Attention all passengers! Welcome aboard Trains by the Kids, a self-guided audio adventure that will take you on a journey on Sydney’s rail network between the Sydney CBD and Blacktown Station, in either direction or return.

Board your train, take a seat, lean back, tune in and relax as, with each passing station, a new chapter unfolds, revealing sounds and stories of big cities, neighborhoods and dreams.

This immersive audio experience has been created in collaboration with primary school children from inner and western Sydney, and is suitable for all ages.

You can start from St James or Blacktown stations, with a change at Central on the way. There are no set start times. The audio experience is free, but you’ll need to pay for your train fare. This event is part of the Hive Festival at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Find out more.

Trains by The Kids is a self-guided audio journey between St James Station in the CBD and Blacktown station. There are no set guided tour times. 

To access the audio, click the buttons below:

St James to Blacktown audio
LISTEN NOW

Blacktown to St James audio
LISTEN NOW

MORE INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

How does it work?

You must bring your own device (a smartphone, tablet or similar) plus ear buds or headphones.

The experience requires an internet connection and uses geolocation to provide you with the right audio at the right places, so you'll need to make sure that:

• your device has mobile data
• GPS and location services are enabled
• your browser has permission to access these services

You can do this through the settings on your device. Instructions can be found online if you need help with your particular device.

How do I listen?

To access the audio, click on one of the buttons provided above. This will open in a window on your browser. You need to keep this window open during the entire journey.

If you are doing both journeys, make sure you close the window of your first journey before starting the second.

There is different audio depending on which journey you are taking.

If you'd like to save data and loading times, you have the option of downloading the audio beforehand using a WiFi connection. You'll still need to keep the browser window open.

Where do I start?

You can start in the Sydney CBD from the Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park, which is above St James Station, or you can start from Blacktown Station.

When do I start?

That's completely up to you because this is a self-guided adventure, with the audio as your companion.

Th audio experience will be available online from 13 January to 20 January 2024.

How long does it take?

Each journey may take approximately 45 to 70 minutes.

The audio is recorded in chapters so you don't have to do the whole journey.

What else do I need to know?

We suggest you check the Transport NSW website for information about train fares and timetables.

Depending on when you take the journey, you may wish to plan a visit to The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre in Blacktown and the Art Gallery of New South Wales in the Sydney CBD, particularly during Hive Festival.

Who are the people behind this audio adventure?

Trains by he Kids is written by Nitin Vengurlekar with Abdulrahmen, Abigail, Amira, Christopher, Gabriel, Jackie, Jasmine, Menaal, Mustapha and Mia, whose voices you hear in the audio. It has been created in collaboration with creative producer Claudia Chidiac, sound artist Phil Downing and audio editor Nick Wishart.

Be advised that adults and children will still be required to pay train fares to participate in this event. See the Transport NSW Fares and payments page for more information.