heritage rail tours nsw

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MARCH 3 to 6 – ON SALE Northern Tablelands Express – A fun weekend away to the Tamworth region by railmotor will include Nundle and the Liverpool Plains. Also perfect for those interested in crafting!

APRIL 12 to 18 – ON SALE Southern Branch Lines – Our annual exploration of the railway lines of Southwestern NSW and the small communities and characters of the Riverina. Featuring Boree Creek, Hillston, Rankins Springs, Naradhan and Temora! MAY 12 to 18 Holiday Coast Express – A fun getaway to some of the most beautiful coastal towns of NSW including Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. This tour will feature travel aboard the iconic XPT.

JULY 31 to AUGUST 14 – ON SALE Grand Southern Loop – Our most spectacular heritage rail tour over three states. This tour takes you to some well known sights and some you may never have heard of. It simply doesn’t get bigger or better than this!

SEPTEMBER 25 to 27 – ON SALE Swing into Spring – Journey to the NSW Southern Highlands in Spring for Tulip Time. You’ll also enjoy a fabulous night of entertainment by the Boys in the Band.

OCTOBER 5 to 8 Taste Riverina Food & Wine Adventure – Every year we head to Griffith in Spring to meet local producers, suppliers and chefs while enjoying the amazing food and wines of this beautiful region. You won’t come home hungry!

OCTOBER 21 to 27 Intercapital Daylight – Sail from Sydney to Melbourne aboard Grand Princess, with time to explore this amazing city before returning to Sydney over two days aboard heritage trains.

NOVEMBER 22 to 28 River City Limited – Enjoy a short voyage aboard Coral Princess from Sydney to Brisbane. You’ll then journey south aboard a heritage railmotor staying overnight in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.

Tell us which tours you are interested in and when they are released for sale you will be contacted by one of our Travel Specialists!

Please note some details and dates may be subject to change and will be confirmed upon the release of each tour.

• Hidden I am currently booked on * I/we are currently booked on I/we are booked on Spirit of Progress - Melbourne to Sydney I/we are booked on Spirit of Progress - Sydney to Melbourne I/we are not booked on either of these tours Please advise if you are currently booked on a tour
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• Northern Tablelands Express 3/3 to 6/3
• Southern Branch Lines 13/4 to 19/4
• Holiday Coast Express 12/5 to 21/5
• Swingin' in the Vines - 20/6 to 23/6
• Grand Southern Loop - 31/7 to 14/8
• Swing into Spring - 23/9 to 27/9
• Taste Riverina - 5/10 to 8/10
• Intercapital Daylight Rail & Sail - 21/10 to 27/10
• River City Limited Rail & Sail - 22/11 to 28/11
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Travel insurance, cruise check in, visa information, suite 92/24 buchanan street balmain nsw 2041.

• 02 9810 5377
• [email protected]

Suite 2/30 Karalta Road Erina NSW 2250

• 02 4312 5160

Suite 8/2 St Johns Avenue Gordon NSW 2072

• 02 9056 1115

Head Office - Sydney

Central coast nsw.

• 08 6117 0441
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Vintage Rail Journeys

Golden west rail tour, this exceptional journey through some of australia’s most breathtaking scenery features sandstone cliffs by the hawkesbury river, the stunning coastline to newcastle, the wide expanse and starlit skies of the central west and the jurassic rainforest of the blue mountains..

The Experience

A ‘Riverboat Postman’ cruise on the Hawkesbury River

The Hunter Valley

The Liverpool Plains

Abercrombie House, Bathurst

Capertree Valley

• Sleep on the train in restored ex-Southern Aurora Sleeping carriages. Your private compartment converts to a day travel configuration
• Dining and Lounge carriages are available when travelling
• Meals are as listed in the tour itinerary. Meals served on the train are freshly prepared by our on board chef using local ingredients from each region
• Sightseeing is included in private chartered coaches at each stop for off train excursions, and we also offer the unique ‘Aurora Explorer’ concept.

5 DAYS & 4 NIGHTS

• Commences: Central Station, Sydney at 9:30am on Sunday
• Concludes: Central Station, Sydney at 8:00pm on Thursday
• Twinette: $4,495 per person
• Roomette (solo): $4,495 per person

OR CALL 13 44 26 FOR BOOKINGS

Fares listed above are valid from 1st June 2021

* Prices are subject to change. *2022 season prices ex-Central Station, Sydney. Cancellation Policy – If we are unable to run the tour due to COVID-19, we will provide a full credit for payment made by you, for one of our later tours

All fares and journey information are correct at the time of publication but subject to change.

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NEW ENGLAND STEAM TOUR

Friday 11 - sunday 20 august 2023, steam returns to the new england region in august with historic former nsw government railways steam locomotives 3265 and 3526. enjoy 1 to 1.5-hour steam train rides from tamworth or armidale stations, or take a one-way trip from maitland to werris creek, or werris creek to armidale. travel in your choice of open saloon seating or a compartment for up to 6 people. expe rience the golden era of rail travel in nsw with us., steam train rides.

Tamworth Steam Train Rides

Saturday  12 &  sunday 13 august 2023  , departure times departs from tamworth station and travels towards kootingal and return (non-stop):  9.00am, 11.10am, 12.25pm, 1.35pm, total journey duration 1-hour (non-stop) fares , open saloon car single - $39 per person, compartment (for up to 6 people) - $174 per compartment.

Armidale Steam Train Rides

Saturday 19 &  sunday 20 august 2023 departure times departs from armidale station and travels towards uralla and return (non-stop):  9.05am, 10.45am, 12.25pm, 2.05pm, total journey duration 1-hour and 20-minutes (non-stop) fares , one-way transfers, for the ultimate steam enthusiast travel aboard one of our one-way transfer operations (return travel not included)..

