Holidaying from the Island of Sodor, everybody’s favourite blue tank engine, his buddy James, Driver Dan and Shunter Charlie are pulling into Puffing Billy Railway for three very special weekends of a Day Out With Thomas in November.

Swapping shunting trucks and hauling freight for a front-and-centre spot at the Lakeside Visitor Centre, Thomas will be parked and photo ready this season, giving all the little engineers a chance to meet and spend the day with the little blue loco.

Just as famous and known for his firm but friendly manner, Sir Topham Hatt, will join Thomas to meet fans and tell stories of the cheeky but really useful engine, while another member of the steam team, James the Red Engine, is warmed up and ready to rumble down the track for a memorable train journey between Emerald (Lakeside Station) and Cockatoo.

Passengers will travel 20-minutes from Puffing Billy Railway’s Lakeside Station to Cockatoo, before returning back at Lakeside to enjoy Thomas & Friends themed fun activities in and around the Lakeside Visitor Centre. The duration of the train journey will be 60-minutes with a short stopover at Cockatoo.

ACTIVITIES

  • Photo opportunities with Thomas the Tank Engine, James the Red Engine, & Sir Topham Hatt;
  • Grab a beanbag and get comfy in the Thomas Theatre as you sit-down to watch classic Thomas & Friends episodes;
  • Get involved in the Create & Play activity zone with crafts, colouring sheets, and more;
  • Continue the outdoor fun with the Imagination Station’s Silent Disco, Elastic Jungle, Mosaic Wall and Riverscape activities;
  • More photo opportunities with Driver Dan, Shunter Charlie, Diesel and Troublesome Truck;
  • A Junior Engineer Certificate to take home;
  • Day Out With Thomas Activity Passport containing crosswords, colouring in sheets and dot-to-dot activities;
  • And access to exclusive Day Out With Thomas™ merchandise, only available at Puffing Billy Railway!

Parents can even take the hassle out of the day and pre-book a Puffing Billy Railway picnic pack for the whole family to enjoy. Or grab a table at the Lakeside Visitor Centre Railway Café for a delicious sit-down meal!

With sessions available at 9.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm, join the adventure on:

  • Saturday 5th November 2022
  • Sunday 6th November 2022
  • Saturday 12th November 2022
  • Sunday 13th November 2022
  • Saturday 19th November 2022
  • Sunday 20th November 2022


Ticket prices for toddlers 11 months and under are free, while other ticket types include:

  • Family (2 adults & 2 toddlers or children) – $140
  • Adult (16 years +) – $45
  • Child (5-15 years) – $34
  • Toddler (1-4 years) – $28

Bookings are essential and likely to sell out fast! To purchase tickets, visit www.puffingbilly.com.au/events/dowt/.