16-17 may 2026
NSW PREMIER
STEAM EVENT
Experience the power and spectacle of steam at the Thirlmere Festival of Steam on 16-17 May.
Climb aboard authentic steam train rides, explore vintage machinery, and enjoy live entertainment, interactive displays and family fun at NSW’s biggest celebration of rail heritage - all in Sydney’s south-west.
EXPLORE THE FESTIVAL
STEAM TRAIN RIDES
All aboard for a steam-powered adventure!
Step back in time and experience the thrill of travelling behind a former NSW Government Railways steam locomotive.
Departing from Thirlmere Station, enjoy a 45-minute heritage train ride through the picturesque Wollondilly region. Travel to Picton behind locomotive 3526, or journey to Buxton behind 3001 and 3265.
Don’t wait - this festival highlight sells out fast!
SATURDAY timetable
Sunday timetable
FARES
Adult: $37
Child: $17
Senior/Concession: $27
THNSW Members: $20
Annual passholders: $20
Steam train ride tickets include all-day NSW Rail Museum and Ferris wheel admission, subject to availability.
Locomotives
FAMILY CARNIVAL
Get ready for fun for all ages at the Thirlmere Festival of Steam Family Carnival, located at Thirlmere Sportsground, just a short walk from the NSW Rail Museum.
Enjoy thrilling rides, classic attractions and plenty of family favourites. From gentle spins to heart-racing adventures, there’s something for everyone — the perfect place to keep the fun going during your Festival of Steam visit.
A ticketed sensory-friendly carnival session will also run on Saturday morning from 10:30am to 12:00pm.
FESTIVAL AFTER DARK
The festivities don’t stop when the sun goes down — The Festival of Steam continues into Saturday evening with Festival After Dark.
From 5pm, the festival activities continue with markets and food stalls along Oaks Street, live entertainment and displays, carnival rides at Thirlmere Sportsground, and Ferris wheel rides at the NSW Rail Museum.
The highlight of the evening is a rare chance to ride behind steam at night, featuring a spectacular triple-header of steam locomotives.
Conclude your evening with our fireworks finale at 8pm!
AFTER DARK TRAIN RIDES TIMETABLE
TIME
Saturday 16 May: 5-8pm
Adult: $17
Child: $7
Senior/Concession $12
Adult: $37
Child: $17
Senior/Concession: $27
THNSW Members: $20
Annual passholders: $20
Both tickets include Ferris wheel admission
Step aboard at Central or Strathfield and travel direct to Thirlmere by heritage train for the Festival of Steam behind steam locomotive 5917, assisted by a vintage diesel locomotive.
On arrival, you’ll step off right in the centre of the action at the Exhibition Platform inside the NSW Rail Museum.
FESTIVAL STREET PARADe
The annual festival street parade returns!
On Sunday 17 May, the streets of Thirlmere will come alive. Watch vibrant stilt walkers, talented community groups, energetic dancers, and beloved characters from iconic children’s shows.
TIME
Sunday 17 May: 11am
FOOD AND MARKET STALLS
On Saturday 16 May, explore a boutique selection of market stalls and food trucks offering a variety of cuisines and unique products.
Then on Sunday 17 May, Thirlmere’s streets will close to transform into a bustling marketplace and culinary haven with Eat Street. Discover unique crafts, delicious treats, and one‑of‑a‑kind finds.
If you’d like, I can make it more energetic, more formal, or more family‑focused.
ENTRY
FREE
TIME
Saturday 16 May: 11am-8pm, Barbour Road
Sunday 17 May: 9am-4pm, Barbour Road + Oak Street
VINTAGE CAR SHOW
Supplement your steam experience with some petrol‑powered excitement at our vintage car show!
Explore stunning hot rods, classic cars, and beautifully preserved vintage machines from a range of enthusiast groups — guaranteed to put a smile on the face of any car lover.
TIME
Sunday 17 May: 9am - 4pm
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Across the weekend, enjoy a huge range of FREE live entertainment and music.
