Golden West Rail Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Golden West Rail Tour with Vintage Rail Journeys. Experience the timeless charm of rail travel as you wind through awe-inspiring landscapes and uncover the rich heritage of New South Wales.
Your adventure begins with breathtaking views of the dramatic sandstone cliffs of the Great Dividing Range, setting the stage for a scenic voyage both at the start and conclusion of your journey. Delve into the picturesque vineyards of the Hunter Valley and the vibrant local flavours of Orange, savouring some of Australia’s finest wines and produce.
One of the highlights of this unique rail tour is the rare opportunity to traverse special access train lines across the expansive Liverpool Plains, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into regions typically off the beaten path. Journeying further, be captivated by the rugged beauty of the Capertee Valley, the second-largest canyon in the world, en route to the charming town of Rylstone. This tour seamlessly blends the allure of vintage travel with extraordinary scenery and cultural richness, creating a truly memorable rail experience.

Your Golden West Rail Tour begins with an exciting departure from Sydney’s Central Station, where you’ll step aboard the vintage train and immerse yourself in the nostalgic charm of rail travel. Settle into your private cabin or unwind in the inviting lounge carriage as the train sets off, heading north through scenic landscapes toward the spectacular Hawkesbury River. Mid-morning, your journey takes an adventurous pause as you step off the train for your first off-train experience: the iconic ‘Riverboat Postman’ lunch cruise. This unique excursion lets you cruise along the lower Hawkesbury River, surrounded by stunning natural beauty, while delivering mail and supplies to remote river-access-only settlements upriver from Brooklyn. Enjoy a hearty lunch on board as you take in the serene waters and rugged riverbanks. Re-joining the train in the afternoon, continue your journey as the train hugs the curves along Mullet Creek, offering breathtaking views of the Australian coastline. Watch as the train rounds bends that reveal spectacular scenes, showcasing the full length of the train in motion. The scenic route follows the glistening waters of Brisbane Water after passing through the historic Woy Woy Tunnel. The journey continues past the vibrant city of Newcastle and into the fertile Hunter Valley, famous for its vineyards and rolling hills. As the day winds down, the train arrives at Paterson, where it will be stabled for the night. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to rest and reflect on an exhilarating first day of exploration on board the Golden West Rail Tour.

Start Day 2 of your Golden West Rail Tour with a visit to the renowned Hunter Valley, where you can choose from three unique off-train experiences.
After your chosen experience, return to Branxton Station and reboard the train for a scenic ride through the rest of the Hunter Valley, passing through the Ardglen Tunnel and arriving at Werris Creek for the night. Dinner will be served onboard as the train rests at Werris Creek, ready for the next day’s adventures.

Step off The Vintage Rail and explore the Hunter Valley! Tailor your journey with these exciting off-train adventures:

Option 1: Lunch at Twine Restaurant Hunter Valley: Established in 2013, Twine Hunter Valley celebrates seasonal local
produce and delectable dining options, paired with quality wines, picturesque views & impeccable service. Overlooking some of the oldest vineyards in the region, Twine is home to a wonderful restaurant, also the perfect spot for our Muscat tasting experience.

Option 2: Margan Wines: Travelling by coach to Broke, you’ll walk down the garden path through the kitchen garden, then past the olives and vineyards into the winery for a guided, behind the scenes tour. Learn how the single vineyard and sustainably farmed wines are made from vine to glass in this award-winning winery. Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at this family owned winery and restaurant.

You can submit your preferences for the off-train experiences you will join on each day. Please indicate these to your sales agent as soon as possible.

Begin Day 3 with a hearty breakfast onboard as you continue your Golden West adventure. Your first stop is the Quirindi Rural Heritage Village, where you’ll explore a rich collection of historical artefacts that showcase the heritage and culture of the region. Afterwards, visit Werris Creek, an iconic railway town known for being the first and last railway town in NSW. Discover its fascinating history at the Werris Creek Rail Journeys Museum, located within the state’s third-largest railway station. This museum brings the storied railway past of the town to life, offering a captivating glimpse into its significance. In the afternoon, settle back on the train for a journey along the freight-only line from Werris Creek, heading towards Orange. Enjoy dinner onboard as the train makes its way through scenic landscapes, arriving in Orange later in the evening for an overnight stay.

Waking up in Orange this morning, your adventure continues as you'll departing for Bathurst, where you will again have the choice of two off-train experiences.

Step off The Vintage Rail and explore Bathurst! Tailor your journey with these exciting off-train adventures:

Option 1: Abercrombie House: It wouldn’t be a visit to Bathurst without first taking on the mountain Mt Panorama. You’ll then head onto Abercrombie House, a heritage treasure of NSW set in stunning grounds at Stewarts Mount just west of Bathurst. A grand country home, and a 1870s cultural gem, the home of the Morgan Family for half a century, see gardens, paths and outbuildings, explore the reception rooms, grand staircase, ballroom, first floor bedrooms and more, before enjoying lunch.

Option 2: Mayfield Gardens: A spectacular 65-hectare private garden that delivers not only a significant horticultural experience but also a day out that is both magical and unexpected. Mayfield Gardens is considered to be one of the largest and most spectacular cool climate gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. Here a self-guided tour awaits, with a delicious boxed lunch which can be enjoyed in your own quiet spot of the gardens.

You can submit your preferences for the off-train experiences you will join on each day. Please indicate these to your sales agent as soon as possible.

Savor your final breakfast onboard as the Golden West Rail Tour nears its conclusion. Disembark at Rylstone, a charming district established in the 1820s and one of the oldest settlements west of the Great Dividing Range. Explore the town’s historic streets lined with 19th-century sandstone buildings, including public houses, cottages, and government structures.
From Rylstone, board a coach to Lowe Family Wine Co in Mudgee. Here, enjoy a memorable last lunch surrounded by the beautiful scenery of this certified organic and biodynamic farm, vineyard, and food garden. Savour the flavours of the region in the relaxed ambiance of the cellar door. After lunch, return to Rylstone Station and board the Vintage train for your final leg, arriving back at Sydney Central Station in the late evening. This marks the end of an extraordinary journey through the Golden West.