Tallowood Ventures and its incredible band of volunteers and sponsors have two main goals for 2026.
First, we’re on track very soon for the first public steam-up of the restored 148-year-old steam train – the pride and joy of the project – and we hope that hundreds of people will come along to celebrate this milestone at our Glenreagh Heritage Railway (GHR) headquarters in Glenreagh.
A recent test firing of the engine and the historic sound of the long-silenced whistle delighted an invited crowd of volunteers, business leaders, and local identities. Also in attendance were the Mayor of Clarence Valley Council, Ray Smith, and Councillor Cristie Yager, plus the City of Coffs Harbour Director of City Infrastructure Andrew Beswick. The guests were also treated to a barbecue run by Grafton Scouts.
“The steam-up ran faultlessly,” said Wal Muir, Chairman of Tallowood Ventures Ltd, the not-for-profit group behind the whole rail trail and train projects. “They also took advantage of the occasion to climb up into the cabin to see how the engine works and walk through the incredibly well-preserved passenger carriage, as well as walk the line itself.
“It’s been a privilege watching the restoration of the passenger carriage which is being carried out by our amazing volunteers, with the help of a grant from Transport Heritage NSW.”
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for news of the public steam-up. Or subscribe to our website to be first with the news.
The second major goal is further laying of the new hardwood sleepers on a section of track near the steam shed at Glenreagh.
“We are planning to replace around 330 railway sleepers over the next three months,” said Wal. “We are also putting in fence posts and sanding and painting picket fencing. I’ve got to say a big thank you to Coffs Harbour Hardwoods for their generous donation of the fencing!”
For the track, we’re running an Adopt a Sleeper fundraiser. For a $100 donation, your name, or that of your family, group or business will be engraved on a plaque to be attached to a sleeper on the actual track at Glenreagh.
So far, more than $8,000 has been raised. We’d like to thank everyone who has donated, and to Cordy’s Custom Engraving at Lowanna for the beautifully engraved plaques. Many of the plaques have already been installed and can be seen on the new sleepers at Glenreagh. Check our website for photos!
We need to replace another 250 sleepers before we can finally run the steam train! Volunteers are working hard. Please help by donating to our GoFundme.
We are always looking for volunteers to help with these tasks. Email us at info@tallowoodventures.com or register to volunteer or via our website.
Glenreagh Heritage Railway precinct
Planning has begun for the infrastructure around the precinct. Thank you to Locale Consulting from Woolgoolga for their pro bono work in creating a master plan for the precinct. This plan includes parking, fencing, toilets, seating, plantings, rainwater tanks, murals, accommodation in refurbished railway carriages and other options, as well as extensions to the Glenreagh Shed. The means for setting up the rail trail start are also under consideration.
Rail Trail Latest
Of course, our biggest project is the development of the Tallowood Mountain Rail Trail from Glenreagh to Ulong.
We believe this 35km trail will be the most beautiful rail trail in NSW as it passes through 2 tunnels, over 4 historic bridges and a new suspension bridge and through pristine rainforest as it makes its way up the escarpment to the mountain villages of Lowanna and Ulong. It will be FREE for everyone to walk or ride, bringing economic and business development through increased tourism to Glenreagh and the hinterland, as well provide a safe and beautiful trail for locals to enjoy!
Our small, volunteer team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes meeting with neighbours, local councils, ministerial departments across tourism and regional development and National Parks. Last year we applied for a federally-funded regional grant for the survey and concept design phase and are now waiting to hear if we are successful. This phase will cover surveys, environmental impact studies, cultural studies, weed clearing, assessment of infrastructure (tunnels, bridges and culverts etc) and the design of the rail trail (eg camping and picnic areas etc.)
Shannondale Steam Group
This is a group of steam afficionados who are passionate about traction engines, steam sawmills and other steam machines. They needed somewhere to have their engines and equipment, so we offered them space at our precinct including a shed on a peppercorn lease. They intend to have several of their traction engines, a steam-driven sawmill, and steamrollers on display and in working condition. They will look to provide steam engine rides to help bring in income for the group.
This is a fantastic partnership and one that will add enormous value to the Glenreagh Heritage Railway steam heritage.
Volunteers needed!
A very hardworking group of volunteers donate their time and energy at Glenreagh Heritage Railway every Wednesday and Saturday restoring the beautiful passenger carriage, installing and painting fencing, and replacing railway sleepers. We would love to have more volunteers join us! Whether you can donate a day/week or day/month, or a day/year, we’d love to see you!
Please register on our website and/or contact info@tallowoodventures.com
(Thank you to Trevor Veale for the photos:)