The evocative sound of a steam train whistle and engine has echoed through Glenreagh for the first time in 17 years last weekend after repairs on the 148-year-old steam engine ‘1919’ brought the boiler back to life ahead of a final sign-off later this year.
For 12 months, a dedicated volunteer crew under the direction of a professional engineer has been working through the repairs and rigorous testing needed to get 1919 to this final stage of its journey and return to a working steam train.
Getting the beautiful old nineteenth century steam train running again is one of the major goals of the whole Tallowood Mountain Rail Trail project.
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.”
Hear the whistle on our website www.tmrt.com.au or Youtube!
The next step, after testing, is accreditation with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator, a body with which the Rail Trail crew are in regular contact. Once that has been achieved, and the rails repaired, Coffs Coast locals and visitors will soon be able to go back in time by riding on an historic steam train!!
Passenger Carriage
In further exciting news, a $15,000 grant has been awarded from Transport Heritage NSW for undercarriage works on one of the two intact historic passenger carriages that will also 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
After discussion with locals and volunteers we have decided to name 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! We would love help to design a logo for us!!
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. We’re putting a call-out to any local businesses who would be willing to donate services, or funds, as well as public donations.
Locale Consulting from Woolgoolga are working with us on a master plan for the precinct, Dulux has generously donated paint for the passenger carriage, and Coffs Harbour Hardwoods have already very kindly donated equipment, and timber offcuts for the steam engine in the future.
“Adopt a sleeper” fundraiser
Our 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.
You can donate via our GoFundme. Email your plaque information, or to ask for more details, to info@tallowoodventures.com
Our initial plan is to run the steam train monthly on Glenreagh market day, and we are aiming for Easter 2026!! Initially, it will run approximately 1.5 km to Tallawudjah Creek Rd and return. These excursions will provide a unique way to experience the nostalgia of a steam train ride and hear again the sound of that glorious whistle! There is a lot of work to be done over the next 6 months!
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.
Rail Trail update
The Tallowood Mountain Rail Trail project aims to transform the old, disused railway line from Glenreagh to Ulong into a 35km scenic, sustainable pathway for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts for all ages and abilities.
- Grant: we are waiting for news on the regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) grant application which we submitted earlier this year for the Concept and design phase of the project. This will be the first step in funding for the 35 km proposed rail trail. This grant will cover everything from Environmental Impact Studies, assessment of bridges, tunnels and culverts, to concept design and surveys necessary for the development of the rail trail. We are always on the lookout for other community grants that can help us turn the rail trail plan into reality.
- Trail clearing: We have cleared another 6km of trail this winter thanks to a keen group of volunteers. We were able to clear to the Nymboida bridge from Lowanna station and document the current state of this bridge.
- Caretaking: We have reached out to “grey nomads” groups for caretaking roles at Lowanna station over the summer months. We have 2 groups booked in until end of Jan 2026. If there is anyone interested to stay Feb/March/April from 2 weeks to up to a 3 month period, please contact karen@tallowoodventures.com. Caretakers have access to power, water, toilet and showers in return for mowing the lawns and maintain the gardens for us. (approx. 4-6 hrs work/week over summer)
- Great Koala National Park has been announced, and the Tallowood Mountain Rail Trail will pass directly through it as it climbs its way up the escarpment. The Park will ensure the preservation and restoration of important koala and native fauna habitat and provide a beautiful natural environment for trail users to enjoy. Tallowood Ventures will continue to work with both Forestry NSW and National Parks as we develop the rail trail as well as provide an opportunity for job creation through our rail trail development and ongoing maintenance, as well as the railway operations at Glenreagh.
- Horses. we would like to meet with local equine groups to establish a section of rail trail that would be suitable for horses for recreational riding. Please contact us info@tallowoodventures.com if you would like to discuss your interest with us.
Media releases
Thank you to our local papers and publications -Coffs Coast News of the Area, Clarence Valley News, Focus magazine and Woopi News, who have been key in spreading the word!
The Tallowood Mountain Rail Trail and Glenreagh Heritage Railway represent much more than just infrastructure—they are about preserving our region’s rich heritage and creating experiences that bring people closer to history, nature, and each other. We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support of our community and volunteers who help make these dreams a reality.
Thank you for being a part of this exciting journey.