Hunter Valley Steamfest celebrates Maitland’s rich steam and industrial heritage.

In 2021, we celebrate 35 years of Steamfest, which has cemented itself as Australia’s premier festival of steam, attracting tens of thousands of people each year.

Steamfest was established in 1986 following the closure of the last coal operated steam hauled freight service in Australia on the South Maitland Railway Line in 1983, Steamfest pays homage to the end of an industrial era and the men and women involved in its operation.

Today, Steamfest provides a fun and family friendly look into days gone by with a diverse program including historic steam train trips, vintage machinery displays and demonstrations, live music, interactive heritage walks and displays, vintage car display, market stalls, food stalls, kid’s activities and more.