Fans of the Wild West are being invited to step back in time when the Mary Valley Rattler hosts its immersive Gympie Gold Heist experience on Saturday, 2 May.
Blending heritage rail travel with live-action theatre, the event will see passengers aboard the historic train become part of a staged railway robbery, inspired by the region’s gold rush past. The experience recreates a scene from more than a century ago, when Gympie’s hills glittered with gold and outlaws risked everything in pursuit of fortune.
The production will be brought to life by the Perseverance Street Theatre Company alongside riders from CB Performance Horses, who will deliver a posse of robbers on horseback to intercept the heritage C17 steam locomotive.
Passengers can expect interactive entertainment throughout the journey, with outlaws engaging with guests as the train travels through the Mary Valley en route to the historic village of Amamoor.
Mary Valley Rattler general manager Sherry Lowe said the event draws on the strong connection between the railway and Gympie’s gold heritage.
“We are very fortunate to have two regionally based organisations who are so enthusiastic about using the Rattler and the incredible Mary Valley backdrop as the stage for this swashbuckling experience,” Lowe said.
“Developing the characters and the scenarios for this event has meant reliving Gympie’s heritage and celebrating the golden age of steam.
“And we invite our passengers to get into the full swing of things by dressing up for the event, with prizes on the line for best costumes.”
The special service departs Gympie Station at 9am, travelling to Amamoor where passengers can watch the locomotive turn on the historic turntable and explore the village before returning at approximately 12.30pm.
Tickets start from $84 for adults and $67 for children, with VIP packages, onboard catering and family passes available.