On the main stage, catch local acts, community performance groups, and energetic dance troupes. Plus, throughout the festival, enjoy children’s pantomime, roving bands, entertainers, and more.
HUFF 'N' PUFF ROAD RACE
Think you can outrun a steam train? On Sunday 24 May, put yourself to the test in the Huff 'n' Puff Road Race!
The iconic Huff ‘n’ Puff Foot Race is back to challenge competitors as they race against a historic steam engine.
This year, the event offers two run options: a 6.7 km road race from Buxton Station to Thirlmere Station, and a 3.5 km family fun run from Couridjah Station to Thirlmere Station.
All participants receive a race bib, timing chip, medallion, and certificate. Plus, finish your day with FREE entry to the NSW Rail Museum afterwards.
RACE PRIZES
1st Place Male & Female: $250 each
2nd Place Male & Female: $150 each
1st Place Junior Male & Female: $100 each
Family Fun Run Participants receive a Drink Bottle & Ribbon
SCHEDULE - SUNDAY 24 MAY
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
For over 30 years, the annual Thirlmere Festival of Steam has been a cherished community celebration of steam heritage and nostalgia.
Originally held in March to officially “open” the steam season, New South Wales’ premier steam event now takes place in the cooler month of May.
The event is proudly delivered in partnership by Wollondilly Shire Council and Transport Heritage NSW, operators of the NSW Rail Museum.
GETTING TO THE FESTIVAL
Nestled in the heart of the Wollondilly region, Thirlmere is located just five minutes southwest of Picton and has been home to the NSW Rail Museum since 1975. It's situated an hour south of the Sydney CBD and only 30 minutes from Campbelltown, Wollongong, and Bowral.
Getting to Thirlmere
Driving to the Thirlmere Festival of Steam offers the most flexibility. However, parking in and around the event will be limited. NSW TrainLink operates regular train services to nearby Tahmoor Station from the Southern Highlands and Campbelltown/Sydney. Courtesy of the NSW Rail Museum, a FREE shuttle bus will operate between Tahmoor Station and the Thirlmere Festival of Steam on both Saturday and Sunday. Buses will run every 15 minutes, except between 12:00–1:00 pm, when they will operate every 30 minutes. Services will run in a continuous loop between Tahmoor Railway Station (George Street) and Thirlmere Station (Thirlmere Way). On Sunday 17 May, visitors can also travel direct from Central Station to the Thirlmere Festival of Steam — and return — aboard the Festival of Steam Picnic Train.
Parking
Street parking is available throughout the town of Thirlmere. However, due to road closures on Sunday 17 May, parking will be limited and may require a short walk from your vehicle to the festival. Limited wheelchair‑accessible parking is available in front of the NSW Rail Museum’s main exhibition building. A 5‑minute drop‑and‑go zone will also be available on Station Street, close to Thirlmere Station.
Accessibility
Accessible parking is available in front of the NSW Rail Museum on Barbour Road on Saturday 16 May, and on Mason Street (accessed via Goodlet Street) on Sunday 17 May. Permits must be displayed at all times. Additional street parking is available throughout Thirlmere township. However, due to road closures on Sunday 17 May, parking will be limited and may require you to travel some distance from your vehicle to the festival. Due to the heritage nature of THNSW’s carriages, only foldable wheelchairs can be accommodated onboard. Staff and volunteers can provide limited assistance with boarding and alighting where possible.
Sensory Information
In support of adults, young people, and children living with disability, this year’s festival includes a range of sensory sessions and assistance. The Family Carnival will feature a free sensory session on Saturday 16 May from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Please note that pre‑booking is required. Wollondilly Shire Council will also host free sessions at Mess It Up in Memorial Park on Sunday 17 May. In addition, free earmuffs are available to borrow from the NSW Rail Museum front desk and Thirlmere Station. For further assistance with train rides, please call THNSW Customer Service on 1300 11 55 99.
