A Family Day Out!
Open Days
Our Open Days are a wonderful opportunity for families, rail enthusiasts, and curious visitors of all ages to step inside our historic Paterson depot and explore the world of heritage rail motors. Entry is by gold coin donation, so it’s a genuinely affordable day out for the whole family. Whether you’ve loved trains your whole life or you’re simply looking for something a little different on the weekend, you’re warmly welcome here — come along and see what we’re all about!
Meet the Drivers
Ever wondered what it’s like to sit in the driver’s seat of a piece of living history? On our Open Days, you’ll have the chance to meet the passionate volunteers who keep our heritage rail motors running. From seasoned drivers to dedicated crew, they love nothing more than sharing their knowledge, and letting young visitors get a feel for the cab! These are people who give their time freely, driven by a genuine love of Australia’s railway heritage. Come and have a chat, ask your questions, and see the magic up close.
Visit the Museum
Step inside a piece of living history at our Paterson museum, where over a century of NSW railway heritage is lovingly preserved and on display. Housed in the beautifully restored 1930s Station Master’s Cottage, our collection spans the steam and diesel eras from telegraph instruments and railway memorabilia to an extraordinary fleet of heritage-listed rail motors, some built as far back as 1923. Wander the old Paterson Goods Yard, take in the rare surviving NSWGR Goods Shed, and get up close to vehicles you simply won’t find anywhere else. It’s a fascinating experience for first-time visitors and lifelong rail fans alike.
Ride the Train to Dungog
No Open Day would be complete without a ride on the real thing! On Open Days, we run one of our beautiful heritage rail motors on a return journey to Dungog — and at just $15 per person, it’s one of the best value train rides you’ll find anywhere in Australia. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning Hunter Valley countryside from the comfort of a piece of living history. It’s a highlight of the day for visitors of all ages, and a memory that tends to stick around long after the journey ends.
Getting There
We’re located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, making Paterson an easy and scenic trip from Sydney or Newcastle. Find us at the old Paterson Goods Yard — road access and entry is via 5 Webbers Creek Road, Paterson NSW 2421, with visitor parking available at the corner of Prince and Church Streets.
By Car Paterson is approximately 1.5 hours north of Sydney and around 45 minutes from Newcastle via the New England Highway. Plug “5 Webbers Creek Road, Paterson” into your maps app and it’ll take you straight there.
By Train Paterson has its own station on the Sydney–Dungog line, with regular services from Sydney Central and Newcastle. It’s a short, pleasant walk from Paterson Station to our depot — and of course, once you’re with us, you can hop aboard one of our own heritage rail motors for the run to Dungog and back!