollars a ride, or if you are super keen and plan to visit often, you can purchase a 10 ride pass (no expiry date). Children under the age of two ride free. Bring along a picnic lunch and make a family day out of it.

Before you go, it is always worth checking their Facebook Page for any last-minute changes or weather cancellations. 

Bribie Island Miniature Steam Train

Bribie Island Miniature Steam Train happily takes passengers on miniature steam train ride around the 500m Melsa Park track. Running on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 10am until 1.30pm, this is a great activity for little train enthusiasts. Single tickets can be purchased or to take advantage of a discount, buy a pack of 10. 

Brisbane Bayside Steam Railway

The Brisbane Bayside Steam Railway Society hosts train rides on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month from Wynnum West. Riders can climb aboard from 10am until 4pm to enjoy a ride which runs a mountain climb circuit with a spiral loop and bridge at Wynnum Junction Station on Wynnum Road.

For something a little different you can even take part in one of their ‘night runs’ or host your next birthday party there. Contact the team at Brisbane Bayside Steam Railway for more information. 

Woodridge Miniature Train Rides

Chug down to Ewing Park in Woodridge to enjoy miniature train rides on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, from 10.30am to 3pm. 

For something extra special attend one of their night runs, hold a birthday party or join in a special event. Single tickets can be purchased, or if you plan to be a frequent rider, you can purchase a multi-pass. 

Note – Riders must wear enclosed shoes and avoid wearing thongs, sandals, or crocs. Check the calendar or the Logan Model Engineering Society’s Facebook page for the latest information. 

QLD Society of Model and Experimental Engineers Inc. (QSMEE)

The QLD Society of Model and Experimental Engineers Inc. have an impressive 2000 metres of track located on private property in Warner. Their running days occur on the second Sunday of every month except August. Pre-purchased tickets are essential to control the number of visitors onto the property. 

This fantastic set-up features two tunnels, a spiral descent and landscaped gardens. Tickets purchased include unlimited train rides on your day of visit. For more information and to book, visit QSMEE website. 

Train Playgrounds

Brisbane Kids love the amazing playgrounds in our beautiful city, and if you have a train loving child they will especially love the following train-themed playgrounds. 

Ewing Park – Woodridge

Younger Brisbane kids will have a blast pretending to be train drivers or passengers while riding the trains and exploring the railway infrastructure in Ewing Park. While the train tracks encircling the playground and park may not have visible trains, children can use their imagination to create their imaginary trains to chug around the ways.

For something extra special visit on 2nd or 4th Sunday of the month to partake in a miniature train ride around the park. 

John Scott Park – Samford

Lovely and shady, John Scott Park at Samford features a small play train for kids and a cool train rocker. The rest of park and surrounding area is a great spot for a picnic or bring the bikes and scooters and enjoy cruising around the BMX pump track. 

Milton Train Park – Milton

Milton Train Park is a compact, fully-fenced playground in Brisbane, featuring a train-themed play area. The hero of the play space is a replica train with a slide, stairs, and a fire pole.

Mature trees shade the park and is popular with younger children who love trains and other vehicles. Trains, trucks, and buses pass by regularly, adding to the excitement. 

Scarborough Beach Park – Scarborough

Scarborough Beach Park, also known as Railway Place is a beachside park with a lovely play train setup. Parents will love that this is fully fenced with accessible toilets and lovely gnarled climbing trees. There is also lots of cafes nearby for coffee or perhaps you can bring a picnic and enjoy it by the water. 

Public Transport – Trains, Airtrain and Monorails

Translink, the Airtrain and the newly completed Gold Coast Light Rail Tram offer a modern and exciting public transport train experience.

Translink

NB. As of Monday 5th August 2024, all public transport fares in South East Queensland will be reduced to a flat rate of 50 cents. This will apply to all zones and modes of transport on the Translink Network in Queensland.

Translink is Brisbane’s most extensive train system, with express trains and a stop-at-every-stop service. available every day of the week. Choose when and where you get on and off and explore new locations through this transport network.

