Vintage Rail - Riverina Rail Tour

Embark on the Riverina Rail Tour, a unique journey from Sydney into Australia’s fertile ‘food bowl.’ Experience the warm hospitality of the Riverina’s communities as you learn about their innovative farming practices and the rich variety of produce they cultivate. Travel on rare rail lines without scheduled passenger services, adding a sense of adventure to your journey. Indulge in all-inclusive dining with fine wines and beverages as you explore highlights like Fairground Follies, the Antique Mechanical Music Museum in Bowral, and a Coolamon artisan cheese maker, where a tour and lunch await. Meet passionate local producers showcasing the region’s finest food and wine, and enjoy an adventure on the iconic Zig Zag Railway at Mt Victoria. From farm to fork and vine to wine, this tour blends fascinating stories, culinary delights, and rare rail experiences into one unforgettable journey.

Your Riverina adventure begins at Sydney’s Central Station, where you’ll board the Aurora Australis. Settle into your comfortable cabin or relax in the lounge carriage as you journey south from Sydney. Enjoy a delicious onboard lunch while taking in the scenic views as you travel to Goulburn, where two captivating off-train experiences await.

Retford Park National Trust: Step back in time at Retford Park, a heritage masterpiece nestled in the heart of Bowral on Gundungurra Country. Built in 1887 by the Hordern family and beautifully reimagined by James Fairfax in the 1960s, this 'Portuguese Pink' mansion is a sight to behold. Explore the pristine gardens adorned with sculptures and artworks, and enjoy a guided tour of the house, showcasing its collection of 60,000 artefacts, textiles, and period furniture.

Fairground Follies: Discover the magic of yesteryear at the Fairground Follies housed within the Antique Mechanical Music Museum. This enchanting experience brings history to life with an extraordinary collection of fairground artifacts, mechanical music, folk art, and a century-old carousel. Enjoy an interactive guided tour, cultural music performances, and a delightful afternoon tea in this one-of-a-kind attraction.

After your chosen experience, rejoin the train in Moss Vale. Savor a gourmet dinner onboard as you travel to Goulburn, where the train will stable for the evening, setting the stage for more adventures to come.

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast onboard while traveling along the Main South Line, passing through picturesque towns and villages along the Canola Trail. Keep an eye out for the iconic grain silos lining the rail route. Upon arrival in Junee, take the unique opportunity to witness the fascinating Loco Runaround movement. The first stop is the Historical Railway Museum, home to the iconic Junee Roundhouse. This rare, fully operational roundhouse is one of the few remaining in the Southern Hemisphere. Its impressive 100-foot turntable is designed to showcase steam and diesel locomotives, reflecting its rich railway heritage. While part of the roundhouse functions as a museum, the other section remains an active diesel locomotive servicing facility for the Junee Railway Workshop. Next, immerse yourself in the delightful aromas of handcrafted treats at the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory. Learn about the fascinating production process during a guided presentation by expert chocolatiers and watch as licorice and chocolate creations are crafted before your eyes. It’s a sensory experience not to be missed. A short drive leads to Coolamon, where lunch awaits. Begin with a tour of an artisan cheesemaker renowned for crafting innovative, handcrafted cheeses. Gain insight into the cheese-making process before enjoying a delicious lunch that highlights the region’s culinary excellence. Afterward, there’s free time to explore the charming streets and shops of Coolamon at your own pace. The journey continues to Murrami in the evening. After a delectable dinner onboard, finish the day with a special stargazing experience under the pristine Riverina night sky.

Begin the day with a delightful breakfast onboard before embarking on your choice of one of two enriching off-train experiences.

Meet the Producers – Morella Grove Farm, Southern Cotton Gin, and Whitton Malt House: Immerse yourself in the heart of the Riverina region, where nature and passion come together at Morella Grove. This award-winning olive oil producer embodies a paddock-to-plate philosophy and a commitment to sustainability. Explore how Frank and his family have created a thriving beacon of sustainable farming in this arid yet fertile landscape. Next, visit the renowned Southern Cotton Gin in Whitton, a privately owned, independent facility consistently ranked among Australia’s best. Gain insight into the ginning process and its importance to local growers. Conclude the experience with a delicious lunch at Whitton Malt House, where fine food and Riverina hospitality come together.
Optional Upgrade: Enhance your visit with a curated whisky tasting experience at Whitton Malt House (limited capacity). Sample a selection of fine whiskies that showcase expert craftsmanship.

