Where (Near Brisbane) to Take Your Train Loving Kids
Kids seem to love trains, and luckily, there are a lot of places in and around Brisbane to take your train-loving kids.
From train-themed playgrounds to miniature train rides to train museums to steam train rides, there are so many fun trains for kids to ride near Brisbane.
My youngest used to want to ride all the trains, and we rode as many as we could. He even had his first birthday party on a train.
If you have a kid who loves trains, keep reading to find all the best places near Brisbane to ride trains.
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Train-Themed Playground in Brisbane
Milton Park Playground
Located near the Frew Park Playground in Milton is a much smaller fenced-in playground with a train theme. Milton Park Playground is geared toward younger kids.
In addition to the train that kids can climb and play on, Milton Park Playground has swings and a hammock.
Toilets and picnic tables are nearby, as is a parking lot. Milton Park Playground is close to train tracks, and train-loving kids will likely be able to see a train go by as they play on the train-themed playground.
Spend a day in Milton with this list of things to do in Milton.
John Scott Park Playground
While the playground equipment at John Scott Park Playground in Samford is geared towards older kids, they do have an area for smaller kids that includes a small train.
In addition to the playground, there is a basketball court and a BMX track at John Scott Park.
There are picnic tables and BBQs at John Scott Park, as well as toilets. The playground is partially fenced-in and partially shaded.
Looking for something to do nearby? Head to The Store of Requirement with Brisbane Kids Who Love Magic.
Mini Train Rides
Except for the XPress Fun Train, the Miniature Train Rides on this list are not enclosed, and riders must wear closed-toed shoes to ride.
XPress Fun Train
During school holidays and on select weekends, kids can jump aboard the XPress Fun Train and ride around South Bank.
The train is located across from Nando’s. Check out their Facebook page for the current schedule.
Find more fun things to do in South Bank.
XPress Fun Train
The train is back at Roma Street Parklands! From 10 am to 4 pm every Saturday and Sunday, the XPress Fun Train takes kids on a ride through the park.
Brisbane Bayside Steam Railway
From 10 am to 4 pm on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, the Brisbane Bayside Steam Railway runs a miniature train in Kianawah Road Park in Wynnum West, about 30 minutes from Brisbane City.
There are 2 types of miniature trains: steam and diesel.
Rides on the Brisbane Bayside Steam Railway are available to book for birthday parties.
Besides the train, there is a BMX track and playground in the park as well as toilets, BBQs, and picnic shelters.
Bracken Ridge Miniature Steam Train
The Bracken Ridge Lions’ Train Day is on the 4th Sunday of each month from 9 am to 1 pm in McPhearson Park in Bracken Ridge.
Money earned from the train rides is donated to organizations in the community.
Birthday parties are available on the Bracken Ridge Miniature Train.
Melsa Park Miniature Steam Train
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the 3rd Sunday of each month, the Melsa Park Miniature Stream Train has rides available for all ages.
Find more fun things to do on Bribie Island with kids.
Train Museums
The Workshops Rail Museum
For kids who love trains, a visit to The Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich is the best! The Workshops Rail Museum is filled with trains and hands-on activities, including an indoor playground and a science centre.
During the school holidays, there are special events at The Workshops Rail Museum. Thomas the Train arrives with a variety of friends and special exhibits each year.
There is a cafe at The Workshops Rail Museum, and you can read all about the museum here.
For those looking to spend more time in Ipswich, read our list of things to do in Ipswich with kids.
Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum Society
Known as ANGRMS and The Woodford Railway, there is both a collection of trains and operating train rides at this train museum located about 50 kilometers north of Brisbane.
The Woodford Railway runs on the first and third Sunday of each month between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The train ride is 10 minutes long, and riders are let out at a garden and a cafe.
Steam Trains Near Brisbane
Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway
The closest place to turn back time and ride an old steam train near Brisbane is the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway. The train runs out of Swanbank Station.
The Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway has an Education Carriage and a souvenir shop located at the station.
Check their calendar for both daytime and evening train rides.
Mary Valley Rattler, Gympie
Another fun steam train ride with kids is aboard the Mary Valley Rattler. We rode on their regular service steam train, though they do also offer special event train rides.
Meals can be purchased onboard, and there is a cafe inside the train station, along with a small museum and a gift shop.
Read more about all of the details and our review of the Mary Valley Rattler Steam Train.
Trains from Brisbane
We don’t even need to leave Brisbane to ride on a variety of different trains. Here, we can ride trains daily to get us where we need to go.
Translink
In Brisbane, Trankslink refers to the bus, ferry, and train public transportation system. Riders need to purchase a GO Card, which can be found at train stations, online, or at a variety of shops that can be found on the Translink website.
Kids 5-14 get their own Go Card, and those 15+ are considered adults. Kids travel for free on the weekends.
As of mid-2024, all rides in Queensland are $0.50.
Airtrain
To get to Brisbane Airport, there is a special Airtrain. The Airtrain leaves from the South Brisbane, Roma Street, Central, and Fortitude Valley stations.
Prebook your Airtrain trip online to receive the return fare for free. Though conditions apply, there are also ways for kids to ride for free.
G-Link
G-Link, the Gold Coast Light Rail, runs down the Gold Coast from Helensvale to Broadbeach South.
It is possible to take a train from Brisbane to connect to the G-Link at Helensvale Station.
GO Cards can be used on the G-Link.
Model Train Shows
Brisbane Model Train Show
The Brisbane Model Train Show takes place in the Exhibition Building at the Showgrounds in Bowen Hills each year.
Books about Trains for Kids
Wind-Up Train Board Book
Kids love this Wind-Up Train Board Book that includes a small wind-up train that goes on the train tracks in the board book. The train rides through cities, mountains, and over rivers on its journey.
Look Inside Trains
Lift the flaps to see what is inside the train. Kids can learn how trains work and what they do. All kinds of trains are included in Look Inside Trains, from steam trains to bullet trains.
Build Your Own Train Sticker Book
Twenty trains can be built with stickers in the Build Your Own Train Sticker Book.
Where (Near Brisbane) to Take Your Train-Loving Kids Wrap Up
Kids who love trains have plenty of options to enjoy trains near Brisbane. From playgrounds with train features to riding on a steam train, Brisbane and its surrounding areas are perfect for train-loving kids.
You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the train. Adults can enjoy both the miniature train rides and the steam train rides, as well as the miniature train shows, alongside their kids.
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