Maitland to Werris Creek Transfer

Friday 11 august 2023  .

Maitland (dep.) 9:15am

Singleton (dep.) 9:55am

Scone (arr.) 11.25am

Scone (dep.) 12.05pm

Werris Creek (arr.) 2.10pm

Fares 

$65 per person.

Werris Creek to Armidale

Monday 14 august 2023  .

Werris Creek (dep.) 8.10am

Tamworth (dep.) 9.15am

Armidale (arr.) 1.20pm  

CLASSES OF TRAVEL

From the moment you step aboard, you'll be transported into the past. Choose from two different seating and on-board service options as follows:

Open saloon seating  Enjoy spacious seating in one of our restored open saloon heritage carriages.

Private compartment Travel inside a private compartment for up to six (6) people aboard one of our immaculately restored comparment carriages.

About locomotives 3265 & 3526.

Locomotive 3265

Locomotive 3265 entered service as 4-6-0 express passenger engine P 584 in 1902. It was renumbered 3265 in 1924 and was equipped with superheating in 1933. The 32 class became known as the "English express locomotives” due to their origin, although some were built in the USA by Baldwin and others in Australia. 3265 was among those built by Beyer, Peacock and Co. in Manchester, UK. 

The 32 class hauled a range of passenger services on almost every line in NSW. With 191 members the class were among the NSW Railways’ most successful steam locomotive designs. 

3265’s original livery was black, but in 1933 it was painted maroon and received the nameplate ‘Hunter’, to haul the Northern Commercial Limited express to Newcastle. The 32 class were soon replaced by larger locomotives on this run.  

From around 1960 they were gradually replaced by diesel locomotives, mostly 48 class, but so functional were the class that the last regular steam-hauled passenger train in New South Wales was hauled by a 32 class engine from Newcastle to Singleton in 1971. These locomotives thus outlived their successors – the 35, 36 and 38 classes.  

3265 ran for 66 years across NSW and was retired in 1968 after clocking 2,965,840km of service. It still has its original frame, and the cab is stamped with its builder's number. 

Restored by the Powerhouse Museum in 2009, 3265 later received further mechanical repairs with Transport Heritage NSW and returned to service in 2019. 

Steve Burrows

Locomotive 3526

Reclassified as the 35 class during the 1924 renumbering program, these locomotives were originally known as the NN class, giving rise to the nickname 'Nanny'. 

Built in 1917, 3526's original number was 1314.

The 35 class 4-6-0 locomotives were built by the NSW Government Railways (NSWGR) at their workshops at Eveleigh. Coincidentally, there were 35 engines in the 35 class. They were intended to reduce the amount of 'double-heading' required for main line express trains following the introduction of heavy, twelve-wheeled corridor compartment cars. 

Teething problems with the new design were overcome by several modifications throughout their service (including re-framing and re-balancing the driving wheels), seeing them develop into solid performers. The original cabs were replaced to provide the crew greater protection against the weather.  

With the advent of the 36 and later the 38 classes, the 35s spent the greater part of their lives on northern services. 

Withdrawn in 1967, locomotive 3526 in that year became the first exhibit to be painted by the NSW Rail Transport Museum, forerunner of Transport Heritage NSW. 3526 is one of the few NSW locomotives to have been painted in blue livery for a time, while hauling the Caves Express services from Sydney to Mount Victoria in the 1930s. Following a major overhaul completed in 2018, it now appears in Brunswick Green livery with red and yellow trim.  

NEWS FLASH…

3 DAY HERITAGE RAILWAY ADVENTURE

WARWICK TO GOONDIWINDI

May 3rd – 5th 2024

Tickets available

Full details on the TIMETABLE & BOOKINGS pages

The ‘Downs Explorer’ aims to provide a unique heritage railway experience on the Darling Downs and Granite Belt through the operation of our tourist railway. The ‘Downs Explorer’ is based at the site of Warwick’s former historic Locomotive Depot in Hamilton Street Warwick Queensland. Now called the Warwick Railway Precinct , it is the operations base for our C17 Steam and DH45 diesel locomotives and our vintage carriage fleet.

The ‘Downs Explorer’ offers you a range of unique heritage rail experiences through some of the most picturesque countryside in Australia. We offer regular tours from Warwick to Stanthorpe, Wallangarra, Clifton, Wheatvale, Hendon, Toowoomba, plus special long weekends to Miles, Goondiwindi and Tenterfield, NSW.

Book Your Rail Adventure

Covid safety.

From 1 August 2022 almost all restrictions have been lifted for travel on our railway.

Hand cleansing and masks will still be available if required and patrons are asked to use normal sensible precautions.

Explore the History

Our Heritage Railway is a living Rail Museum. Explore our rich rail history here online or at our Rail Precinct Wednesdays or Thursdays each week.

New members welcome. Join today!

Your ticket for: Railway Tours

Railway tours.

