The Valley Rattler.
I have recently completed another wonderful experience which is not only memorial but very instructive and opened up closed memories of a bygone era on steam trains.
Along with 18 ladies, me being the only male from various information centres around the Maroochyshire this spectacular journey begins in Gympie Historical Station. Leaving the city behind the old lovingly restored steam engine and five assorted carriages collected from around Queensland, the engine soon built up a healthy head of steam to guide us through the very scenic Mary Valley.
The countryside is spectacular, rolling hills, (looking a little parched through lack of rain), a patchwork of pineapple, macadamia and avocado crops, also a huge area of covered export Persimmons.
Just a short stop at the tiny Kandanga station where there was an abundance of local farmers produce for sale, plus the all important partition for stopping the plan to form a dam in the Valley.
Gathering up steam again we were soon on our way to our lunch stop at the biggest town in the area, Imbil where the engine is turned around for the journey back. The old Railway Hotel has dominated the town for many decades and some of the local shops still held great character of the past.
On the return journey, our tour guide Pat, carried on with his instructive comments about the history of the Valley along with some of his corny jokes, also pointing out various areas which will be affected by the proposed dam for the Valley, which will leave a lot of this beautiful countryside under metres of water and causing many residents to sell up and move from their beloved homes and farms. Pat mentioned a bowling green we passed would be under ten metres of water.
Dagun, the final stop on our delightful trip left us time to enjoy some lovely local produce of wine and cheese, crafts and home made preserves and fruits, and even some light musical entertainment.
The Valley Rattler had taken us on a wonderful experience of friendship and hospitality, lovely scenery, reminders of life of many decades ago, well-hosted staff and a treat for all ages.
I fully recommend this wonderful steam train journey to all tourist and locals alike that come and visit our Sunshine Coast and some of the surprises in the picturesque Hinterland
Till my next wonderful experience, enjoy our great attractions.
Jim Fitzthum.
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