Organisers have prepared two action-packed days for visitors at this year’s Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest.
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The event has become a proud tradition in Maitland that offers plenty to see and do.
The festivities are based around Maitland Station, the adjacent rally grounds, Church Street and Maitland Park.
The steam train rides are a popular feature of the event with frequent return trips via Maitland Station.
People can make the short return trip to Branxton or the Port Waratah coal yard – the latter a Steamfest first.
“When we looked at Port Waratah we thought it would be popular and it has
certainly proved that way,” Maitland City Council events co-ordinator Adam Franks said.
“We’ve pretty well sold out [because] people don’t normally get to see the inner workings on that loop.”
MORE STEAMFEST:
Diesel rail motor trips are also available to Paterson and back.
Tickets are also hotly sought after for the Great Train Race on the Sunday and are available from the marquee outside Maitland Station.
This annual draw card pits a Tiger Moth against a steam engine against the clock from Broadmeadow to Maitland.
The race concludes about 11am for keen spectators.
The rally grounds will host the usual wide array of stationary steam engines and demonstrations.
Newly formed Maitland Rail Museum joins the rally ground activities this year with its expertise in the old coal train network that is South Maitland Railways.
The group will display historical items beneath its marquee and give talks.
The Museum of Applied Arts and Science brings its popular children’s lessons back to the rally ground.
Science shows will teach children about steam and take place on Saturday and Sunday at 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm and 2pm.
Each session goes for approximately 20 minutes.
Church Street will host a wide range of market stalls on the Saturday and Sunday that will tempt people to part with some change as they walk past.
If you are still after more to do then have a look at the show and shine at Maitland Park which is a short stroll across the new pedestrian bridge from Maitland Station.
About 600 cars of various makes and years will compete for the event’s coveted trophies.
