Happy 120th birthday to Moreton – the Ginger Factory train!

‘Moreton’ the much-loved train at the Ginger Factory turns 120 this week, and there’s plenty of fun birthday activities in store!

Built in 1901 by Krauss in Germany, Moreton started life as the first steam locomotive purchased by Moreton Central Sugar Mill. Moreton spent 65 years working as a sugar cane train around Nambour, and was decommissioned in 1967.

Moreton might have been left to rust in a warehouse in Brisbane but a local couple bought and restored the now iconic train.

Moreton’s restoration in the early 1990s took about 12 months and carriages were built which are replicas of the Coolum trams which carried passengers from Nambour to Coolum.

Moreton arrived at the Ginger Factory in 1993 and has been taking passengers on a 15-minute ride around the Ginger Factory ever since.

Today Moreton is powered by a diesel-hydraulic engine.

KITC Autumn issue out now 2024

Moreton’s birthday celebrations

Celebrations for Moreton’s birthday start on Monday 17 May and go all week. Every day during Moreton’s Birthday Week the Ginger Factory is celebrating by offering a free Moreton keyring to every child that rides during this time. Moreton’s Station will be open, with a dedicated kid’s room of activities: table tennis, giant Jenga, twister and puzzles! Moreton themed colouring sheets will also be available for kids to get stuck in to arts and crafts.

The main celebration of Moreton’s 120th birthday will take place on Thursday 20 May from 10am – 12pm.

 

KITC Autumn issue out now 2024

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By Claire Gilligan
WITH A FIFO HUSBAND WHO WORKS AWAY WEEKS AT A TIME, CLAIRE ENJOYS FINDING FUN, LOCAL THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT TO OCCUPY HER AND HER TWO GIRLS' TIME. ORIGINALLY FROM SYDNEY, CLAIRE AND HER FAMILY LOVE ALL THE THINGS THE SUNSHINE COAST HAS TO OFFER AND ENJOY SHOWING IT OFF TO VISITING FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Kids on the Coast is a free family magazine whats on guide for Kids: things to do, school holiday fun and free activities for kids... Fun attractions, family food & travel, kids health & wellbeing, kids parties venues, parenting, pregnancy & babies, guide for parents. Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide for parents with kids things to do with kids, schools and education and lifestyle news located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.

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