Farm & Vines – Murray Cod Farm and Calabria Family Wines: Explore the innovative world of aquaculture with a guided tour of a Murray Cod Farm, a leader in producing premium, pond-grown Murray cod. Learn about the farm’s commitment to sustainability and its dedication to preserving and enhancing the natural environment. Then, continue to Calabria Family Wines, where Italian heritage and winemaking traditions blend seamlessly. Enjoy a wine tasting and indulge in an Italian-inspired shared platter lunch. Discover the winery’s new museum, sensory wall, and café bar menu, all designed to immerse you in the rich flavors and aromas of their exceptional wines.

After your chosen tour, rejoin the train in Yenda and journey to Temora, where the train will stable overnight. Savor another delicious onboard dinner as the day comes to a close.

Start the day with a delicious onboard breakfast before setting out to explore the highlights of Temora. Choose from two fascinating tours, each offering a unique insight into the region's rich heritage.

Bundawarrah Centre: Step back in time at the Bundawarrah Centre, home to the Temora Rural Museum, where history comes alive through a collection of iconic structures and exhibits. Highlights include Sir Donald Bradman’s first home, a charming cottage built from hardwood slabs, as well as a one-room public school, a bush church, a country dance hall, and a printery. Explore the working flour mill and the Ambulance Museum, which showcases vehicles and conveyances dating back to 1897, providing a glimpse into the evolution of medical transport.

Temora Aviation Museum: Delve into Australia’s aviation history at the Temora Aviation Museum, located on the site of the RAAF Elementary Flying Training School from World War II. Discover three distinct exhibit spaces: the Museum, housed in the original 10 EFTS Guardhouse; the Engineering Hangar, offering a behind-the-scenes view of aircraft under maintenance; and the Display Hangar, where historic aircraft are showcased alongside engaging exhibitions.

After your chosen experience, return to Temora Station to enjoy a sumptuous lunch in the dining carriage as the train travels along the freight-only line via Stockinbingal. Along this single-track route, frequent freight trains may cause minor delays, offering a unique perspective on the region’s rail operations. In the evening, savor a delightful onboard dinner as the journey continues through Parkes and onto the Broken Hill line, arriving at the Orange Rail Yard for an overnight stop.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast onboard as the train makes its way from Orange toward the iconic Great Dividing Range. Marvel at the engineering feats as the journey continues through Lithgow, traversing the 10 tunnels that replaced the historic Lithgow Zig-Zag. Cross the Darling Causeway before arriving at Mount Victoria, where an exciting adventure awaits. Disembark to experience the charm of the Lithgow Zig Zag Railway, a historic rail journey established in 1869. Step back in time as a magnificent steam locomotive pulls you over the original zig-zag route, offering breathtaking views and a nostalgic connection to Australia’s railway heritage. Soak in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this remarkable journey, paired with a delicious grazing boxed lunch to enjoy along the way. After the railway adventure, take some free time to explore the picturesque villages of Leura and Katoomba, renowned for their quaint charm, boutique shops, and spectacular Blue Mountains scenery. Reboard the train for the final leg of your Vintage Rail Journey, arriving back at Sydney Central Station, where your memorable adventure comes to an end.

Sydney, Australia’s most iconic city, is a vibrant hub of culture, beauty, and history. Home to nearly 20% of the country's population, it’s also Australia’s largest city. Perched along the stunning east coast, Sydney boasts an enviable mix of world-famous landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, alongside pristine white-sand beaches like Bondi and Manly. With a rich tapestry of history, art, and diverse culinary delights, Sydney offers something for every traveller, from sun-seekers and food lovers to adventure enthusiasts.