- Australia’s premier steam event, the Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest returns to Maitland on 13 and 14 April 2024.
- As part of the much-loved event, ARTC will host its highly anticipated and sold out Annual Great Train Race, which takes place on Sunday morning.
- Now in its 36th year, Hunter Valley Steamfest is expected to attract thousands of visitors and train enthusiasts.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is again proud to sponsor the Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest in partnership with Maitland City Council to celebrate Maitland’s rail heritage.
The heart and soul of Steamfest is its impressive assembly of steam trains and this year’s program will see New South Wales’ largest and most powerful steam locomotive, the 6029 ‘The Garratt’, alongside the locally built 3526 on display.
A must-see event of the weekend will be the ARTC Great Train Race, featuring two steam trains going head-to-head against a classic Tiger Moth biplane.
One lucky winner will get a bird’s eye view of the action with the Tiger Moth Joy Flight competition offering the chance to ride shotgun in the biplane during the thrilling race.
Hunter Valley Steamfest offers a weekend of family friendly entertainment, hop aboard a steam train, explore antique machinery, admire over 500 classic cars from across Australia, and enjoy kids’ activities, market stalls and more.
Steamfest kicks off on Saturday 13 April, from 9am to 9pm through til Sunday 14 April from 9am to 4pm.
NSW Trains will be running additional services to Maitland Station which will place attendees right in the heart of Steamfest. For further information on travelling by train please visit www.transportnsw.info.
Clinton Crump, ARTC Acting Group Executive Operations, said:
“Hunter Valley Steamfest is one of Australia’s premier rail events, and ARTC is looking forward to joining our local communities in celebrating all things rail and steam.
“ARTC is proud to play a key role in putting on such a fun family event, and to host the famous Great Train Race – there truly is something for everyone.
“It’s also an opportunity for the public to come and say hello to our team. ARTC will have live demonstrations of our machinery and offer a sneak peek into our Network Control operations, giving people a closer look at what we do and how we operate the Hunter Valley network.
“As a general reminder, please be aware the rail corridor will be operating during this year’s Steamfest. With that in mind we ask that those wanting to enjoy a special vantage point during the spectacle of the Great Race to remain in public access areas at all times and do not enter the rail corridor under any circumstance.”
Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold, said:
“Steamfest is a celebration of Maitland’s rich steam and industrial heritage, drawing in passionate steam locomotive enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.
“From the excitement of the Great Train Race to the fascination of antique machinery and classic cars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we celebrate the Hunter’s rich industrial legacy.”