Valley Heights Locomotive Depot – 

Trains in the Blue Mountains

The Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum is one of those wonderful places. It transports you (excuse the pun) back to your childhood. To call this special place a Museum doesn’t do it justice – it is a treasury where trains and locomotives come alive.

 

I had come across the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot website on one of my many internet searches. As we were going to spend the weekend in the Blue Mountains I hoped that we would be able to take my son to stop by to have a quick peek at the trains. To be honest I am not sure who enjoyed it more, me, my son or our 1 year old. All three of us had a massive smile on our faces throughout the couple of hours we stayed.

 

Where is Valley Heights Locomotive Depot 

The address on offer is 17b Tusculum Road, Valley Heights, New South Wales but it’s not the easiest place to find if you don’t know what you are looking for.

 

Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Features

Miniture Locomotive Display

When you first arrive you are shown into two display rooms with miniature train sets on display. If you’re lucky you’ll be invited to help direct the trains.

 

The Locomotive Yard

Once you’re through the first building you will come out into a Yard and the Railway line. It’s at this point that any train enthusiast, Thomas the Tank Engine lover or Harry Potter’ Fan’s heart will surge.

 

There are trains housed side by side all waiting to be examined and inspected. Some of the trains are for display purposes but others are open for you to sit walk through and sit in. If you know your Thomas the Tank Engine – you will see a Douglas and a Toby at least.

 

For those who actually know their trains the exhibits include a Loco 5461 and 5711, a BL tourist car, a guard’s van, a Bitumen tanker and a Interurban trailer amongst others.

 

Locomotive Ride

Now the much publicised event is the actual train ride up the line. You will need to keep your tickets safe upon arrival so that you can hand them to the conductor when you board the train.

The train ride is a short one just up and down the line twice but it a wonderful experience with a conductor and driver all dressed up for the occasion.

Valley Height Locomotive Facilities

On the day we visited there was a sausage sizzle going but I understand that this is not the norm. You can however buy food and drinks from the cafeteria at the entrance.

 

Every person you come across at The Depot is committed to maintaining the heritage of the Depot. They will gladly answer your questions or provide information on the trains and locomotives on site. I would say you have to go a long way to find another group of people so knowledgeable on the subject.

 

Admission and Tickets

The Depot is open every second and fourth Sunday of the month. Opening from 10am to 4pm  but the last ride is at 3:30pm. Check the Depot Open Days for confirmation as to whether it is open as it is open on additional days or check out the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Facebook Page.

 

Admission costs as at October 2016 are:

Adults: $15
Seniors, Pensioner & Student Concession: $13
School Students: $11
Children (aged 4 and under): FREE
Family: $45 (includes: 2 Adults & 2 School Children or  1 Adult & 3 School Children)

 

 

 

We loved every minute of our morning at the Depot. We will definitely be back. Maybe I’m a hopeless romantic but for me the  Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum is more than trains. It’s a living history where you can teach your children about heritage, history and the importance of remembering the reality of days gone by.

 

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If you’re in the Blue Mountains or planning a trip have a look at spending A perfect day at Scenic World