Locomotive 3526 arrives at Thirlmere Station after a steam train ride. Credit Lachlan Mills

Transport Heritage NSW is celebrating a record-breaking weekend, with close to 9,000 visitors attending the NSW Rail Museum during the 2026 Thirlmere Festival of Steam across just two days.

The result marks the biggest Festival on record in the event’s 37-year history, surpassing last year’s previous record attendance and continuing the strong growth of both the festival and the NSW Rail Museum in recent years.

Importantly, the achievement highlights the growing strength and appeal of regional events and experiences across Western Sydney and Wollondilly. Drawing these kinds of visitor numbers to Thirlmere — a destination located on the outskirts of metropolitan Sydney and without direct public transport links — is no small feat and reflects the strong reputation the festival has built over many years.

Locomotive R766 turns on the turntable at the NSW Rail Museum. Credit Harry Nolan

Across the weekend, visitors enjoyed steam train rides, the annual street parade, live entertainment, heritage machinery, market stalls, family activities and, for the first time in more than a decade, triple-header steam locomotive operations during Festival After Dark on Saturday evening.

All levels of government were represented across the weekend, including Wollondilly Shire Mayor Matt Gould, Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan MP and Member for Hume Angus Taylor MP. Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins and Sydney Trains CEO Matt Longland were also in attendance.

THNSW were also pleased to welcome several collaborator organisations to the museum for the event, with the Powerhouse Museum’s Steam Tip Wagon operating across both days, Eveleigh Works delivering live blacksmithing demonstrations, and The Picnic Train transporting visitors directly from Central on the Sunday.

The success of the event would not have been possible without the enormous contribution of volunteers and staff across the organisation.

A huge thank you goes to everyone involved behind the scenes — from operations, customer service and events teams through to the many volunteers, contractors and partner organisations who helped deliver another outstanding Festival for the community.

The Festival continues to be proudly delivered in partnership between Transport Heritage NSW and Wollondilly Shire Council.