After a couple of major setbacks, the Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest is back on track this weekend.
Following a global pandemic and significant flooding in 2022, the popular event pulls into Maitland Station on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 April for the first time since 2019.
Adding to the atmosphere is the fact the extravaganza will also celebrate its 35th anniversary… belatedly.
“The great thing about Steamfest is it’s ‘common ground’ for train enthusiasts, young and old,” Maitland City Council coordinator events and activation Adam Franks said.
“The people you see there, they grew up with a love and a passion for steam locomotives.
“And, that’s carried over to their children or their grandchildren.
“There’s a wonderful cross-generational appeal to steam trains and the machinery on display at Steamfest that our community continues to connect with, year after year.
“Now, after its recent cancellations and postponements, we couldn’t be happier to be returning.”
Steamfest will also stage a landmark “quad run” during the ARTC Great Train Race on Sunday morning, where four legendary locomotives all travel side by side – something not seen since the event’s anniversary in 2016.
Starting from Waratah and racing against a de Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth biplane to Maitland are iconic trains, including a 3801, a Beyer-Garratt 6029, a 5917 and a recently-revived R766.
Transport Heritage NSW chief executive officer Andrew Moritz said the organisation was “fortunate to be part of the only event with four steam trains running side by side anywhere in the world”.
“It is only fitting that each locomotive taking part in the race is a marvel of Australian railways,” he explained.
“The 3801 is the only steam locomotive to have visited every mainland state, while the 6029 pushed the envelope on the size and power of steam traction with its articulated design.
“May the best locomotive win.”
Sold out journeys across the weekend will take punters on scenic jaunts around the Hunter Valley, visiting Branxton, Paterson and Singleton.
Steamfest is expanding its offering into the evening on Saturday, too.
From 5pm to 9pm, the Maitland Station precinct will play host to a fleet of food trucks, carnival rides, music, traction engine displays and a display of locomotive 3801.
On both days, the Rally Ground will bustle with a vast display of antique machinery and traction engines, Maker and Merchant demonstrations, wood carving displays and trackless train rides.
Over in the Station Precinct, visit the Railway Street Collectors Market, be thrilled by the amusement rides, fortune telling and mystical moments in Carnival Lane, and enjoy music and delicious food.
Motoring enthusiasts will also be catered for during Sunday’s Show ‘n’ Shine at Maitland Park from 9am to 3pm.
Hundreds of classic cars are expected to pour into the park, with proceeds from all entry fees donated to local charity Firstchance.
More information on the Hunter Valley Steamfest program and train journeys can be found at www.steamfest.com.au
Hunter Valley Steamfest facts
- The first Hunter Valley Steamfest took place in April 1986, three years after steam operations on the South Maitland Railway ceased
- Approximately 80,000 people attended Hunter Valley Steamfest’s 30th anniversary event in 2016
- Hunter Valley Steamfest regularly attracts in excess of 50,000 people from across the Hunter Valley, NSW and interstate
- This is the first time Hunter Valley Steamfest has been staged since 2019 due to COVID-19 lockdowns and health restrictions in 2020 and 2021, followed by flooding in 2022
- After a decade-long restoration completed in 2020, Australia’s most loved steam locomotive – 3801 – returns to Hunter Valley Steamfest for the first time since 2007
- Locomotive R766 will make its first appearance at Steamfest after being bought back into service in 2022
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