Getting the beautiful old nineteenth century steam train running again is one of the major goals of Tallowood Ventures. It will provide a unique point of difference to other rail trails in Australia, local employment and an income for future maintenance of the rail trail after it is constructed.
After discussion with locals and volunteers we have named the train operations at the Glenreagh precinct the “Glenreagh Heritage Railway” to recognise the historical significance of the area and make it easier for the public, especially tourists, to find us!
The evocative sound of a steam train whistle and engine has echoed through Glenreagh, for the first time in 17 years, after repairs were completed on the 148-year-old steam engine ‘1919’. The boiler inspector certified the boiler In November 2025! This was all made possible through a community grant from Fires to Flourish, Clarence Valley.
Our hard working volunteers who have been working diligently over the last 12 months at the Glenreagh Heritage railway precinct and behind the scenes through meticulous documentation and consultation with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR).
Our amazing Loco Shed Manager summed up the excitement when the whistle finally blew when he said:
Yesterday 1919 could be described as 60 tonnes of inanimate steel. Today 1919 has a soul – and it can only get better.
Passenger Carriage
We were awarded in November a $15,000 grant from Transport Heritage NSW for undercarriage works on one of the two intact historic passenger carriages that will form part of the amazing and unique collection. Volunteers are already working on refurbishing the outside of the carriage.
Dulux Paints have generously donated paints which we are careful to ensure match the Heritage colours of the original carriage. Our volunteers are in direct contact with other Heritage railways operating in NSW and we are grateful for their assistance in sharing their expertise and experience.
We appreciate all donations received via our GoFundme fundraiser to help us with this project!
Glenreagh Heritage Railway
Before we can fully open train rides to the public, we need to develop infrastructure such as sleeper replacement, fencing, signage, ramps to access the platform, water tank for steam operations, and parking.
Locale Consulting from Woolgoolga are working with us on a master plan for the precinct.
Coffs Harbour Hardwoods have already very kindly donated equipment, timber offcuts for the steam engine, and all of our picket fencing needed for the safety enclosure at Glenreagh Heritage Railway precinct.
If any local businesses would like to support us, please reach out!
Adopt a sleeper fundraiser
Our next priority is to replace 300 sleepers at Glenreagh to allow the steam train to run safely. We have the expertise and equipment on hand to do this task but we need to purchase new sleepers.
Donations of $100 per sleeper are also being sought as part of our “Adopt a Sleeper” fundraiser. We are hoping that families, work groups, mates, or businesses might like to chip in. It’s a great gift idea too!
For each donation, a beautiful and durable stainless-steel plaque will be applied to your sleeper so that your generosity can be seen in situ. Thank you to Cordy’s Custom Engraving at Lowanna for their support.
Shannondale Steam Shed
To add to the excitement, Shannondale Steam Shed, another not-for-profit group, has moved into the vacant shed in the Glenreagh precinct.
They work on preserving all types of fascinating vintage steam machinery and associated equipment, and they will also be demonstrating steam engines from their shed at Glenreagh soon.
Having the Shannondale volunteers here too means that steam junkies and anyone with an interest in our industrial heritage will have so much more to see and enjoy.
