Embark on the 2025 Santa Steam Express in Australia: A Festive Journey for Charity, Family Fun, and Christmas Magic You’ll Never Forget!

This year, Queensland Rail is adding something truly special to its holiday offerings to mark its 160th anniversary. The Santa Steam Express, an exclusive, one-of-a-kind Christmas event, will take place on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from Roma Street station in Brisbane, Australia. This unique heritage steam train ride is set to bring families together for a memorable day while also supporting a meaningful cause. Whether you’re a local or a tourist visiting Queensland, the Santa Steam Express promises to be a festive experience you won’t want to miss.

A Heartwarming Ride with a Purpose

The Santa Steam Express is not only about celebrating the holiday season but also about giving back to the community. All proceeds from the ticket sales will go to Mater Little Miracles, a program supporting premature and seriously ill babies in the Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU) at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in South Brisbane. By participating in this charity event, passengers will contribute directly to the purchase of a specialized ventilator machine that supports the breathing of Queensland’s most vulnerable babies.

The festive journey aboard the iconic BB18 ¼ engine, affectionately known as Bety, will allow passengers to experience the spirit of Christmas while making a meaningful difference in the lives of families who depend on Mater Little Miracles. It’s a perfect blend of fun, charity, and tradition — a wonderful way to make the holiday season even more special for everyone involved.

An Iconic Journey Through Brisbane’s Suburbs

The Santa Steam Express will offer three round-trip rides throughout the day, each lasting between forty minutes and an hour. Passengers will board at Roma Street station for a scenic trip through Brisbane’s charming suburbs, including Milton, Toowong, Sherwood, and Fairfield. The train will also make a special journey via the Tennyson loop, offering passengers stunning views of the city as they enjoy a festive atmosphere onboard.

This experience is open to the public, with tickets priced at $7 for children and $15 for adults. With a limited number of tickets available, families are encouraged to book early, as this event is expected to sell out quickly. It’s the perfect way for both locals and tourists to celebrate Christmas in Queensland while taking in the sights and sounds of Brisbane from a unique vantage point.

Supporting Queensland’s Most Vulnerable Babies

The Santa Steam Express is more than just a fun holiday event. It’s a celebration of giving back to the community. Mater Little Miracles provides crucial support to babies who require specialized neonatal care. Each year, this program cares for over 2,000 premature and critically ill babies, providing around-the-clock medical care and attention. The proceeds from the event will help provide life-saving equipment, such as the ventilator machine, which ensures that the tiniest and most fragile babies receive the care they need.

By joining the Santa Steam Express, attendees will not only enjoy a festive day out but will also play a direct role in improving the health outcomes of these infants. It’s a powerful reminder of the true spirit of Christmas — the gift of giving.

A Family-Friendly Experience for All

While the Santa Steam Express is designed with charity in mind, it also offers a fun and family-friendly experience that is open to everyone. Queensland Rail is particularly excited to extend the invitation to families who have been supported by Mater Little Miracles, giving them an opportunity to enjoy a joyful and festive day out on the Santa Steam Express.

For tourists visiting Queensland, this event provides an excellent opportunity to experience the region’s Christmas spirit in a unique way. Riding on a heritage steam train adds a nostalgic element to the experience, and for many families, it will become a cherished holiday tradition. Whether you’re in town for the season or looking to make the most of your visit, the Santa Steam Express is a must-do experience.

Celebrating Queensland Rail’s 160th Anniversary

The Santa Steam Express is part of Queensland Rail’s larger celebration of its 160th anniversary. For over a century and a half, Queensland Rail has played an integral role in connecting communities and serving as a key part of Queensland’s transportation network. This special event ties Queensland Rail’s long history with the joy of the holiday season, creating new memories for the next generation while raising funds for a good cause.

Neil Backer, the Head of South East Queensland at Queensland Rail, emphasized how exciting it is to combine the company’s anniversary celebrations with the holiday spirit. He encouraged everyone, from locals to tourists, to get involved in the event and celebrate Christmas in style while supporting Mater Little Miracles.

Join in the Festivities and Spread Holiday Cheer

In addition to the Santa Steam Express, Santa Express rides will also be available on regular South East Queensland trains throughout December 2025. These rides are part of Queensland Rail’s long-standing tradition of bringing Santa to local communities, and the Santa Express timetable will be released soon. For families visiting Queensland, this presents another opportunity to experience the magic of the holidays while traveling through the region.

How to Get Tickets

Tickets for the Santa Steam Express are available now on the Queensland Rail website. Due to the event’s popularity and limited availability, families are encouraged to book tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Whether you’re a Queensland local or a tourist visiting for the holidays, this is an event that’s sure to leave lasting memories.

For those who may miss out on tickets, Queensland Rail invites everyone to visit Roma Street station on the day of the event, where the Santa Steam Express will be on display. The station will be filled with Christmas cheer, offering another way for families to get involved in the festivities.

Conclusion: A Christmas Tradition That Gives Back

The Santa Steam Express is more than just a holiday ride; it’s an event that brings joy, supports a great cause, and creates lasting memories for families across South East Queensland. Whether you’re celebrating with your loved ones or visiting from out of town, the Santa Steam Express offers a unique and heartwarming experience. By participating in this event, you’re not only enjoying the festive spirit of Christmas but also helping to make a difference in the lives of Queensland’s most vulnerable babies.

The Santa Steam Express is the perfect way to celebrate the season of giving, with Santa at the helm, spreading cheer and goodwill to all. Make your holiday season unforgettable by joining in on this heartwarming event, and experience the magic of Christmas in Queensland.

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