FULLY CHARGED
Saturday 3 May 2025
Join us at Queensland Museum Rail Workshops for the return of this one-day event. Planes, Trains and Autos presents Fully Charged celebrates all things aviation, rail and autos, as well as showcasing fun-filled machines and methods of transport of all shapes and sizes. Look to the sky for thrilling aerial displays, on the ground explore a diverse mix of interactive exhibits, demonstrations, displays, roving entertainment, food trucks and more!
Fully Charged is a pet free zone, please leave your furry friends at home. Service dogs welcome.
AERIAL DISPLAYS
IN THE SKY
Matt Hall Solo – 10.30 am
Matt Hall performs one of the best aerobatic displays on the planet. He has thrilled crowds at Formula 1, V8 Supercars, Red Bull Cliff Diving, Australian Open, Australian International Air Show, Pacific Air Show, Sydney Harbour New Year’s Eve, Red Bull Air Race and more! The performance features intense aerobatic manoeuvres reaching up to 12G and -4G forces. It includes a combination of crowd-favourites including tumbling end over end, knife edge, inverted flight, stall turns, torque rolls, half cubins and air racing simulations.
Formation Flying – 12.30 pm
Matt Hall and Emma McDonald perform a high-energy formation display in the MX and Extra 300L. Reaching 200 knots and 6G in tight formation, Emma is the lead plane with Matt on her wing. The performance features dynamic aerobatic manoeuvres reaching up to 12G and down to ground level. It includes signature cross-turns, formation tumbles and crowd-favourite aerobatic manoeuvres.
Emma McDonald Solo – 2.30 pm
Emma McDonald is one of few world-wide female aerobatics pilots performing at the elite level. Emma has displayed at Australian International Airshow, Supercars, Pacific Air Show, plus numerous regional air shows and corporate displays! The performance features intense aerobatic manoeuvres reaching up to 10G and -2G forces. It includes a combination of crowd-favourites including tumbling end over end, knife edge, inverted flight, stall turns, torque rolls, half cubins and air racing simulations.
*Flying is subject to change, including short notice cancellation, due to variables such as air traffic control requirements, weather, and operational availability.
MEET THE PILOTS
On ground appearances by Matt Hall and Emma McDonald.
Matt Hall
Matt Hall is a Red Bull Air Race world champion and former Royal Australian Air Force top gun fighter pilot. Matt placed third in his world championship racing debut in 2009 and since accumulated seven wins and 25 podiums, making him the most successful Air Race pilot in the modern era. Matt is a former wing commander in the Royal Australian Air Force and combat veteran of Iraq with USAF medals for heroism under fire in his F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet, supporting troops on the ground.
Emma McDonald
Emma is a multi-disciplined pilot with credentials in aerobatics, displays, charter and racing. She is one of few world-wide female aerobatics pilots performing at the elite level. Emma has displayed at Australian International Airshow, Supercars, Pacific Air Show, plus numerous regional air shows and corporate displays. Emma is internationally race-trained and the only female to have competed in Air Race X against Red Bull Air Race seasoned pros. She holds the position of head of aviation at Matt Hall Racing and doubles as a pilot thrilling passengers in the Extra 300L, to flying sick kids from the outback to the cities for treatment.
DISPLAYS
QUEENSLAND MUSEUM RAIL WORKSHOPS
Step into a world of engineering wonders at Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, where the fascinating legacy of steam, diesel and electric locomotives comes to life. Explore real, working trains on display and ignite your passion for rail history and the marvels of engineering including:
- Iconic Destination – Queensland Museum Rail Workshops holds a significant place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. A much-loved destination, it stands as a living testament to Ipswich’s rich history, industrial heritage, and the pivotal role it played in the evolution of the region, as the birthplace of Queensland Rail – once the site of Queensland’s largest employer. Now continuing this legacy as a place for community, gathering, learning, and celebration.
