DownsSteam's Steam to the Cellars - Overnight steam and wine adventure to Stanthorpe

## Steam to the Cellars
### Overnight Steam Rail Journey to the Granite Belt
**Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 August 2026**
Embark on an unforgettable overnight rail experience as DownsSteam proudly presents **Steam to the Cellars** — our signature overnight steam passenger journey, hauled by the magnificent **BB18¼ No.1037 "Peter Ford"**.
This exclusive tour is one of the few overnight steam train experiences operated by DownsSteam each year, taking guests deep into Queensland's beautiful Granite Belt. Experience the raw power, sound and spectacle of authentic steam as No.1037 climbs the Southern Downs and works her way towards Stanthorpe before continuing to the vineyards of Ballandean.
Travel in beautifully restored heritage SX carriages, enjoy exceptional local food and award-winning wines, and immerse yourself in two unforgettable days of historic rail travel, spectacular scenery and genuine country hospitality.
Built for Queensland's main lines, **BB18¼ No.1037 "Peter Ford"** is one of the state's most iconic and powerful steam locomotives. Lovingly restored and maintained by DownsSteam volunteers, she represents the very best of Queensland's railway heritage.
This journey isn't simply a train ride—it's a rare opportunity to experience a working mainline steam locomotive doing exactly what she was built to do.
## **New & Updated Itinerary**
Following strong interest and feedback, we're excited to introduce a **revised itinerary** that offers an even better Granite Belt experience.
For the first time in many years, a **BB18¼ steam locomotive will travel all the way to Ballandean**, allowing guests to experience one of Queensland's most scenic rail journeys while visiting additional wineries in the heart of the Granite Belt. This exciting extension provides more time amongst the vineyards and showcases even more of the region's renowned wine country.
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# Day 1 – Saturday 8 August
### Toowoomba → Clifton → Warwick → Cottonvale → Stanthorpe
**7:00 am** – Guest check-in at Toowoomba Railway Station
(Luggage loaded by DownsSteam crew)
**7:30 am** – Depart Toowoomba behind BB18¼ No.1037 "Peter Ford"
Morning tea served onboard while travelling through the picturesque Darling Downs.
**Comfort stops:**
* Clifton
* Warwick
**12:30 pm** – Arrive Cottonvale
Enjoy a delightful lunch at **Vincenzo's**, followed by visits to selected Granite Belt wineries for premium wine tastings.
Late afternoon transfer to accommodation in Stanthorpe.
Enjoy time at leisure to explore Stanthorpe before dinner.
**Dinner included** at the Stanthorpe RSL (drinks available for purchase).
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# Day 2 – Sunday 9 August
### Stanthorpe → Ballandean → Stanthorpe → Warwick → Clifton → Toowoomba
Enjoy a relaxed country breakfast before rejoining the train at Stanthorpe.
Depart behind BB18¼ No.1037 for a spectacular steam journey south through the Granite Belt to **Ballandean**—a section of railway rarely travelled by steam and one of Queensland's most scenic heritage rail experiences.
Spend the day visiting additional Granite Belt wineries, enjoying premium local wines, regional produce and the relaxed atmosphere that makes Ballandean one of Queensland's premier wine destinations.
Following lunch and winery experiences, reboard the train for the return steam journey through Stanthorpe, Warwick and Clifton.
Afternoon tea served onboard.
**Comfort stops:**
* Warwick
* Clifton
**Approximately 7:30 pm** – Arrive back at Toowoomba Railway Station.
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# Tour Inclusions
* Return steam-hauled rail travel behind **BB18¼ No.1037 "Peter Ford"**
* Travel in beautifully restored SX heritage carriages
* Morning and afternoon teas served onboard
* Lunch at Vincenzo's (Day 1)
* Premium Granite Belt winery experiences
* Additional Ballandean winery visits (Day 2)
* Overnight accommodation in Stanthorpe
* Country breakfast
* All coach transfers throughout the weekend
* Luggage handling
* Dedicated DownsSteam hosts throughout the journey
## Pricing
**Single:** $1,067
**Twin / Double:** $1,950 ($975 per person)
Experience one of Queensland's most unique heritage rail adventures, combining authentic mainline steam, breathtaking Granite Belt scenery, outstanding local food and award-winning wineries—all in one unforgettable weekend.