Free Shuttle Bus
Courtesy of the NSW Rail Museum, a FREE shuttle bus will run between Tahmoor Station and the Thirlmere Festival of Steam on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May. Operating Hours: 8:45 am to 4:15 pm Frequency: Every 15 minutes, except between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm when buses run every 30 minutes Route: Continuous loop between Tahmoor Railway Station (George Street) and Thirlmere Station (Thirlmere Way)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
We strongly encourage pre-booking, particularly for steam train rides, which usually sell out each year.
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
Yes, tickets to the NSW Rail Museum, including steam train rides, are available at both the Barbour Road and Oak St entrances. Please note, steam train rides may be sold out on the day. We recommend booking in advance to guarantee your seat.
Where do steam train rides depart from?
Steam train rides depart from Thirlmere Station, located at the NSW Rail Museum. Please note, you will need to allow approximately 10-15 minutes to walk from the museum entrance to the station.
How long is the steam train ride?
Steam train rides from Thirlmere to both Buxton and Piction are approximately 45 minutes.
Can I board the train at Buxton or Picton?
No. All boarding and alighting of steam train rides takes place at Thirlmere Station.
Are steam train rides suitable for young children?
Yes! Steam train rides are loved and enjoyed by people of all ages.
Is the Festival still on if it rains?
Yes, the Festival of Steam will go ahead rain, hail, or shine — our trains and machines don’t mind a bit of weather! Wet‑weather cover will be available inside the NSW Rail Museum, and it’s warm and cosy onboard our steam train rides. Some elements of the street festival may not proceed in severe weather. If any changes are required, updates will be shared via social media on the day.
Does my ticket let me into the Museum?
You will need to ensure you have purchased either a Museum Only ticket or Museum + Train Ride ticket to enter the NSW Rail Museum. Tickets for carnival rides at Thirlmere Sportsground do not provide entry to the NSW Rail Museum, nor do museum tickets provide access to the carnival rides at Thirlmere Sportsground. Please note, admission for the Ferris wheel in the NSW Rail Museum is included in all ‘Museum Only’ and ‘Museum and Train Ride’ tickets.
Can I just go on the train only?
Museum admission is included as part of "Museum and Train Ride" tickets, so train-ride-only tickets are not available. If you prefer, you can go straight to Thirlmere Station with your Museum + Train Ride ticket and board the train there without entering the museum first.
How do I choose my seat on the train?
To ensure everyone can join in on the fun, seating is automatically allocated. While we do our best to seat your group or family together, some seating may be split to ensure all passengers can enjoy the experience — so please make sure you check the seat numbers printed on your tickets. If you have accessibility requirements or sensory needs and require assistance with your seating, please call the NSW Rail Museum on 1300 11 55 99.
Are the trains wheelchair accessible?
Due to the heritage nature of our carriages, only foldable wheelchairs can be accommodated onboard. Larger wheelchairs can be safely stored at Thirlmere Station. Our friendly staff and volunteers can provide some assistance with boarding and alighting if required - to arrange in advance, please call THNSW on 1300 11 55 99.
Is the festival pet friendly?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your dog or pet along to the Festival of Steam. If you plan to bring a pet, we recommend visiting on Sunday. All pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Please note: only Assistance Dogs with a valid permit are permitted inside the NSW Rail Museum or onboard trains. You may be asked to present the relevant permit before entry or boarding. Animals without a valid permit, including emotional support animals, are not permitted inside the museum or on trains.
Do you accept companion cards?
While we are unable to offer Companion Card holders a complimentary ticket due to limited capacity, cardholders are able to purchase a ticket at the concession price.
How do I become a stallholder?
Applications are now open for individuals, businesses, and community groups interested in becoming a stallholder at the 2026 Thirlmere Festival of Steam. For more details, please contact Wollondilly Shire Council on (02) 4677 1100 or email council@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au.
How do I become a sponsor?
To become a festival sponsor, please contact Wollondilly Shire Council’s Events Team for further details on 02 4677 1100.
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