Queensland's first railway

LOCATED along the banks of Western Creek at the base of the Little Liverpool Range is Grandchester.

The Grandchester area was first viewed by explorer Alan Cunningham in May 1829, when he and his party camped beside the Railway Lagoon in their search for the source of the Brisbane River.

The construction of this first railway line in Queensland brought permanent settlement to the area, and also a name change.

At the request of Governor Bowen, Bigges Camp was renamed Grandchester.

The railway station built in 1866 was the first to use local materials, and for a time, was the life force of the region, as it provided services for the area. The station is listed with the National Trust.

Grandchester station originally housed the residence of the station master with fireplaces in the living room and waiting room.

It was a refreshment stop for passengers from 1868. The station incorporates a signal cabin, now out of use, and a water tank retained for heritage operations.

To celebrate 145 years of railway in Queensland The Grandchester Community Steamfest 2010 is being held in the Grandchester Recreation Reserve from 9am on July 25.

As part of the festival a steam train will be running from Roma Street Station to Grandchester and return.

For bookings phone (07) 3252 1759 from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays.

There will be static and working displays of old machinery, vintage cars, trucks, tractors and bikes. 

Also there will be Cobb and Co Coach rides and model live steam train rides for all ages as well as other rides for children.