The Riverina Rail Tour now includes a ride on the Zig Zag Railway! Call Chris or Tammy on  1300 421422

North Coast Rail Tour

20-24 October 2024

Tour Highlights

• North Coast Rail Line
• Hastings River Dolphin Spotting Cruise
• Meet the producers on their farms
• Slim Dusty Museum
• Arakoon National Park
• Trial Bay Gaol
• Historic Maitland & Morpeth

5 Days, 4 Nights

Commences : Central Station, Sydney 9:30am Sunday

Concludes:  Central Station, Sydney 8:00pm Thursday

Prices (incl. GST)

• Twinette $4,495 per person
• Roomette (solo) $4,495 per person
• Sole Occupancy of a Twinette $7,195 per person

*Prices valid for departures prior to 30 June 2025

Room options

Vintage Rail Journeys North Coast Rail Tour

Window Restoration

Group Travelling On The Train

Group travelling on the train

Morpeth Museum

VRJ 2023 Map North Coast White

VRJ 2023 North Coast Loco

Sunrise, Fingal Head

Screen Shot 2022 04 20 At 6.24.28 Pm

Northern Rivers Map Overnight 2022 01

North Coast Train

North Coast Room

North Coast Experience

Your North Coast adventure starts at  Central Station, Sydney  at approximately 9:30am. Welcome aboard the  Aurora Australis  where you can choose to sit in the lounge or dining carriages, or your private compartment.

Today we’ll spend all day on the train. We’ll travel over the spectacular Hawkesbury River, alongside Mullet Creek and through the ‘Venice of Australia’ to Brisbane Water. We skirt around  Newcastle  and on to  Maitland  in the Hunter Valley, where we turn right to join the meandering North Coast Line.

At  Gloucester , the North Coast Line starts to follow the Gloucester River, continuing the enjoyment of travelling beside the water. The Gloucester river joins the Manning River and we follow it through  Taree  and on to  Kempsey  on the Macleay River, where we will stable at a nearby siding for the night.

Lunch and Dinner will be served on board the train in the Dining Carriage today.

Subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control.

Enjoy breakfast on board the  Aurora Australis  before boarding coaches to explore  Port Macquarie .

We’ll take a scenic lunch cruise of the tranquil waters of Port Macquarie, with the possibility of seeing dolphins, turtles, osprey and sea eagles. Enjoy the peaceful rural landscapes and abundant wildlife on the Hastings River.

We’ll return to the train after lunch, as we continue up the North Coast Line.  We will be travelling for around five hours through fascinating scenery. We will be inland for a while before turning to the coast again and travelling along the water, past  Sawtell  and through  Coffs Harbour . We then head inland again, traversing curves following the Orana River, as the line climbs through banana plantations.  You will enjoy dinner on our way to  Casino,  where we will stable at a nearby siding for the night.

Enjoy breakfast on board the  Aurora Australis  before boarding coaches to explore the Northern Rivers Region, known for its natural attractions and eclectic community.

While in the region, you have the option of visiting  Zentveld’s Coffee Plantation and Roastery  which will see you walking through the plantation and seeing the coffee being grown, watching as the team roast the beans and tasting their Australian coffee creations. You’ll also visit  Duck Creek Macadamia Nuts , who have built a reputation as a producer of Australia’s finest Macadamia Products. Alternatively, visit  Cape Byron Lighthouse & Maritime Museum .

Lunch today is at your own choice and cost.

Your coaches will return you to the train and we will then head south travelling inland for a while before turning towards the coast and travelling along the water through  Coffs Harbour , past Sawtell and on to  Kempsey  where we will stable at a nearby siding for the night.

Dinner will be served on-board the train this evening.

Enjoy breakfast on board the train before boarding coaches to enjoy a scenic drive to the  Arakoon National Park  and the  South West Rocks  area. National Parks in this area have the best vantage points to see whales during their annual migration (from May to November). Guests will walk through the  Trial Bay Gaol , an open air museum which captures the history of the area.

Alternatively, visit the  Kempsey Museum , where you can experience First Nations history, boot making, timber industry, military history, natural history, dairy industry, shipping, historical vehicles to name just a few subjects touched on in the collections, displays and historic artefacts. You can also spend time in the  Dunghutti-Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery , the gallery showcases and markets works of prominent, established and emerging Aboriginal artists of the  Dunghutti  region and Mid North Coast area.

We will then visit the  Slim Dusty Centre , an innovative museum dedicated to Australia’s Cultural Icons, Slim Dusty and Joy McKean. The museum honours the positive impact on rural and regional Australia by these two amazing people. You will also enjoy lunch at the Slim Dusty Centre.

Your coaches will return you to our train where we will continue South along the North Coast Railway line to  The   Rail Motor Society, Paterson  where we will be stabling for the night. The rolling hills of this prime dairy country are really shown to best effect as sunset approaches.

Enjoy breakfast on board the  Aurora Australis  at  The   Rail Motor Society, Paterson.

Today we will discover  Maitland  where you will spend time at the 1870 built  Grossmann House , restored by the National Trust in the 1960’s and the  Maitland Regional Art Gallery .

Then discover  Morpeth , an historic inland river port alongside the Hunter River. A visit to Morpeth is a real journey through time. Visit the narrow laneways, walk along sandstone footpaths and into heritage buildings where you’ll discover unique shopping, artisan treasures and delightful treats.

Lunch is at your own choice and cost today.

At  Maitland  we will board the train for the last time, as we travel back past Brisbane Water and the Hawkesbury River, concluding your rail journey at  Central Station, Sydney  at approximately 8:00pm.

You will have had a truly memorable Vintage Rail Journey!

Booking Form

Tour details.

