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Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage Tramway
Restoring Buderim’s Railway Heritage
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The Buderim – Palmwoods Heritage Tramway Inc.
BREAKING NEWS!
The Krauss belongs back on the Mountain, as a shared public treasure, the benefits for tourism and education are enormous.
After more than 20 years of painstaking restoration and the long search for a fitting display site in the very heart of Buderim Village, the Krauss is finally home!
Now in place, the Krauss will remain on its platform with a purpose-built glass enclosure around it.
This achievement is the result of two decades of dedication by members of the Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage Tramway Inc. (BPHTI), who have worked tirelessly to restore this important piece of Buderim’s heritage.
Thanks to significant funding from the Queensland Government, and land provided by the Buderim War Memorial Community Association (BWMCA), Buderim once again welcomes the Krauss, a living piece of history and a proud symbol of the community’s enduring spirit.
Who we are!
The Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage Tramway Inc was formed in 2003 following foundation work done by the Buderim Historical Society over the preceding ten or so years. It consists of a group of volunteers working on two major projects.
We have worked for over 20 years to return the Krauss locomotive to its home on Buderim Mountain. This precious historic artefact is amongst the last remaining touchstones of the Coast’s history and is a symbol of our Community’s resolve to maintain a link with our past.
There was a train on Buderim?
Many people are surprised to hear of the Buderim railway which ran from Palmwoods right into the heart of the Buderim Mountain Township.
The developer’s relentless scythe has removed all but the vestigial traces of the railway, but the truth is: the Buderim to Palmwoods Tramway was a key point in the development of Buderim’s fame as Brisbane’s fruit basket and for promotion of tourism on the Sunshine Coast. It is not too big a statement to say the Buderim Mountain trains opened up the Sunshine Coast for daytrippers, holiday-makers and ultimately urban development.
There were two trains running the line between 1914 and 1935. The Krauss and Shay locomotives pulled produce and people from the mainline at Palmwoods station, winding its way via Chevallum, Forest Glen and Mons, to the Buderim Terminus, close to where the Buderim Pool is now on Lindsay Road.
Early trails were terrible
Roads were poor and transport to Woombye – the main centre of that time – relied on horses, wagons and bullocks. Shipping services through rivers and creeks to Maroochy ports, with sandbar problems, was a variable which threatened perishable produce.
There was a great need for effective and reliable transport to the main Queensland Rail train line and thus access to the Brisbane markets. Hence the Buderim to Palmwoods Tramway was developed using a unique small guage track which is of great interest to modern day rail enthusiasts.
Saved from scrap
The line finally succumbed to the road transport as the Coast was opened up and ran its last journey in 1935.
The two trains suffered separate fates, the Shay being scrapped and the Krauss relegated to sugarcane tram duties before it too was sent off for scrap. In 1967 the Krauss was saved by an enthusiast and sat for a good many years in private hands.
Recovering the Krauss for Buderim
Around 20 years ago, the BPHT inc took on the task of securing the Krauss locomotive from the owner, with the view to restore this historic touchstone of Buderim’s past and bring it back to the heart of Buderim Mountain.
Walking down tracks of history!
Aside from the Krauss, the other major project is the development of part of the old track off Mons Road, as a heritage walking trail.
The old tramway easement is full of history and is an easy and enjoyable stroll, suitable for all ages, including seniors.
Pick up a brochure at the beginning of the track for a detailed map, or go to our email address and request a guided walk for a small donation. Our friendly guides will share fascinating stories about the community efforts in the early 1900s to establish the tramway and the impressive engineering involved in its construction over the years.
The track is approximately 4 km return, takes about 1.5 hours to complete and is wheelchair accessible.
You will see evidence of the track’s construction with several sleepers still in place after over 100 years, as well as some rare native moss. You will learn of our continued work to develop the trail remnants as a public walking track and to display the restored Krauss locomotive in Buderim.
The meeting point is at the track sign “Buderim Palmwoods Heritage Tramway Walk” at the corner of Telco Road & Mons Road. A carpark is on Telco Road, toilets are not available.
Read more on this popular walking trail
In addition to the old trail, another walk is designed to lead you through Buderim Mountain Village, to see the places where the tramway ran when it was a major feature on the Mountain. A printable map is available here showing both trails.
Restoration of the Krauss is finished but not yet ’round the final curve
The restoration of the Krauss is complete and yet, despite the hardwork and passion of local enthusiasts, the little train that helped build Buderim was left to languish out of public sight, due to politics and a lack of vision by some who could not recognise its value as a historic artefact that belongs in the heart of Buderim Village. Now after 2 decades plus, the group’s hardwork and perseverance is recognised and a display solution sorted and financed!
From 21 November, you will find the restored Krauss loco in a purpose-built display next to the “Old Post Office” at the bottom of Burnett Street. The official opening is early 2026!
We acknowledge Dave from Ozrevenues for the Buderim parcel stamps images in the video.
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