Spring Bluff shuttle 2024

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers – Spring Bluff shuttle​​​

​​14 to 22 September 2024​​

​Step back in time aboard a scenic return train journey from Toowoomba railway station to the heritage-listed Spring Bluff railway station and its stunning gardens, as part of this year’s Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

Tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children aged 4 to 15 years for the complete return rail experience. Infants aged 0 to 3 years must be booked in a seat but travel free of charge.

Hop aboard the Spring Bluff shuttle, a charming diesel-hauled train featuring heritage-style wooden carriages. Enjoy two return services daily (morning and afternoon) operating from Saturday 14 September to Sunday 22 September 2024.

The journey takes 35 minutes from Toowoomba railway station, allowing ample time to explore the picturesque gardens at Spring Bluff before your return trip. A great spot to bring a picnic and soak in the blossoming surrounds even more.  There will also be food vendors at Spring Bluff with a range of options available for purchase including snacks and Devonshire Tea and coffee. Note: cash is preferred as there is limited internet service that may impact EFTPOS transactions. Food vendors will operate daily at the site from 9:00am to 3:00pm during this period.

Dating back to the 1860s, Spring Bluff railway station holds heritage status and is situated along the main railway line between Toowoomba and Ipswich. Its allure lies not only in 150 years of railway history but also in its beautifully landscaped gardens.​

​For flexibility, we offer free cancellations should your plans change. Contact the Queensland Rail Travel Reservations team at 1800 872 467 to arrange a refund. Please note tickets are issued with individual names with allocated carriage, we advise against reselling of tickets.

Spring Bluff shuttle fares, terms and conditions and how to book online information can be viewed in the tabs below the seating availability on this page.

​​Book your Spring Bluff shuttle train tickets​​

Book Online Now ​ ​

Southern Downs Steam Railway will be operating steam train excursions from Toowoomba and Warwick railway stations during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. For more information and to book the Downs Explorer Steam Experience, please visit their website Downs Explorer (opens in new tab).​​​

Spring Bluff shuttle information​​

​​Schedule​​

​Two return daily departures from Saturday 14 September to Sunday 22 September 2024.

Morning round trip shuttle (3603)

  • Departs Toowoomba at 9:00am, arrives Spring Bluff at 9:35am
  • Departs Spring Bluff at 11:00am, arrives in Toowoomba at 11:35am

Afternoon round trip shuttle (3605)

  • Departs Toowoomba at 1:00pm, arrives Spring Bluff at 1:35pm
  • Departs Spring Bluff at 3:00pm, arrives in Toowoomba at 3:35pm

​Seating availability​

Check when seats may be available from 14 to 22 September. This is a guide only and will be updated regularly but due to popular demand seats can sell out quickly.

​Date
Morning return trip shuttle (3603)​ ​Afternoon return trip shuttle (3605)
​Saturday, 14 September 2024
Sold out
1 seat remaining!
​Sunday, 15 September 2024
Sold out1 seat remaining!
​Monday, 16 September 2024
​​Sold outSold out
​Tuesday, 17 September 2024
Sold out1 seat remaining!
​Wednesday, 18 September 2024
Sold out2 seats remaining!​​
​Thursday, 19 September 2024
Sold out
1 seat remaining!
Friday​, 20 September 2024
Sold out
1 seat remaining!​​
Saturday​, 21 September 2024
Sold out​​
Sold out
Sunday​, 22 September 2024
Sold out
Sold out​​​​​​

Plan your day​​

Travel Information​​​

  • We recommend arriving at Toowoomba railway station at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Parking at the station is limited, please allow extra time.
  • Bring your own water bottle for the train ride and pack a picnic for Spring Bluff.
  • There will also be food vendors at Spring Bluff with a range of options available for purchase including snacks and Devonshire Tea and coffee. Note: cash is preferred as there is limited internet service that may impact EFTPOS transactions.​ Food vendors will operate daily at the site from 9:00am to 3:00pm during this period.
  • ​The heritage carriages are full of charm however it does mean there is no air-conditioning. The train has windows which open slightly to allow fresh air to circulate.
  • Toilet facilities are available on the train but must not be used while the train is stationary. 
  • Daypacks should be limited to a maximum size 23cm x 34cm x 48cm to enable it to fit under the seat. Staff cannot assist with handling luggage items that exceed 20kg in weight due to Workplace Health and Safety regulations.
  • Due to limited space onboard, large items including prams, strollers, walking frames, wheelchairs and other mobility devices need to be stored in the last two carriages. These items need to be collapsible and weigh less than 20kg. If you plan on taking these items on the train, please advise when booking by adding a Booking Special Request. Please note beach carts will not be accepted on these services due to the limited storage space.
  • Please note pets are not allowed. If you are travelling with a guide, hearing or assistance animal, please view our Assistance Animals policy for details.

Accessibility​

  • The heritage carriages are not accessible for customers remaining in their wheelchair or mobility device. Access to the train is via steep ladder style steps (with 2 to 3 steps which are 22 to 32cm apart) and a grab rail on the outside of the train. There is no access to a ramp to assist with boarding.
  • Accessibility at Spring Bluff railway station and gardens can be difficult. Please visit the Spring Bluff railway station website or their Facebook page where you can ask questions about access.
  • There are no accessible facilities on the train services or at Spring Bluff railway station.
  • If you are travelling with a guide, hearing or assistance animal, please view our Assistance Animals policy for details.
  • For safety reasons, customers with accessibility requirements will need to board and disembark from the last two carriages at Toowoomba and Spring Bluff railway stations. This is due to the height difference between the platform and carriage at each railway station.
  • ​Our Customer Service team will assist customers when entering and leaving the train, however if a customer requires personal care, they will need to arrange for a companion to travel with them. Companion card fares are accepted on this service and can be booked by contacting our Reservations team.
  • Please read the Conditions of Carriage for information about travelling on this service.