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Historic steam train trip to Toc

By Contributed

Jul 7, 2026

The train crossing the bridge at Tocumwal. Photo by Victoria Kennedy

Not since the Tocumwal Rail Centenary in 2008 has the Tocumwal Railway Station and platform been so inundated with people.

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And it was all thanks to the Tocumwal Steam Spectacular.

Across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Steamrail Victoria had two steam trains at Tocumwal for the first time since 2001, making it a truly must-see event.

On Friday night, R711 brought the Murray River Sleeping Car Adventure to town, with 50 passengers sleeping on board and getting to explore Tocumwal on Saturday.

Many took advantage of a shuttle bus running to the Aviation Museum, getting their fill of both rail history and aviation history.

Meanwhile on Saturday, hundreds of people gathered along the platform and around the historic bridge to watch R761 bring the 13 car-long Melbourne-Tocumwal Day Tour into the station.

Some 320 passengers disembarked to enjoy Tocumwal's hospitality for a few hours.

The steam engines were then swapped around, with R711 taking the day tour back to Southern Cross Station on Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, R761 departed at 4.20am on Sunday with the Sleeping Car Adventure.

The Tocumwal Railway Heritage Museum, located in the heritage-listed railway station, was open for extended hours on Saturday, and volunteers were on hand to talk all things rail history.

The steam train was a sight at night. Photo by Victoria Kennedy

“We knew this was going to be a big weekend, but we were blown away by the sheer number of people who came out to see these trains,” said Tocumwal Railway Heritage Museum volunteer Victoria Kennedy.

“Even on Friday night, when it was dark and cold, and the train was arriving tender-first, therefore not as photogenic, we couldn't believe how many people braved the temperature to see the first train come in."

People came from far and wide to witness the historic occasion, with dozens of trainspotters also following all or part of the journey.

The main street and local businesses were buzzing with the influx of visitors.

While there is nothing set in stone, Steamrail Victoria hopes it can make this trip to Tocumwal an annual event.

The next tourist train coming to Tocumwal will be Spirited Rail Tours’ diesel-hauled Day Tour on Saturday, August 22. It will also be running a Lunch Shuttle to Katunga.