- The Sunshine Route Exhibition – 100 years of Queensland’s North Coast Line – Learn about Queensland’s unique ‘railway spine’. Taking over 35 years to construct, the line stretches from the south to the north of the state. This one-of-a-kind railway line tells a fascinating and uniquely Queensland story.
- Play Central – Discover the newly refurbished indoor playground, the perfect hub for exploration and fun for little ones! Kids can step into the role of a train engineer, zoom around on tricycles, or build their own masterpiece. While at Rail Workshops, you can enjoy a range of interactive activities across the Museum, from exciting Flight Tables to hands-on experiments in the Science Centre. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
QUEENSLAND RAIL WALKING TOUR
Take a self-guided walking tour through parts of Queensland Rail’s extensive workshops and see how locomotives and carriages are built and maintained.
ALSTOM
Transport yourself to Alstom’s selfie booth to take home some unforgettable family snaps to stick on the fridge, keep in your wallet or put in the family album!
BRISBANE AIRPORT CORPORATION
Discover the fascinating world of an airport at the Brisbane Airport Information Van. Learn about the people, the 100 year history and the future that awaits!
DEFENCE HEALTH
Come and visit us for materials, advice and discover what makes Defence Health an important part of the Defence journey. Enjoy a kid’s colouring area.
BREMER FORD
An exciting line-up from the Bremer Ford range.
CHIGGY’S SKATEBOARDING
Drop into children’s skateboarding workshops and enjoy demonstrations featuring pro Tommy Fynn.
Demonstration times: 9.30 am, 12.00 pm and 3.00 pm.
Skateboarding workshops suitable for children aged 2+.
IPSWICH WASTE SERVICES
See domestic side arm waste trucks including demonstrations at scheduled times throughout the day.
QUEENSLAND RACEWAY
Check out Queensland Raceway’s V8 experience car and Superbike including engine runs at scheduled times throughout the day.
SUNSHINE COAST LAWNMOWER RACING CLUB
Join in the excitement of this emerging hobby, grab a photo with the kids and imagine taking these bad boys for a spin on an offroad track.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Visit the Queensland Police, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Rural Fire and SES displays to learn about the specialist vehicles and personnel that keep us safe.
FLOATING IMAGES HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHTS
Come visit us to see our balloon basket and burners up close. Discover the adventure of ballooning in man’s oldest form of flight.
SKID CONTROL
Learn about Driver Training and Advanced Driving Skills whilst admiring sports vehicles designed for racing.
KATES JDM
Meet Ipswich’s own female drifer and her not to be missed pink v8 powered Nissan drift car.
EDITION WRAPS
Venture into the world of vinyl wrapping including live demonstrations across the day and cars displaying wraps and interior lighting.
PARKING AND TRANSPORT
To avoid parking delays, take a Translink bus straight to the venue, take advantage of free park ‘n’ ride options or carpool.
PARK ‘N’ RIDE LOCATIONS
Why not leave your car at one of the two designated park ‘n’ ride locations and catch the free shuttle bus to Queensland Museum Rail Workshops and back via a historic bus approximately every 30 minutes from 8.30 am – 4.30 pm.
St Joseph’s Parish – 42 Pine Mountain Rd, North Ipswich
Nicholas Street Precinct (Ipswich CBD) – Carpark access from Bremer Street, Ipswich. Shuttle Bus departs from Bell Street, Ipswich.
*Please note: Minor delays to the Bell Street service may occur during 12.30pm – 2.00pm due to the Labor Day March.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
One of the easiest most efficient way to get to Fully Charged! The Ipswich Train Station is a 10 – 15 minute bus ride to Queensland Museum Rail Workshops with a Translink Bus Stop (Route 515) located right out the front of the venue. Alternatively hop on the FREE park ‘n’ ride shuttle bus from Bell Street Ipswich.
Ubers and taxis also pick up from the front of the Ipswich Train Station on Bell Street.
