Emma Pritchard

It was a sooty sight that hadn’t been seen in the region for close to ten years, but hundreds of Clarence Valley residents and railway enthusiasts whole-heartedly embraced the opportunity to ride the rails of a bygone era when The Picnic Train arrived at Grafton City Station on July 11.

Passengers were treated to scenic rides between Grafton and Kyarran, comfortably seated in heritage listed S and N type carriages, pulled by a beautifully restored 59 class steam locomotive, and a 421-class diesel locomotive.

Many children, including several who had never seen a steam locomotive before, were enthralled by the journey and mesmerised by the experience.

Keen photographers also lined the tracks as The Picnic Train chuffed past, eager to snap the perfect shot and capture a historical moment forever.

A not-for-profit organisation managed by a team of dedicated volunteers, The Picnic Train run heritage train tours throughout NSW, and visited Northern NSW between July 7-11, operating train tours between a number of locations on the North Coast Line.

No further train tours are currently planned for Northern NSW at the present time.