SteamFest is back again over the March long weekend. This celebration of the steam age, vintage machinery, railways and the rural way of life in north-west Tasmania was first held in Sheffield in 1994. Our volunteers are working very hard to make it the best ever, including some big changes to the event layout. SteamFest is held in 8ha of fields, a short stroll from the centre of Sheffield. Although 10000 people are expected over the three days, everything is nicely spread out and it never feels too crowded. What makes SteamFest so exciting is that almost everything on display is operational. Some of the machines date back into the 1800s and have been lovingly restored so that you can see them working and appreciate the ingenuity and engineering skills of generations past!
SteamFest attractions:
Twenty steam traction engines operating all long weekend: threshing, chaff cutting, straw pressing, stone crushing, slow racing, children’s tug of war and a grand parade of everything that moves!
Train rides on the 2’ gauge steam and miniature railways, plus a model railway display.
Tasmania’s biggest tractor pull, vintage tractor and historic machinery displays.
Tasmanian Lighthorse training demonstrations, Clydesdale rides, bullock team, farm animals and a working blacksmith.
Woodchopping on the Monday.
Steampunk, Victorian and Edwardian costumes.
A great variety of food and craft stalls and interactive fun for the kids.
The SteamFest grounds and passenger train are wheelchair accessible. Dogs on lead are welcome too! If you are interested in volunteering, we would love to hear from you! For more information go to www.steamfesttasmania.org.au, where you can also buy tickets.