• Who are you making this booking for? * Myself I am a travel agent
• My Name * First Last
• Travel Agency Name *
• Travel Agency Address * Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Travel Agent Email *
• Travel Agent Phone Number *
• Agency Website for inclusion on our website
• Tour * Golden West Rail Tour Riverina Rail Tour North Coast Rail Tour Repco Bathurst 1000 Sleeping Train Coastal Explorer Elvis Special
• Golden West Rail Tour Date * Please select 11-15 November 2020 10-14 February 2021 7-11 April 2021 8-12 September 2021 22-26 September 2021 (ex-Katoomba) 10-14 November 2021 13-17 February 2022 13-17 March 2022 11-15 September 2022 9-13 October 2022 6-10 November 2022 19-23 February 2023 20-24 March 2023 16-20 April 2023 10-14 September 2023 8-12 October 2023 5-9 November 2023 25-29 February 2024 24-28 March 2024 21-25 April 2024 8-12 September 2024 3-7 November 2024 2-6 March 2025 30 March-3 April 2025
• Riverina Rail Tour Date * Please select 14-18 October 2020 10-14 March 2021 24-28 March 2021 6-10 October 2021 20-24 October 2021 27 February-3 March 2022 27-31 March 2022 28 August-1 September 2022 25-29 September 2022 5-9 March 2023 2-6 April 2023 27-31 August 2023 25-29 September 2023 11-15 March 2024 7-11 April 2024 25-29 August 2024 22-26 September 2024 16-20 March 2025 13-17 April 2025
• North Coast Rail Tour Date * Please select 23-26 June 2021 26-29 June 2021 19-23 June 2022 23-27 October 2022 22-26 October 2023 20-24 October 2024
• Repco Bathurst 1000 Aurora Tour Date * 11-14 October 2024
• Coastal Explorer Tour Date * 19-29 February 2024
• Elvis Special Tour Date * Please select 11-14 January 2024

Number of available berths

• Hidden Booking Status Booked Unallocated Reserved Booked Paid in full Wait List Cancelled Postponed
• Number of passengers * 1 2
• Roomette (solo) @ $3,995 pp
• Sole Occupancy of a Twinette Compartment @ $6,395 pp
• Twinette @ $3,995 pp
• Please select
• Roomette (solo) @ $4,250 pp
• Sole Occupancy of a Twinette Compartment @ $6,795 pp
• Twinette @ $4,250 pp
• Roomette (solo) @ $4,495pp
• Sole Occupancy of a Twinette Compartment @ $7,195 pp
• Twinette @ $4,495 pp
• Roomette (solo) @ $4,695pp
• Sole Occupancy of a Twinette Compartment @ $7,495 pp
• Twinette @ $4,695 pp

The Golden West Rail Tour (Clockwise) commences at Katoomba Railway Station at 8:25am.

If travelling from Sydney, you can catch the 6:23am BMT, which arrives at Katoomba Railway Station at 8:22am, and our train is scheduled to follow this train, departing between 8:25am and 8:35am. Our team will meet you on the platform and direct you to where your carriage will stop on the platform

We recommend staying for a day or two in Katoomba prior to tour commencement, and include a complimentary Blue Mountains Explorer Bus Pass (valid for up to 3 days if staying in the Blue Mountains). We normally have arrangements with the Carrington Hotel, and regret that they are fully sold out

• Accommodation preference (Pre-tour) No Accommodation required Carrington Hotel - Traditional Rooms (no ensuite) $140.00pn Carrington Hotel - Premier Rooms $240.00pn Carrington Hotel - Premier View Spa Rooms $285.00pn
• Twinette @ $4,250
• Roomette (solo) @ $4,495 pp
• Twinette @ $4,495
• Roomette (solo) @ $4,695 pp
• Twinette @ $4,695
• Roomette (solo) @ $2,795 pp
• Sole Occupancy of a Twinette Compartment @ $4,475 pp
• Twinette @ $2,795 pp
• Please Select
• Central Station, Sydney (from $2,995 pp)
• Bathurst Station (Accommodation & Breakfast only, from $1,695 pp)
• Roomette (solo) @ $2,995 pp
• Sole Occupancy of a Twinette Compartment @ $4,795 pp
• Twinette @ $2,995 pp
• Roomette (solo) @ $1,695 pp
• Sole Occupancy of a Twinette Compartment @ $2,695 pp
• Twinette @ $1,695 pp
• In Room Hamper (Included)
• Long Seafood Lunch in the Diner (extra $120.00pp)
• General Admission (Included)
• General Admission + Paddock (extra $43.00 TBC)
• Grandstand 10 + Paddock (extra $247.00 TBC)
• Upper Inside Chase Club (extra $1,570 TBC)
• Weekend (Saturday & Sunday) Package
• Reserved seating
• Morning and afternoon tea, buffet lunch
• Complimentary Beverage package of beer, wine and soft drinks
• RTD spirits served available for purchase
• 3 Beer tasting Paddles of 4 beers each, so 12 different beers in total (about 200 ml per tasting)
• Classic Pizza of your choice
• No Thanks, I'll enjoy the sights of Bathurst
• Ultimate Reckless Experience ($50.00)
• Single Interior ($8,929pp)
• Single Oceanview ($9,189pp)
• Single Balcony ($9,299pp)
• Single Mini Suite ($9,429pp)
• Twin Interior ($7,699pp)
• Twin Oceanview ($7,799pp)
• Twin Balcony ($7,869pp)
• Twin Mini Suite ($7,929pp)
• Roomette (solo) @ $3,985 pp
• Sole Occupancy of a Twinette Compartment @ $5,985 pp
• Twinette @ $3,985 pp
• Total Golden West Tour Price
• Total Riverina Rail Tour Price
• Total North Coast Rail Tour Price
• Total Repco Bathurst 1000 Aurora Price
• Total Coastal Explorer Price
• Total Elvis Special Price
• Deposit required for Golden West Tour
• Deposit required for Riverina Rail Tour
• Deposit required for North Coast Rail Tour
• Deposit required for the Repco Bathurst 1000 Aurora
• Deposit required for the Coastal Explorer
• Deposit required for the Elvis Special
• Hidden Tour Date
• Hidden Accommodation Preference
• Hidden Cabin alpha alpha for sort because gravity view can't work out numbers =)
• Hidden Cabin Alpha I don't think we are using this
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• Postcode * Same as Guest 1 Postcode
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Terms and conditions

