Home to Australia’s largest collection of working and static rolling stock and a vast display of objects, artefacts and memorabilia, NSW Rail Museum tells the story of New South Wales’ rail history. The museum is located in Thirlmere, only an hour south-west of Sydney and in easy reach of Canberra, Wollongong and the South Coast. Since 1975 the Thirlmere site has been home to a significant collection of rail heritage items and with the upgrade of facilities in 2011, it is now a major regional tourist attraction. Undercover interactive exhibits, featuring some of Australia’s oldest and most famous trains and carriages
The main exhibition building is where you will discover how the NSW railways brought life to town and country. The Great Train Hall features an impressive collection of steam, diesel and electric locomotives as well as many different types of passenger carriages and goods cars.
Included is also a 45 minute trip on a heritage train.
We will meet at 10.00-10.15am for a 10.30 am one hour tour followed by a 45-minute heritage train ride. Afterwards we can wander rounds and/or enjoy lunch at the café or a very nice pub opposite the museum.
I suggest that if you will be coming by car, to let me know if you have room for a passenger of two as the museum is more than an hour’s drive south of Sydney.
Partners are also welcome.
DATE: Thursday 15 January 2026
TIME: 10:30am-1.00pm
Please stay afterwards for a lunch in the nearby café or pub if you are able
VENUE: Meet at 10.15am for 10.30am start of tour.
COST: $22.50 per person
RSVP to. [email protected]
Attn. Caren Trafford, Out N’ About Organiser, and wait for confirmation of a place before paying.
Places are limited. Please check there is still space before paying.
RSVP and PAY by January 2 2026
How to Get There:
LOCATION
10 Barbour Road, Thirlmere NSW 2572
By car
Located in the town of Thirlmere, the NSW Rail Museum is just one hour southwest of Sydney. Driving is the easiest option, with plenty of parking available in front of the museum on Barbour Road.
By public transport
The NSW Rail Museum is approximately five kilometres from Tahmoor Station and nine kilometres from Picton Station, both of which are on the Southern Highlands rail line.
A bus service from Picton station can connect you to the Museum, with a 600 metre walk from the bus stop. Please note, bus services are infrequent.
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Payment Option 1 (Preferred):
By Credit Card through the Payments section of the website
Payment Option 2: Online (direct deposit) into the SWIC bank account
Account Name: SWIC Inc.
BSB No: 062-005
Account No: 11889493
