TRAINWORKS Opens to the Public Sunday 3 April

Trainworks, NSW's newest regional attraction, opens its doors to the public at an Open Day on Sunday 3 April.

Located at Thirlmere - just 85km south-west of Sydney in the foothills of the Southern Highlands - Trainworks will be a comfortable day trip destination for families from Sydney, Canberra, Wollongong and their surrounding regions.

Agris Celinskis is the CEO of Trainworks Limited, a new not-for-profit company that will manage the site and promote it regionally, nationally and internationally:

"Trainworks is a showcase of the most comprehensive interpretive display of railway history in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere

"It boasts an exciting mix of heritage train rides, engaging and interactive exhibitions and displays, guided tours and hands on exhibits. A significant upgrade has been undertaken at Thirlmere to conserve and display the State's rich railway heritage for the continued enjoyment of everyone."

The new exhibition building of Trainworks has been designed by architects Jackson Teece. It is a spectacular industrial style building that is environmentally sustainable and reflects features of historic railway buildings in a very modern way.

"Trainworks is a major upgrade of the site previously known as the Rail Heritage Centre" says Agris.

"I would like to pay tribute to the wonderful staff and volunteers - past and present - whose dedication have enabled the conservation of this state's wonderful rail legacy."

There is plenty to do and see at Trainworks, including:

· State Governor's Carriage - a rolling steel-wheeled work of art and veritable palace on wheels, having never before been on public display.
· Premier's Carriage.
· Prison Van Show - the rolling gaol cell in operation between 1867 and the 1950s.
· the mighty 260 tonne 6040 Garratt - Australia's most powerful locomotive and one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Red Rattler - C035, built by the Railway Workshops as a prototype and the very last to enter traffic in 1923.
An interactive game in the mail car, challenging visitors to sort the mail before the train pulls into the next station.
A hands-on demonstration of how steam power works.
Roundhouse - the first roundhouse built in Australia for fifty years where visitors can see the locomotives and carriages being maintained and conserved.
While the family enjoys a picnic, kids can run, jump, spin and climb in the new playground which features an amazing 7-metre high climbing frame.

TRAINWORKS OPEN DAY - Sunday 3 April from 1pm

A great celebration and chance to preview the finished Trainworks experience. Entertainment, food, rides, movies, unique children's play area, prizes to be won and much more.

TRAINWORKS, Barbour Road, Thirlmere. Ph (02) 4681 8001
Just over an hour (about 90 kilometres) south from the Sydney CBD along the M5.
For directions, public transport options and more information visit www.trainworks.com.au.

Ticket Prices:
FAMILY ENTRY TICKET - 2 adults and up to 4 children $57
Unlimited access to the ground and exhibitions all day

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm
Saturday & Sunday 9.00am to 5.00pm
Extended hours apply for special events and summer/school holidays.

www.trainworks.com.au

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