See Translink timetable and plan your journey.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Limited accessible parking is available to Disabled Permit holders, in the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops Car Park (off North Street, North Ipswich).
BEST PARKING LOCATIONS
As the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops car park is expected to fill early, free parking will also be available on the surrounding streets and via offsite park ‘n’ ride locations.
Note: please do not park across the driveways of local residents.
CHANGED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
Changed traffic conditions will be in place on North Street between W M Hughes and Delacy Street from 3.00 pm Friday 2 May to 6.00 pm Saturday 3 May 2024, details as follows:
- The northbound lane of North Street will be closed to through traffic.
- Northbound traffic will be diverted into Delacy Street.
- Southbound local traffic only will be facilitated via the southbound lane.
- The taxi zone on North Street will be relocated to North Street near Delacy Street.
- The bus zone on North Street will be relocated to Delacy Street near North Street.
These changed traffic conditions will still facilitate resident access during this period.
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
To enhance your Fully Charged experience, the below facilities and services are available onsite at the event:
- Parents Rooms – inside the museum, ticket office and onsite cafe.
- Tag a Toddler – this services helps event staff quickly reunite children of all ages and their guardians should they be separated during the event.
- Chillout Zone – a specially designed sensory friendly space to take a break from the excitement and unwind in air conditioned comfort.
- Water Taps – fresh water dispensers are available throughout the venue to refill drink bottles.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
A range of family friendly food and beverage options are available within the event precinct including:
The Dining Hall
Fonzie Abbott
Amazing Popcorn
Bimms BBQ
Coolest Cones
Flavours of Eataly
Fritz Wieners
Iced Tea Co
Kombi Pod
Roamin Pizza
Whisk ‘n Flip Pancakes and Waffles
HOW TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE
Follow these guidelines to help make the event greener and more sustainable:
- BYO water bottle and use onsite water taps
- BYO reusable bag for take home goodies
- BYO coffee keep cup
- Use public transport, carpool or use the Park ‘n Ride service
- Use the onsite recycling bins.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
View here
ACCESSIBILITY
COMPANION CARD
We recognise the Queensland Government’s program. The holder of a Companion Card is entitled to free entry and must show their card upon entry into the venue.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Limited accessible parking is available to Disabled Permit holders in the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops Car Park (off North Street, North Ipswich).
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
- Parents Rooms – inside the museum, ticket office and onsite cafe
- Tag a Toddler – this service helps event staff quickly reunite children of all ages and their guardians should they be separated during the event
- Chillout Zone – a specially designed sensory friendly space to take a break from the excitement and unwind in air-conditioned comfort
- Sensory Kits – noise cancelling headphones and Sensory Kits are available at the Ticket Office or Model Rail Exhibit.
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
There are single user/accessible toilets at the Ticket Office, trackside café/dining hall and inside the museum.
There is an Accessible Family Room in the museum containing change table facilities, feeding areas and toilets. Accessible toilets in the museum, dining hall and Ticket Office also contain fold-down change tables.
A number of accessible portable toilets will also be available at the event.
VISUAL STORY
A visual document is being designed to assist people who like to prepare in advance for visits to events. This will be linked here once finalised.
Event details
Saturday 3 May 2025
9.00 am - 4.00 pm
Queensland Museum Rail Workshops
EARLY BIRD TICKETS
Available from 10.00 am Thursday 20 March – midnight Friday 2 May
Adult $6
Concession $5
Child 3-15 years $5
Family (2 Adults + 3 Children) $20
Under 3 years Free (requires ticket)
Museum Members Free (no ticket required, show Annual Pass card at the gate)
ON THE DAY TICKETS
Tickets available on the day for an additional cost unless sold out otherwise.
Adults $10
Concession $7
Children 3 – 15 years $7
Family (2 Adults + 3 Children) $30
Under 3 years Free (requires ticket)
Museum Members Free (no ticket required, show Annual Pass card at the gate)