A STEAM train from Ipswich to Toowoomba will whisk garden lovers to the Carnival of Flowers in Toowoomba on Saturday.

The train will be hauled by Queensland-built BB18¼ locomotive Bety and the carriages will feature some of the best from the Queensland Rail wooden heritage fleet, many of which are more than 100 years old.

A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said the route takes in Queensland’s oldest railway station at Grandchester, crosses the Little Liverpool Range, heads out across the black-soil plains of the Lockyer Valley and then takes on the climb up the main range.

“Midway up the range, the train will slow as we pass through the picturesque station at Spring Bluff which is normally a delight at this time of the year,” she said.

“After lunch, we will reboard our coaches for our visits to both Queens Park and Laurel Bank Park for the special Carnival of Flowers floral displays.

“Queens Park has retained the charm and character common to 19th Century public parks and botanic gardens, putting on a special show for her visitors during the Carnival.”

Passengers will get the chance to ask the gardeners for their tips, tricks and just how they put together the amazing floral displays every year.