• I will be arranging travel insurance on my own. (Please provide policy details if known)
• No insurance. I am completely liable for any event which may have otherwise been claimable.
• Travel insurance policy details

Pay deposit

• Total Golden West Tour price
• Total Riverina Rail Tour price
• Total North Coast Rail Tour price
• Total Repco Bathurst 1000 Aurora price
• Total Coastal Explorer price
• Hidden Total Elvis Special price
• Total deposit required for Golden West Tour
• Total deposit required for Riverina Rail Tour
• Total deposit required for North Coast Rail Tour
• Total deposit required for the Bathurst 1000 Aurora
• Total deposit required for the Coastal Explorer
• Hidden Total deposit required for the Elvis Special
• Golden West Tour Deposit Price: $ 0.00
• Riverina Rail Tour Deposit Price: $ 0.00
• North Coast Rail Tour Deposit Price: $ 0.00
• Bathurst 1000 Aurora Deposit Price: $ 0.00
• Coastal Explorer Deposit Price: $ 0.00
• Elvis Special Deposit Price: $ 0.00
• Credit Card
• Direct Deposit
• Credit from previous tour

BSB: 182-512 Account number: 967253139 Account name: G'Day Rail Australia Deposit Account Reference: Please use your surname as the payment reference

Please email [email protected] once payment has been made.

Please make your cheque payable to G’Day Rail (Australia) Pty Ltd t/as Vintage Rail Journeys.

We do not require an additional 10% booking deposit from you. We will shortly issue an invoice for your new booking, and will provide a receipt for the travel credits arising from your previous booking.

• Past Vintage Rail Journeys Guest
• The Senior Newspaper
• The Weekend Australian
• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram etc.)
• Vintage Rail Journeys

BOOKING CONDITIONS - VINTAGE RAIL JOURNEYS

These Booking Conditions set out the terms on which you contract with us for the arrangement and delivery of travel arrangements for your tour. By making a booking with us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Booking Conditions. If you place a booking on behalf of another party, you represent and promise us that you are duly authorised to provide the agreement and consent of the other party to be bound by these Booking Conditions. We reserve the right to change these Booking Conditions at any time prior to you making a booking request. “You” and “Your” means all persons named in a booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date). “We”, “us”, “our”, “Operator” and “Vintage Rail Journeys” means G’Day Rail (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Reservations

A booking request is accepted when we issue a written booking confirmation and you have paid your deposit. It is at this point that a contract between us and you comes into existence subject to these Booking Conditions. We reserve the right to decline any booking at our discretion.

Price, Payments & Exclusions

A deposit of 10%* must be paid within 7 days of us accepting your booking. Because we commence providing services to you as soon as we accept your booking, the deposit is non refundable. Up to 60 days prior to departure, you can transfer your booking to a later departure (see Cancellations & Amendments below). The final balance is due 60 days prior to departure. If you fail to make the balance payment after we have reminded you, you will be deemed to have cancelled your booking.

*Additional deposits may be required by third party operators. Please contact our office to see if this applies to your selected tour prior to making a booking request.

Whilst we aim to make our tours reasonably inclusive, there are some things that are not included in our tours unless otherwise stated. These are:

• Airport taxes;
• Passport fees and Visa fees;
• Meals and beverages not indicated;
• Optional sightseeing; and

We reserve the right to vary the cost of your travel arrangements prior to commencement for circumstances beyond our control such as the imposition of fuel surcharges or new or amended Government charges. If we impose a surcharge of more than 10% of the cost of your travel arrangements, you may cancel your travel arrangements and receive a full refund of payments made for those arrangements. You must exercise this right within 14 days after receipt of a surcharge invoice.

We commence providing services to you as soon as we accept your booking. This includes (often significant) work undertaken prior to travel to arrange and coordinate the delivery of your travel arrangements. You also receive the benefit of work we undertake in anticipation of bookings. The services we provide to you are limited to (a) the arrangement and coordination of your travel arrangements; and (b) the delivery of travel arrangements which we directly control.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included in your tour fare and while strongly recommend it, we do not offer this service. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellation, medical requirements, luggage and additional expenses. The choice of insurer is yours. We strongly suggest you purchase insurance at the time you pay your deposit. This is because cancellation fees and charges are payable from that time.

Cancellations & Amendments by You

We understand that at times you will need to make changes to your already confirmed booking. Whilst we will always try to assist, there are times where this can be time consuming and therefore at cost to Vintage Rail Journeys. In order to keep our tour fares as low as possible this cost may be passed on at a rate of $75.00 per change. You will also need to pay any additional costs charged by suppliers.

Should the need arise to cancel your confirmed booking we will require notification in writing and the date we receive this notice is deemed the date of notice. We will make refunds to you less cancellation fees in accordance with the table below, calculated from the date which we receive written notice:

Days of Notice: Fees per person:

• 60+ Deposit transferable to another tour, but not refundable
• 59 – 46 50% of tour fare
• 45 – 15 75% of tour fare
• 14 – 0 100% of tour fare

If the tour has commenced, no refunds are payable. No refunds will be made for of any travel arrangements not utilised, whether by choice or because of late arrival or early departure. This includes the failure of common carriers to operate according to schedule, which we disclaim responsibility for. There is no refund for unused services or portions of the tour arrangements that are missed.

You acknowledge that the amounts estimated under the Cancellation Policy are reasonable and a genuine pre-estimate of Vintage Rail Journeys’ loss. The cancellation fees above are in addition to cancellation fees charged by suppliers for any additional accommodation, airfares or any pre or post touring booked through us.

