Article: The Yank railway history and school holiday guide

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

The Yank railway history and school holiday guide

The Yank railway history and school holiday guide
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Sarah Marshall

July 07, 2008 12:00am

SIXTY years after Queenslanders first welcomed steam locomotive The Yank to the state's rail network, the restored piece of railway history is back on track.

The magnificent engine was first used in the 1940s to ferry troops and war material around the state and was retired in 1968.

After restoration it returned to operation in 2003 and among the noisy school holiday crowd there to appreciate its olde-world charms yesterday were Merissa Luxton, 3.

The regular Sunday steam train rides are a favourite with rail enthusiasts as they take in a scenic loop from Roma St station past sights including Boggo Rd jail, South Bank and the Albert rail bridge at Indooroopilly.


More school holiday activities

Ginger Factory Kids Club
Throughout the school holidays, 9am-5pm. Free entry. $5 Magicianess Magic Show.
The Ginger Factory, Pioneer Rd, Yandina (from the Bruce Highway via Coolum/Yandina exit). Info: www.gingerfactory.com.au

THERE'S magic in the air in Yandina with a touch of wizardry at the Magicianess Magic show. Come along and meet Jodie the Magicianess at 10.30am and 12.30pm as she greets her special guest Grumblemore, the apprentice wizard and brother of Dumblemore. The show is a delightful mix of magic, theatre, puppetry, storytelling and music that includes a magic flying carpet, a magic drawing board and a disappearing pizza as well as lots of crazy wands. If you really want to get into the action go on the Overboard ride for a watery adventure with the gingerbread man.

Go Bush program
1300 723 684 or go to www.epa.qld.gov.au

IF you're looking for things to do with the children over the school holidays, there are plenty of activities in southeast Queensland's national parks and forests. Become a park defender at Mt Mee Forest Reserve. Enjoy free hands-on activities and games to learn why this area is so special. Families with young children will enjoy a spotlight adventure with a ranger at Noosa National Park. The littlies will learn about our fascinating nocturnal animals as they search for clues of their whereabouts. Cost is $5.30 for adults and children. Become a water wizard or greenhouse warrior at Brisbane Forest Park on Thursday. Make some green cleaners and enjoy some fun-filled games while learning to protect the planet.

Bunya Mountains National Park
EPA Toowoomba: 4699 4334
Camp bookings: 131 304 or www.qld.gov.au/camping

CELEBRATE Queensland's Centenary of Parks on August 2-3 in a fun weekend at our second-oldest national park, Bunya Mountains. There will be children's activities, guest speakers, walks and displays. In the evening catch a slideshow, take a spotlight walk or share some stories around the campfire. Campsites for that weekend are still available in the park's three camping areas. The iconic mountains support the largest remaining area of bunya pines in the world and are home to about 120 species of birds and many species of mammals, frogs and reptiles. New camping fees started on Tuesday. National parks and state forests are $4.85 a person or $19.40 for a family of two adults and accompanying children each night. Children aged under five are free. Fees help maintain camping areas and facilities. Vehicle permits for Fraser, Moreton and Bribie islands have increased. A monthly permit for Fraser and Moreton islands now costs $37.10. Visitors to Bribie Island National Park will now pay $35.50 for a weekly permit or $110.80 for a yearly permit.

More events: http://whereilive.com.au/events/brisbane-4000/all/20080707