It’s all aboard for the nation’s biggest Thomas & Friends fans this October, as Mattel teams up with experiential tourism group Journey Beyond to launch a national search for Australia’s most devoted Thomas family.
In celebration of the franchise’s 80th anniversary, one lucky family of four will win a Thomas & Friends-themed cross-country adventure aboard the legendary Indian Pacific – travelling from Sydney to Perth in specially designed cabins inspired by everyone’s favourite blue engine.
The competition marks a major partnership between Mattel and Journey Beyond, combining one of the world’s most iconic train journeys with a beloved global children’s brand that has been sparking imagination and adventure for generations.
“As we celebrate 80 years of Thomas & Friends, we wanted to create an experience that captures the joy and adventure Thomas has brought to families for generations,” said Paul Faulkner, SVP & Managing Director, Asia Pacific at Mattel. “This journey gives one lucky family the chance to experience the connection, discovery and fun that Thomas represents – bringing his enduring spirit to life in a real-world adventure.”
Journey Beyond’s executive general manager of marketing, Justine Lally, said the collaboration was a natural fit. “The Indian Pacific is one of the world’s great train journeys, and combining it with a brand that has inspired generations of children adds an extra layer of magic,” she said. “Together, we’re creating an unforgettable experience that celebrates both the enduring legacy of Thomas & Friends and the spirit of Australian adventure.”
Families can enter the competition by uploading a short video HERE, sharing why Thomas & Friends holds a special place in their hearts. Entries open at 12:01am AEST on 2 October and close at 11:59pm on 23 October.
Fans can also join in the milestone celebration with an 80th anniversary collector edition diecast Thomas engine, available at shop.mattel.com.au, and through retailers including Big W, Target, Myer, Amazon and independent toy stores.
This year also sees the release of the never-before-seen 1983 Thomas & Friends pilot episode featuring Ringo Starr’s original narration – reconstructed from 40-year-old 35mm film trims and now available to watch on YouTube.