Cancellations by Us

In these Booking Conditions, the term Force Majeure means an event or events beyond our control and which we could not have reasonably prevented, and includes but is not limited to: (a) natural disasters, adverse weather conditions; (b) war, armed conflict, industrial dispute, civil strife, terrorist activity or the threat of such acts; epidemic, pandemic; (d) any new or change in law, order, decree, rule or regulation of any government authority (including travel advisories and restrictions).

Force Majeure - Prior to travel

If: (a) in our reasonable opinion we (either directly or through our employees, contractors, suppliers or agents) consider that your tour cannot safely or lawfully proceed due to a Force Majeure event; or (b) you give us notice no more than 14 days prior to commencement of your booked tour that you cannot reasonably make use of them due a Force Majeure event (for example due to border closures), then we may either: (c) reschedule your travel arrangements, but only if you are agreeable to the rescheduled arrangements; or (d) cancel your travel arrangements, in which case our contract with you will terminate.

If we cancel your travel arrangements, neither of us will have any claim for damages against the other for the cancelled arrangements. However, we will issue you with a credit equal to payments received by us for the cancelled tour, redeemable within 24 months of issue against any travel services offered by us.

If due to Force Majeure we cancel travel arrangements after your trip has commenced, we will provide you with a refund of any recovered third party costs for cancelled travel arrangements only.

Force Majeure – General

Other cancellations

If we cancel your travel arrangements for reasons other than Force Majeure, you will be offered (at your election) a refund of all funds paid, or the offer of travel arrangements of substantially equal quality if appropriate.

Group Departures

All trips are based on a minimum number of passengers travelling. We will advise you prior to confirming your booking if your tour has reached the minimum numbers for departure. If a trip fails to satisfy minimum numbers, the trip may be cancelled or re-costed. We will give you notice of cancellation or re-costing at least 60 days prior to the trip’s scheduled commencement.

If the trip is re-costed, you will have the option to either accept the new cost or to cancel your booking. You must make this election within 14 days of receiving notice from us. If the trip is cancelled or if you cancel your booking in these circumstances, we will at your election refund all payments made or credit payments towards alternative arrangements.

We will not be responsible for any other travel arrangements affected by, or any additional costs incurred, as a result of cancellation in these circumstances.

General Health Requirements

It is a condition of travel on all our tours that you have a reasonable level of fitness and a good level of mobility. Heritage trains are not designed to accommodate wheelchair or walker reliant passengers. If booking a twinette room, 1 member of your party will need to be able to climb a ladder up to and down from the top bunk. You will need to be able to embark and disembark trains, coaches and other methods of transport without assistance, handle your own luggage, walk moderate distances, stand comfortably and climb steps and stairs. We require all passengers to be capable of self care during the tour, should you require assistance it remains your responsibility to supply a carer.

If any medical conditions or lack of mobility: (a) means that you will require special assistance which we cannot reasonably provide; or (b) in our reasonable view will impact the smooth operation of the tour or will affect the safety or enjoyment of others, then we acting reasonably may exclude you from the trip this will be considered a cancellation by you and cancellation fees and charges will apply.

Accommodation

Due to the dynamic nature of the travel industry, we may need to substitute hotels, vessels and other forms of accommodation with properties or vessels of a substantially comparable or higher standard. We will endeavour to minimise substitutions.

Delay or cancellation of scheduled air arrangements

Vintage Rail Journeys is not responsible if an airline cancels, reschedules or delays a flight for any reason. If you miss any flight or connecting transportation it is your responsibility and cost to work with the airline or transport company to reach your destination. Vintage Rail Journeys is not responsible for any additional expenses incurred as a result of any changes by airlines or other transport company.

Changes to Itinerary & Inclusions

Prior to travel

Occasionally, we may need to make amendments or modifications to the itinerary and its inclusions and you acknowledge our right to do this. If we become aware of a significant change to your itinerary or its inclusions prior to the commencement of your trip (where the tour can still proceed), then we will notify you within a reasonable time and you may elect to: (a) proceed with the trip – if in our reasonable opinion the changes result in a reduction in the value of services, then we will refund you an amount attributable to the reduction determined by us acting reasonably; or (b) cancel your trip, in which case we will refund you all payments received by us at that time.

If you do not make an election in writing within 7 days of us notifying you of the significant change, then you will be deemed to have elected to proceed with the trip.

During travel

You acknowledge that the itinerary, modes of transport, accommodation and/or the trip’s inclusions may need to change during your trip due to local circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including road conditions, poor weather, changes in transport schedules, and/or vehicle breakdowns.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we will not be responsible for any omissions or modifications to the itinerary or the inclusions due to Force Majeure or other circumstances beyond our control happening after we have accepted your booking. This includes any loss of enjoyment or distress caused by omissions or modifications.

If you are entitled to any compensation for any modifications or omissions, then you agree it will be reduced by the value of any alternative services we provide which you accept.

We will not be responsible to you for any other expenses or loss you incur resulting from any amendment or change to the itinerary or its inclusions resulting from an event of Force Majeure.

Responsibility

Services supplied by independent suppliers

Where a third party over whom we have no direct control (Independent Supplier) is the supplier of travel arrangements that form part of your trip, you acknowledge that our obligations to you are limited to taking reasonable steps to select a reputable Independent Supplier and arranging for them to provide those travel arrangements to you. Independent Suppliers over whom we have no direct control include but are not limited to airlines, hoteliers, independent transport companies (i.e., vehicles not operated by us), attraction and venue operators and common carriers.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we will not be responsible to you for any loss, damage, personal injury or delay attributable to the actions or omissions of an Independent Supplier and not caused by our negligence. Any claims you have in this regard must be made against the Independent Supplier.

