The 3801 is the only Australian steam locomotive to have travelled to all mainland states and territories, and ran as a continuous passenger service from 1943 to 1974.

It train was last in operation in 2007 and its return to Bathurst was welcomed over the weekend.

READ MORE: Bathurst welcomes iconic 3801 steam locomotive for first time since 2007

People were able to buy tickets for trips from Bathurst towards Wimbledon and back, each journey lasting about 1.5 hours.

Among the passengers on Sunday was the Gillbanks family.

Tony and his wife Shae were taking their 16-month-old son Keaton on the steam engine for his first ever train ride.

"It's a bit of fun and he likes going down to the [rail] museum, so we thought it would be good for him," Mr Gillbanks said.

Prior to their ride, Tony and Keaton got to stand in the cab of the 3801 and have their photo taken.

Other passengers also lined up for their chance to get a closer look at the engine.

The Bathurst train trips were sold out ahead of the weekend.

As of Sunday, there were still tickets available for the 3801's visit to other Central West destinations.

It will be in Orange on Monday and again on June 14, and in Dubbo on Saturday and Sunday.

There is also a one-way transfer from Orange to Dubbo on Tuesday, which is already booked out.

The 3801 underwent a $3.5 million overhaul, funded by the NSW Government, to enable it to do a state-wide regional tour.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: