ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
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 to the Thirlmere Festival of Steam from Tahmoor station on Saturday and Sunday.
Buses will operate every 15 mins, except between the hours of 12–1pm, where it will operate every 30 mins. Services will operate in a continuous loop between Tahmoor Railway station (George Street) and Thirlmere Station (Thirlmere Way).
Street parking is available in the town of Thirlmere. However, due to road closures on Sunday 18 May, parking will be limited and/or may require you to walk from your vehicle to the festival.
Limited wheelchair accessible parking locations are available in front of the NSW Rail Museum's main exhibition building.
Accessible parking locations are available in front of the NSW Rail Museum on Barbour Road on Saturday 17 May, and Mason Street (accessed via Goodlet Street) on Sunday 18 May. Permits must be displayed at all times.
Additional street parking is available in the town of Thirlmere. However, due to road closures on Sunday 18 May, parking will be limited and/or may require you to travel from your vehicle to the festival.
Due to the heritage nature of our carriages, only foldable wheelchairs are able to be accommodated onboard. Our friendly staff and volunteers will be able to assist with boarding and alighting where possible.In support of adults, young people and children living with disability, at this year’s festival.
There is a free Sensory session at the Family Carnival on Saturday 17 May from 10:30am-12pm Thanks to Joylands Amusements. Pre-booking is required.
In addition, Wollondilly Shire Council is holding free sessions at Mess it Up in Memorial Park on Sunday 18 May.
Free earmuffs are also available to borrow from the NSW Rail Museum front desk and Thirlmere Station.Several road closures will be in place across Thirlmere on Sunday 18 May from 6AM to 5PM:
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Oaks St between the railway station roundabout and Carlton Rd
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Mason St from Barbour Rd to Goodlet St
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Close St from Barbour Rd to Campbell St- accessible parking will be provided on Mason St
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Barbour Rd between Oaks St and Lakes St
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Westbourne Ave from South St to Oaks St
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Courtesy of the NSW Rail Museum, a FREE shuttle bus will operate to the Thirlmere Festival of Steam from Tahmoor station on Saturday and Sunday.
Buses will operate every 15 mins from 9am to 5pm, except between the hours of 12–1pm, where it will operate every 30 mins. Services will operate in a continuous loop between Tahmoor Railway station (George Street) and Thirlmere Station (Thirlmere Way).
For over 30 years, the annual Thirlmere Festival of Steam has been a community celebration of steam and nostalgia.
Originally held in March to officially 'open' the steam season, New South Wales' own premier steam event now takes place during the cooler month of May.
The event is delivered in partnership by Wollondilly Shire Council and Transport Heritage NSW, operators of the NSW Rail Museum.
Nestled in the heart of the Wollondilly region, the town Thirlmere is located 5 minutes southwest of Picton and home to the NSW Rail Museum since 1975. It’s an hour south of the Sydney CBD, and just 30 minutes from Campbelltown, Wollongong, and Bowral.
frequently asked quESTIONS
Yes, the festival of steam will go ahead rain, hail or shine - our trains and machines don't mind the weather! Wet weather cover will be available inside the NSW Rail Museum, and it's nice and cosy onboard our steam train rides!
Parts of the street festival may not continue in inclement weather. If this occurs, this will be communicated via social media on the day.You will need to ensure you have purchased a Museum Only or Museum and Train Ride ticket to enter the NSW Rail Museum. A Carnival Rides ticket will not allow you to enter the NSW Rail Museum, and vice versa.
While train ride only tickets cannot be purchased, you are welcome to bring your Museum and Train Ride ticket directly to Thirlmere Station and board without entering the museum.
To ensure everyone has an opportunity to join in on the fun, seating is automatically allocated. While we do our best to ensure your group or family is seated together, seating may be split to ensure everyone has a chance to enjoy - so please ensure you check your allocated seat on your tickets!
If you have accessibility requirements or sensory issues and need help with your seating, please call the NSW Rail Museum on 1300 11 55 99.
Due to the heritage nature of our carriages, only foldable wheelchairs are able to be accommodated onboard. Larger wheelchairs can be stored at Thirlmere Station, and our friendly staff and volunteers will be able to assist with boarding and alighting where required.
Yes! You're welcome to bring your dog or pet along with you to the event. If you wish to bring your pet, we recommend visiting on the Sunday. Please note, all pets will need to be on a leash.
PLEASE NOTE: Only Assistance Dogs with a valid animal permit are permitted inside the NSW Rail Museum and onboard trains. You will be requested to show your legal permit before entry and/or boarding. All animals without a legal permit, including emotional support animals, will not be able to enter the museum or board trains.While we are unable to offer companion cardholders a free ticket due to limited capacity, cardholders are able to purchase a concession ticket at a discounted price.
To become a festival sponsor, please contact Wollondilly Shire Council’s Events Team for further details on 02 4677 1100.