Services we directly supply

To the extent only that we are the principal supplier to you of travel arrangements or other services which we control, then we will provide those travel arrangements and services with reasonable skill and care.

We will not be responsible for any loss, damage, claim or expense caused by the acts or omissions of yourself, of any other third party not connected with the provision of the travel arrangements or services, or due to an event of Force Majeure.

We will not be responsible for any loss or additional expenses you incur for any missed connections/services attributable to delays outside of our control.

Australian Consumer Law and corresponding legislation in State jurisdictions in certain circumstances imply mandatory conditions and warranties into consumer contracts (“Consumer Warranties”). These Booking Conditions do not exclude or limit the application of the Consumer Warranties. Other than the Consumer Warranties, we disclaim all warranties.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, our maximum liability to you under these Booking Conditions, in tort (including negligence) or at law is limited to arranging for the travel arrangements to be resupplied or payment of the cost of having them resupplied.

Operator’s Authority

The Operator reserves the right to require any person, whether a member of a group who has chartered a vehicle for the purpose of a tour or otherwise, to withdraw from any tour at any time if the Operator or its servants deem his or her acts or conduct to be detrimental to or incompatible with the interests, harmony, comfort or welfare of the tour as a whole. You will not be entitled to any refund for unused services and you will be responsible for any additional costs you incur.

If any provision of these Booking Conditions is found to be unenforceable, then to the extent possible it will be severed without affecting the remaining provisions.

Any personal information you provide to us will be collected, stored, used, protected and shared in accordance with Australian Privacy Principles, and our Privacy Policy, which is published here https://vintagerailjourneys.com.au/privacy-security/

Diesel Locomotives:

X Class Diesel Electric Locomotive X54

Working on both broad and standard gauge, the X class could be found all over the Victorian Railways system, working both freight and passenger trains. Members of the class on broad gauge could often be found on the Melbourne to Adelaide corridor, working both The Overland passenger train and the ‘Jet’ express goods services between the two cities. The third series X class were the first Victorian locos to venture into NSW under the ‘through working’ arrangement (X54 being the first engine to do so on 14th November 1982), and in the early 1980s could often be seen on interstate express passenger trains such as the Southern Aurora , Spirit of Progress and Intercapital Daylight between Sydney and Melbourne.

When VR was restructured in 1983, ownership of the X class passed to V/Line. All remained in Government ownership until 1999 when V/Line Freight was privatised and sold to Freight Victoria (later Freight Australia). In 2004 Freight Australia was purchased by Pacific National. As a condition of this sale, X53 and X54 were gifted to the then newly established Queensland Rail National, to help with their start-up of interstate standard gauge operations. X54 remained in service with QR National (renamed Aurizon in 2012) until they ceased operating intermodal freight in December 2017. It saw use for a brief period in 2018 to support Aurizon’s Hunter Valley coal and grain operations, and was placed into storage in late 2018. ECHR purchased X54 in April 2021, and it returned to revenue service in November 2022.

Specifications: Entered service: 1976 Builder: Clyde Engineering, Rosewater, SA Wheel arrangement: Co-Co Length: 18.4m Weight: 118t Power output: 2000hp Maximum speed: 115 km/h

421 Class Diesel Electric Locomotive 42105

42105, sister unit to 42101, entered service in 1966 and was sold to Northern Rivers Railroad after 20 years working on the Government Railways. Under NRR ownership the loco was painted in a striking livery of yellow, orange and blue, and operated out of Casino during the late 1990s and 2000s including Ritz Rail tourist duties on the Murwillumbah branch.

NRR was renamed Interail in 2002, and later rolled into the QR National brand. In QR National service, 42105 operated as an assistant engine on east coast intermodal freight services until late 2012, alongside our own X54! The loco was transferred to Ettamogah for storage in January 2013, and later to Goulburn in May 2014.

42103 and 42105 were acquired by Craig Prior of Chumrail in August 2017, and the restoration of 42105 commenced in earnest in 2020. A 3-year restoration ensued, with significant help from Adam Sayer, recognised in the loco’s new name ‘Chumsayer’. The engine was officially welcomed back into revenue service on the 15th October 2023 on our Cockatoo Run , and has been busy since then on heritage trips around NSW with various operators.

Specifications: Entered service: 1966 Builder: Clyde Engineering, Granville, NSW Wheel arrangement: Co-Co Length: 18.9m Weight: 110t Power output: 1800hp Maximum speed: 115 km/h

Passenger Carriages:

CPJ 924 ‘John Glastonbury’ – Lounge Car

This carriage was originally built as an MFX class sitting carriage by Ritchie Brothers of Auburn, entering service in 1927. Its interior configuration was a combination of fixed open saloon seating and side corridor compartments. In 1939 it was fitted with a guard’s compartment and added to a specially formed NCR carriage set for use on the famous Newcastle Flyer services. It was recoded to HFV to show its new purpose. It continued in this role until World War II when steel N type cars took over the Newcastle Flyer . In 1975 the interior was completely stripped and it was converted to an Interurban car with 2×2 reversible seating in an open saloon, being recoded IFV to reflect these changes. The carriage was withdrawn from Government service in 1989.

Following the Cowan Bank accident in May 1990 which tragically claimed the lives of 6 people and completely destroyed lounge car BV485, IFV924 was acquired in a very derelict condition with a view towards its restoration as a replacement lounge car. This work was undertaken at Eveleigh by 3801 Limited staff and volunteers, and a completely new interior was designed and installed with the rebuilt carriage being unveiled in 1993. It now carries the code of CPJ 924 as a nod to former 3801 Limited Chairman and General Manager Professor John Glastonbury, whose name the carriage also bears.