Don’t limit yourself to short train journeys. The new 50c fares can take you all the way to the Gold Coast or up to Nambour. So what are you waiting for. Get out and explore south-east Queensland. 

To tie your journey in with a play at a nearby playground, check out our handy list of Playgrounds Near Train Stations – which one will you visit first?!

Airtrain

While the Airtrain is not included in the Translink 50c fares, they are offering discounts AND children under 14 travel free with a paying adult. 

Combine a love of planes and trains by hopping on Brisbane’s Airtrain to the airport. Passengers can travel from Brisbane City to the Brisbane Airport, stopping off at either the Domestic or International terminals. Rather than just turning around and heading back, spend some time inside the terminals, checking out the shops (did you know there is a LEGO shop at the domestic terminal) and watching planes. 

G:link

The G:link, or the Gold Coast Light Rail Tram, is an environmentally friendly mode of transport on the Gold Coast. This Light Rail is a tram system, consisting of over 20km of track (in stages 1 and 2) allowing commuters to travel along the coast – a new and exciting train system to excite your Brisbane Kids. Stage 3 is underway and will link Broadbeach South with Burleigh Heads. 

Train Attractions Further Afield

While these train attractions are not in Brisbane, they are only an hour or two away, so totally doable for a day trip or next time you are on holiday. 

The Ginger Factory Train

Situated on the Sunshine Coast, The Ginger Factory is best known for its onsite Ginger Factory, beautiful gardens and ginger-themed food. Train enthusiasts will be happy to hear they also offer tours throughout their property on a 100-year-old cane train fondly referred to at Moreton. As you putt around the grounds on Moreton, you will hear commentary on the history of ginger and the properties connection to the industry. 

Moreton used to transport the sugar from the sugar cane fields, but these days happily ferries families around the Ginger Factory gardens. Entry to The Ginger Factory is free, though you will need to purchase tickets to ride the train. 

The Pineapple Train at The Big Pineapple

All aboard the Pineapple Train! Based at the iconic Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast, The Pineapple Train is back in operation and happily carts visitors from The Pineapple Station down to The Koala Station at Wildlife HQ and beyond. 

Generally leaving every half hour, tickets for the train can be purchased from the ticket office at The Big Pineapple. You can choose to just ride the train in a loop or alternatively purchase a combination ticket and visit WildlifeHQ too.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

While visitors usually flock to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for the gorgeous animals and informative wildlife shows, did you also know your admission ticket includes unlimited train rides!? The heritage train runs through the 27 hectares of lush wildlife reserve everyday and once a month is replaced by the historical steam train, which turned 60 years old in July 2024. 

Downs Explorer

 

Further afield, the Downs Explorer offers a unique heritage experience of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt. These train rides are by reservation only and offer regular tours from Warwick to Stanthorpe, Wallangarra, Clifton, Wheatvale, Hendon, and Toowoomba, plus special long weekends to Miles, Goondiwindi and Tenterfield, NSW.

The railway also offers regular ‘children’s specials’ where kids are entertained with onboard activities. For more details, contact Downs Explorer

Mary Valley Rattler

Venture north to Gympie where you can ride on the beautifully restored C17 steam train, the Mary Valley Rattler.  Departing from the historic Gympie Station, travelling through the Mary Valley, before arriving at Amamoor and returning, this is a train journey for the whole family. The popular 40km, Classic Rattler Run takes about three hours and currently runs on Wednesday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s. 

For something a little more unique climb aboard one of the speciality services including ride with the driver, the ghost train, silver bullet high tea, the Christmas train and more.

Other Transport Related Guides

For more Fun Activities in Brisbane with a transport theme, check out our guide to Plane Spotting in Brisbane.

If you are after a something a little more energetic, but still with a slight train theme, why not explore some of Brisbane’s Family-Friendly Rail Trails. 

Still want more – check out these Popular Transport Attractions in Brisbane.