Keeping a tradition alive

THE historic Gympie Railway Station, from where the Mary Valley Rattler operates, was built in the early 1900s. In its heyday, the refreshment room was an integral part of the station.

This facility originally served meals, light refreshments, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to railway travellers. Queensland Railway employees worked hard to serve meals to passengers in a very brief time, yet the food and service were of the highest standard.

Former travellers often spoke of the how the meals made in Gympie were highly anticipated.

Since the Valley Rattler began operating in 1998, the refreshment room has been operating as a light refreshment facility.

Bianca Nagy, the operator of the refreshment room, recognised its potential and now operates the kitchen Tuesdays to Sundays from 9am-3pm. Before moving to Queensland, Bianca worked at the South Sydney Rugby League Club and relates stories about chatting with players, former South Sydney greats and other dignitaries who visited the club.

Bianca has broadened the menu of the former refreshment room and offers light meals and refreshments to passengers of the Valley Rattler before departure.

This historic facility is open to the public for their eating pleasure and Bianca welcomes family and group bookings. Bianca has already catered for 50th birthday parties, weddings, Valley Rattler events and his year's Romancing the Rails.

Diners can enjoy a light meal, wander about the refreshment room inspecting memorabilia and soaking in the atmosphere of the Gympie Railway Station which is 99 years young.

Bookings for meals and events can be made through the Valley Rattler, phone 5482 2750.

DID YOU KNOW?

The first railway to reach Gympie was not from Brisbane, but a southern extension of the Maryborough line, which was built after the discovery of gold.

Diners can enjoy a light meal, wander about the refreshment room inspecting memorabilia and soaking in the atmosphere of the Gympie Railway Station