Entered service: 1927 Builder: Ritchie Brothers, Auburn, NSW Rebuilt: 1939, 1975, 1992-1993 Previous numbers: MFX924, HFV924, IFV924 Length: 22.7m Weight: 48t Seating capacity: 42

Steel Bodied N Type Cars

Built by Waddingtons of Granville and entering service in the late 1930s, the N type carriages were originally delivered in sets of 7. These sets comprised 2 BN first class cars, 3 FN second class cars and 2 HFN second class cars with a guard’s compartment. All cars had open saloon seating. Shortly after introduction to service they were rostered to work the Newcastle Flyer services, until they were replaced in this role by air conditioned carriages. 17 of these cars, including numbers 2182 and 2186 in our fleet, served as wards in two ambulance trains for transporting injured returned soldiers during World War II, with FN2182 featuring a surgical suite. Following their days on the Newcastle Flyer , the N cars were commonly seen on the Southern Highlands Express from Sydney to Goulburn, with 5 FN second class sitting cars converted into buffet cars and recoded RFN in the late 1940s. This train was notable for being the last service rostered to be steam hauled out of Sydney, with locomotive 3801 working the last steam hauled Southern Highlands Express in October 1969.

The early 1970s saw interior upgrades for the N cars, with replacement seats fitted and cars recoded accordingly. After being displaced from Southern Highlands Express working, the N cars found their way onto the Northern Mail from Sydney to Armidale, Glen Innes, Tenterfield and Moree, as well as the Western Mail from Sydney to Dubbo and Parkes, remaining on these services until being withdrawn in 1988.

East Coast Heritage Rail has four N cars in our fleet: SFN 2182, FRN 2186, ABN 2194 and SBN 2195.

Specifications: Entered Service: 1939 Builder: Waddingtons, Granville, NSW Rebuilt: 1947, 1970 Previous numbers: FN2186, RFN2186, FRN1724 Length: 20.3m Weight: 43t Seating Capacity: 28

Formerly a BN first class car, it was converted in 1968 to a combined sleeping/sitting car coded ABN for use on mail trains. The remaining seating was converted to a kitchenette and dining table by 3801 Limited volunteers, with sleeping berths retained and a small workshop provisioned in the end of the car. This car is for crew use only and is used on longer distance trips requiring multiple crews.

See the latest updates on ABN2194 at its page on the ECHR Projects Blog

Specifications: Entered Service: 1939 Builder: Waddingtons, Granville, NSW Rebuilt: 1968, 2006 Previous numbers: BN2194, ABN1732 Length: 20.3m Weight: 44t Seating Capacity: 6 sleeping

Steel Bodied S Type Cars

Built by Clyde Engineering between 1935 and 1937, the S type carriages were among the most versatile in the NSW Government Railways fleet. They could be found on interurban passenger trains to Newcastle, Bathurst, Goulburn and Bomaderry, express passenger trains to regional centres, country branch line passenger trains and mail trains. Their prominence can still be seen today as there are more operational examples of S type cars than any other carriage type in preservation in NSW. Their interior configuration was side corridor, with 8 compartments seating 8 people each.

From the mid-70’s to early 80’s, eight cars had their interiors completely stripped and replaced with Laminex panelling, suburban reversible seating and Beclawat sliding windows. These rebuilt cars were coded MFS and were used on interurban working.

East Coast Heritage Rail has four S cars in our fleet: XFS 2015, MBR 2078, MFS 2096 and MFS 2145.

Originally a first class car, this was the only BS car to be gutted and converted to MFS configuration, serving as a supplementary interurban car until being withdrawn in 1989. It was rebuilt by 3801 Limited volunteers with a buffet replacing half of the former seating and resumed service in 1998.

See the latest updates on MBR2078 at its page on the ECHR Projects Blog

Specifications : Entered Service: 1936 Builder: Clyde Engineering, Granville, NSW Rebuilt: 1982, 1998 Previous numbers: BS2078, MFS2078 Length: 20.4m Weight: 42t Seating Capacity: 23

Specifications : Entered Service: 1936 Builder: Clyde Engineering, Granville, NSW Rebuilt: 1981 Previous numbers: FS2096, MFS1648 Length: 20.4m Weight: 40t Seating Capacity: 66

Specifications : Entered Service: 1937 Builder: Clyde Engineering, Granville, NSW Rebuilt: 1982 Previous numbers: FS2145 (formerly named ‘Wingecarribee’) Length: 20.4m Weight: 40t Seating Capacity: 66

Other Rollingstock:

UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming events at the nsw rail museum.

STEAM TRAIN RIDES

Every Saturday & Sunday

Enjoy a 40-minute steam train ride along the historic Loop Line from Thirlmere to Buxton and return.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY VINTAGE TRAINS

13 - 28 April 2024

Experience Autumn magic aboard a heritage train at the NSW Rail Museum. Take a 40-minute ride aboard a steam train or railmotor, plus enjoy games and activities exclusive to the school holidays!

THIRLMERE FESTIVAL OF STEAM

18 & 19 May 2024

The annual Thirlmere Festival of Steam returns for two days in 2024!

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

30, 31 August & 1, 6, 7, 8 September 2024

‘Pop’ on board a train ride adventure as Thomas & Friends head to the NSW Rail Museum! 

Upcoming heritage train experiences and events

For a full list of upcoming events, including main line heritage train experiences across Sydney and New South Wales, visit the Transport Heritage NSW website .