These school holidays, families are invited to step back in time at the NSW Rail Museum in Thirlmere. Children and their carers can enjoy a memorable ride aboard heritage steam locomotives and vintage railmotors along the historic Loop Line, discover Australia’s largest collection of rolling stock, and take part in hands-on activities including mini-train rides, giant yard games, colouring-in, and interactive play spaces. The experience combines fun with learning as children explore how trains have changed over time, why they were vital to communities, and how technology and engineering continue to shape our world today.

Holiday workshop/activity/meet-up

Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) HTES1‑1: Communicates an understanding of change and continuity in family and daily life. GEES1‑1: Identifies places and develops an understanding of the importance of places to people. STe‑1WS‑1: Observes, questions and collects data to communicate and compare ideas. STe‑2DP‑1: Identifies the properties and uses of everyday materials and how they affect the design of products. --- Stage 1 (Years 1–2) HT1‑1: Communicates an understanding of change and continuity in family and community life. HT1‑2: Identifies and describes significant people, events, places and sites in the local community. GE1‑1: Describes features of places and the connections people have with places. GE1‑2: Identifies ways in which people interact with and care for places. ST1‑1WS‑1: Observes, questions and collects data to communicate and compare ideas. ST1‑2DP‑1: Uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity. --- Stage 2 (Years 3–4) HT2‑2: Describes and explains how significant individuals, groups and events contributed to changes in the local community over time. HT2‑4: Describes and explains effects of British colonisation in Australia. GE2‑1: Examines features and characteristics of places and environments. GE2‑3: Examines how people modify and manage the environment and the effects of these changes. ST2‑1WS‑1: Questions, plans and conducts scientific investigations. ST2‑2DP‑1: Selects and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity. --- Stage 3 (Years 5–6) HT3‑1: Describes and explains the significance of people, groups, places and events to the development of Australia. HT3‑2: Describes and explains different experiences of people living in Australia over time. GE3‑1: Describes the diverse characteristics of places in different locations. GE3‑2: Explains interactions and connections between people, places and environments. ST3‑1WS‑1: Plans and conducts scientific investigations to answer questions. ST3‑2DP‑1: Plans and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity using design thinking. --- Stage 4 (Years 7–8) HI4‑CON‑01: Describes continuity and change over a period of time in relation to a historical context. HI4‑SPE‑01: Explains the key features of past societies, historical periods and events. HI4‑CPP‑01: Describes different contexts and perspectives of the past. HI4‑INQ‑01: Explains the meaning and context of sources as part of a historical inquiry. TE4‑PDP‑01: Describes the practices and processes of designers and producers. TE4‑SDP‑01: Explains relationships between sustainability, design and production. TE4‑PPM‑01: Applies processes in the planning, management and production of projects. TE4‑SAF‑01: Selects and safely uses tools, materials, technologies and processes. --- Stage 5 (Years 9–10) HI5‑CON‑01: Analyses continuity and change over time and its effects on societies. HI5‑SPE‑01: Explains the key features of past societies and their significance. HI5‑CPP‑01: Evaluates the causes and effects of events and developments, considering perspectives. HI5‑INQ‑01: Analyses and interprets sources to develop historical understanding. TE5‑PDP‑01: Analyses the work of designers and producers in the development of solutions. TE5‑SDP‑01: Evaluates design ideas and production processes in terms of sustainability. TE5‑PPM‑01: Independently applies planning and production processes to create solutions. TE5‑SAF‑01: Applies safe and ethical practices in selecting and using materials, tools and processes. --- Stage 6 (Years 11–12) History HTA11‑1: Analyses key features and significant events of ancient societies. HTA11‑2: Explains the causes and effects of significant events in ancient history. HTA11‑3: Explains the significance of ancient societies, their interactions, and legacies. HTA11‑4: Selects and evaluates sources to develop an understanding of ancient history. HTM11‑1: Analyses key features of modern history. HTM11‑2: Explains the causes and effects of significant events in modern history. HTM11‑3: Selects and evaluates sources to develop an understanding of modern history. HTM12‑1: Analyses the significance of events and developments in modern history. HTM12‑2: Explains the causes and effects of significant events in modern history. HTM12‑3: Selects and evaluates sources in modern history, comparing perspectives and biases. Geography GE11‑1: Describes the characteristics of places and environments at different scales. GE11‑2: Explains how interactions between people and environments shape the characteristics of places. GE11‑3: Explains the processes and influences that shape places and environments. GE12‑1: Explains the effects of environmental and human processes on the characteristics of places and environments. GE12‑2: Evaluates the effects of management strategies on environments and places. Design & Technology DT11‑1: Identifies and defines design problems. DT11‑2: Develops design proposals and produces models. DT11‑3: Selects and uses appropriate materials, tools, and technologies. DT11‑4: Evaluates design solutions for effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. DT12‑1: Analyses and evaluates existing solutions to identify design challenges and opportunities. DT12‑2: Develops and implements innovative design solutions, considering environmental impact. DT12‑3: Communicates design ideas effectively using a range of media. Information & Digital Technology IDT11‑1: Analyses the role of digital technologies in creating solutions for contemporary problems. IDT11‑2: Designs and implements digital systems that respond to user needs. IDT11‑3: Demonstrates knowledge of software tools, algorithms, and data structures in creating digital solutions. IDT12‑1: Investigates the impact of digital systems and technologies on society. IDT12‑2: Designs, implements, and evaluates digital systems in a range of environments. ---