My little boy is obsessed with trains so the day trip for his second birthday was a no-brainer. We went to The Train Shed, Luddenham where he could ride on a real Thomas the Tank Engine. Even better it’s affordable, situated in a vineyard and only an hour outside Sydney.
Set in rural farmland, the Train Shed is open for rides on a mini-sized Thomas, Toby, James, Percy, Mavis and Gordon every Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 4pm.
The whole family can enjoy the rides at $6 each. I would recommend you purchase a book of six for $30, or if you stay more than three hours, an unlimited day pass for $35 is good value. Children under two can take a free adult with them.
All aboard
There are two stations from which you can board a mini Thomas or one of his friends. We went on a Saturday, although it was busy, there were always two trains running out of each stattion, limiting wait times – essential with restless little ones.
Each train ride last about five or six minutes, allowing time to enjoy the scenery, whilst firmly securing your “choo-chooing” toddler. There are two routes taking you across the bridge, over the pond, past a few features like gnomes and old train parts, through the tunnel and back up the station.
First stop: Food
The café is average selling the usual fare of over-cooked, dry chicken nuggets, hot dogs and meat pies. No sandwiches or a healthy alternative. If you are staying for the day I would recommend taking a picnic or using the BBQ facilities. Then just treat the kids to an icecream or slushie. My little girl was very impressed that the lady made her a rainbow slushie – layered with all the different flavours. There is lots of shaded seating and tables and grassy areas to picnic.
Second stop: Shopping
The staff are very friendly and it was nice to see some of the train drivers kids helping out in the shop and manning the model train inside. The shop sells the usual array of Thomas merchandise. Lots of trains but the choice of track was limited. There was a TV set on the wall in the shop playing Thomas episodes to which my kids gravitated. I have mixed opinions about this, good for a rainy day and more could be made of it with bean bag seating etc or just remove the distraction.
Birthday treat
A real Sydney suburban double-decker carriage is the birthday party venue. There are various party packages: DIY but reserved table(s) to a hot finger food platter with optional extras including a Thomas birthday cake, Thomas balloons, table settings and party bags. Check the website for full details. We didn’t book a party as my little boy is only two but there was one in full flow and the kids were having a ball.
Final call
The facilities are adequate for a two-three hour stay but the Train Shed is just that, a shed which houses a gift shop, ticket booth and refreshment kiosk. Whilst the surrounding countryside is beauiful, the immediate environment was in need of a bit of TLC. I can’t help thinking that it could be so much more. A playground would be a huge improvement or a Thomas track set up on a low table in the shop. If your kids are like mine and don’t sit (while you try and enjoy the very nice Devonshire tea), it would be desirable to have some other amusement when they have used up their six rides. Having said that, The Train Shed is an inexpensive way to treat the family to a fun day out and all little Thomas fans will love it. Mine certainly did.
The details
Location: The Train Shed is situated on Northern Road at Vicary’s Winery Penrith NSW 2751
Opening times: 10am to 4pm every Saturday and Sunday, whatever the weather. Closed public holidays
Amenities: Wheel chair and buggy accessible. Plenty of parking. Shaded seating. Toilets. Refreshment Kiosk. Shop. Party venue.
For more information: http://www.thetrainshed.com.au
