General News
6 October, 2026
All aboard for fundraiser
THE response to a fundraising train ride on the Savannahlander from Mareeba to Dimbulah has shocked organisers, with the event sold out within days of being announced, and discussions afoot of a possible second event before the year is out.
For those lucky enough to secure some of the 130 tickets, the one-day journey on Sunday 18 October aboard the historic train, will celebrate Mareeba’s rich railway heritage, while raising funds towards the beautification of the historic Mareeba Railway Station precinct.
Mareeba Lions and Mareeba Rotary joined forces to host the train journey from Mareeba to Dimbulah and back, marking the 125th anniversary of the line between Mareeba and Chillagoe.
Mareeba Lions president Patricia Pottle said the event was about bringing the community together while investing in a piece of Mareeba’s heritage.
“The railway station is an important part of Mareeba’s story, and we want to help give this historic precinct the attention it deserves,” Ms Pottle said.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy a very special journey on the Savannahlander and, at the same time, contribute to something that will benefit Mareeba for years to come.”
Mareeba Rotary President Maria Ratumaibuca said the partnership between the two service clubs was a natural fit.
“Both Rotary and Lions have a long history of supporting projects that make a difference in our community,” Ms Ratumaibuca said.
“We are excited to work together on this event that celebrates where we have come from while helping create a more welcoming and attractive railway precinct for future generations.”
The Savannahlander is one of Far North Queensland’s most iconic heritage rail experiences and was recently named QLD’s Best Tourism Attraction for 2026.
Mike Lee from Savannahlander said the team was delighted to be involved in an event that celebrates the region’s railway history.
“The Savannahlander is all about experiencing Far North Queensland’s unique landscapes and railway heritage,” Mr Lee said.
“Events such as this provide an opportunity for people to experience the railway in a different way and to celebrate the important place rail continues to hold in the story of the region.”
He said the chance of holding another train journey in early November was a possibility, but the logistics would have to be ironed out.
The fundraiser idea came from Member for Cook, David Kempton MP, a long-term supporter of the Savannahlander and the vision to revitalise the Mareeba Railway Station.
He has been working with the Savannahlander team, Lions and Rotary, and the wider community to build momentum behind the project.
“This idea has been about much more than simply giving the railway station a facelift – it’s about bringing people together, celebrating our rail history and doing something positive for the railway station,” Mr Kempton said.
“The station is part of Mareeba’s history, but it can also be part of our future. We want to create a welcoming gateway for people arriving in Mareeba on the Savannahlander and showcase the history and character of our community.”
He said the response to the fundraiser had been fantastic, and he has offered up his own two VIP tickets in a competition.
Mr Kempton has also previously highlighted the broader importance of maintaining the historic railway, including its role in tourism and regional communities along the line.
In 2025, he secured $500,000 for repairs to the Copperfield Bridge and recently announced repairs will start again after damage earlier this year.
The return rail trip to Dimbulah runs from 9.30am to 3.30 pm and features live entertainment and lunch.
Organisers said the demand for the trip showed just how much interest was out there - “so stay tuned for what might happen in the future”.
Locals, families and visitors are encouraged to attend the Savannahlander arrival on 18 October at the Mareeba Railway Station and witness a cake cutting and official departure ceremony.
To donate to the Mareeba Railway Station beautification project, go to: https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/mbatrainstation
