The 2024 Thirlmere Festival of Steam is …

The 2024 Thirlmere Festival of Steam is on track to bring Wollondilly’s village of Thirlmere to life on the weekend of 18 and 19 May 2024, with the fun continuing for the iconic Huff n’ Puff race on Sunday 26 May.

The festival will once again be delivered by Wollondilly Shire Council in partnership with Transport Heritage NSW, operators of the NSW Rail Museum.

Visitors can look forward to steam train rides aboard the State’s operational heritage fleet, demonstrations from local artisans, and the colourful annual street parade.

This year, the festival will continue after sunset on Saturday 18 May, with a steam train ride behind locomotives 3265 and 3001 from Thirlmere Station towards Picton and return, as well as carnival rides, live entertainment, and an amazing fireworks display at 9pm to top off the evening.

After the main festival weekend, runners will race a historic steam engine on Sunday 26 May in the Huff n’ Puff race. Participants will run a 6.7km route from Buxton Station to Thirlmere Station, or alternatively participants of all ages can take part in the 3.5km Family Fun Run from Couridjah Station to Thirlmere Station. Entries are now open for this event.

Wollondilly Mayor Matt Gould said, “We’re proud to be able to host the State’s premier steam event and one of the Shire’s favourite celebrations here in Wollondilly once again in 2024, and I look forward to seeing everyone get on board to take part in the fun.”

Transport Heritage NSW CEO Andrew Moritz said, “The annual Thirlmere Festival of Steam continues to go from strength to strength. Record numbers of people have visited the NSW Rail Museum for the event since the start of our new partnership in 2022 and we expect this to continue this year.”

On Saturday 18 May, the NSW Rail Museum will host a variety of steam train rides, driver’s cab visits, a steam and vintage park, mini-train rides and more. Thirlmere Sportsground will feature the Family Carnival, with carnival rides and activities from midday until 9pm.

On Sunday 19 May, the whole village will come to life with market stalls, a street parade including Ingleburn Pipes and Drums, live performances, as well as steam rides and activities at the NSW Rail Museum.

On Sunday 26 May the Festival will culminate with the Huff n’ Puff race and Family Fun Run.

To find out more about the event and book tickets for the day or night train rides, visit www.thirlmerefestivalofsteam.com.au