A 130-year-old steam engine brought around 200 passengers on a journey from Dubbo to Binnaway on Monday, 2 October 2023.

Organised and driven by Lachlan Valley Railway, the locomotive expedition was one of a number of steam train experiences held from Dubbo over the long weekend.

Lachlan Valley Railway locomotive maintenance and passenger attendant, David Henderson said with other train events taking place on the long weekend, the group decided to run a steam train to Binnaway.

“There are other events in the Hunter Valley and Sydney this weekend so we thought, why not run a train out this way,” Mr Henderson said.

“We know Binnaway has a strong rail heritage and we haven’t brought a steam engine out here for 30 years.”

Thorough maintenance prior to the journey saw the locomotive make the return journey without a hitch.

“For the age of the engine it’s still going strong.

“It never missed a beat.”

Kylie Bennetts travelled from Merrygoen with her family and said it was a great experience.

“It’s been a beautiful day out with lovely weather, great company and a beautiful old train,” Mrs Bennetts said.

For Scott Ellery, from Eumungerie, it was his first train ride, with his grandmother, April Wright, taking him on the journey.

“It was good,” Scott said.

“Something new and definitely enjoyable!”

Visitors enjoyed lunch provided by the Binnaway Lions Club, Binnaway Tennis Club and Binnaway Show Society at the Binnaway Showgrounds.