Monday, December 30, 2013

Family Fun - A Trip to Thomas Land

Last Christmas (i.e., Christmas 2012) the boys were the fortunate recipients of 2 gift vouchers for The Train Shed (in our house a.k.a. Thomas Land) in Luddenham. Embarrassingly, it has taken us 12 months to make it out there.

From the Northern Beaches of Sydney, it was a long drive to Thomas Land at just over an hour. With the incessant "When will we get to Thomas Land" coming from the back seat from 10 minutes into the journey, that hour seemed like 3! Our vouchers gave the boys unlimited rides (worth $35 each) and we decided to buy Kyah 2 rides at $6 a ride. We were able to ride for free with 2 younger children.

We waited no more than about 5 minutes for a ride (with the exception of the final ride on Percy, who was charging his batteries whilst the boys waited). Each ride lasted about 8-10 minutes and there were 4 trains running - Thomas, Percy, Toby & James. The boys were in Thomas & Friends heaven!

Although it was only around 27 degrees, it was hot and dry, and we were all glad for our hats and sunscreen as there was very little shade. We packed our own lunch and snacks, though the cafe was not too over priced. It sold pies, sausage rolls, nuggets and scones, as well as ice creams, chips and other snack items. They also made a fairly decent espresso coffee. The gift shop on the other hand was very pricey and we steered the boys away from that. Thankfully they were happy with watching the little electric railway cars and engines zoom around the track at the entrance to the gift shop.

All up we were at The Train Shed for about 2.5 hours. The Train Shed is co-located with the Vicary's Winery, and had the children not been exhausted, we may have ventured into the cellar door to purchase a couple of bottles of wine. Next time maybe?







My Tips:
Take a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
Pack a picnic lunch or plan to eat pies, sausage rolls or nuggets from the cafe.
Arrive at opening (10am) to benefit from a few quick rides and less queuing time.
Prepare your children that some of the trains may not be available.
Prepare your children for a long car ride (if you are heading there from the Northern Beaches as we were).
Allow time for a stop by the Vicary's Winery Cellar Door.
It was well worth the trip for our 5yo and 3yo boys.
One of the best bits? The whole place is Non-Smoking! Family Win!

The Details:
The Train Shed (a.k.a. Thomas Land).
Located at Vicary's Winery, The Northern Rd, 2km South of Luddenham.
Open 10 am - 4 pm Every Saturday and Sunday.
www.thetrainshed.com.au
$35 for unlimited rides or $6 per ride. Adults ride free with children under 2 yrs or children with special needs.



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