Southern Downs Steam Railway (SDSR) aims to provide a unique heritage railway experience on the Darling Downs and Granite belt through the operation of a tourist railway.

The Southern Downs Steam Railway is based on the site of Warwick's former Locomotive Depot. It was a seven road part Roundhouse, supplying locomotive power to the Southern Line, South-Western Line, Maryvale, Killarney, Allora/Goomburra, Amiens and Texas branches, before closing in 1969.

Now called the Warwick Railway Precinct, it is the site of our C17 locomotive and carriage restoration. The Peter Brixey museum, located on site, houses our museum pieces, historical documents and artifacts. It resides in what was the station building at Cottonvale.

The Allora/Goomburra Branch is another extension of the SDSR. Located about 25 km's from Warwick, this 6 km branch line runs from Hendon to Allora. A former extension to this branch line used to run from Allora up to the Goomburra Valley. Rail traffic continued on this line up until 1995, when the line was moth-balled by Queensland Rail. SDSR have been fortunate in acquiring this corridor, and restoration is progressing well.

Our ultimate aims

Restoration of C17 971, part of Warwick's history and a regular on the Dirranbandi Mail train.

Restoration of the part Roundhouse. To date, four roads are restored. This is essential to allow servicing to our fleet of rolling stock.

Restoration of our rollingstock. SDSR is restoring several wooden carriages, one of which is an original Sydney Mail Carriage and another the only surviving carriage from the Camp Mountain Disaster.

Preservation of our rail heritage through the sourcing of historical items.