Northern NSW Vintage Rail Journey (2025 & 2026)

Your fare excludes:

Day 1 | Central Station, Sydney – McLeay Valley

Your North Coast adventure starts at Sydney Central Station, aboard the Aurora Australis. Stepping onboard, you may either choose to relax in the lounge carriage or settle into your cabin while we travel north out of Sydney. Lunch will be served onboard the train today as we travel north, headed for Kundabung. Enjoy an afternoon of onboard trivia and musicians, you take in the spectacular views of the 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. Relax and meet your fellow train travellers over dinner onboard as we stable overnight at Kundabung.

Day 2 | Port Macquarie

Enjoy breakfast onboard 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. Enjoy lunch onboard your cruise, before travelling via coach to Kempsey Station and rejoining the train. This afternoon you’ll experience more beautiful scenery, travelling inland before turning towards the coast again, travelling along the water, past Sawtell and through Coffs Harbour. This evening the train stables at Nammoona.

Day 3 | Byron Bay

Enjoy breakfast onboard before choosing one of two off-train experiences for the day.

Option 1 – Byron Bay Lighthouse

From Nammoona, we travel via coach to Byron Bay and visit the Byron Bay Lighthouse. Built at the turn of the 19th century to protect ships passing along the coast, Cape Byron Lighthouse stands resolute on the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. Operated by resident keepers until 1989, its now automated light is visible from Byron Bay township.

Option 2 – Zentvelds Coffee Plantation

Alternatively, visit Zentvelds Coffee Farm & Roastery, nestled in the heart of the Ballina-Byron Hinterland. Zentveld’s Coffee offers more than just a daily cup; they offer a unique ‘crop to cup’ experience. The coffee beans are cultivated, processed, roasted, packed, served, and supplied right here in the beautiful Northern Rivers on their family farm.

From here, we visit the Byron Solar Train. A world first, step aboard the immaculately restored 1949 era two-carriage heritage train. All thanks to a 4.6 billion-year-old power source. The three-kilometre coastal track links the Byron Town Centre with the burgeoning North Beach precinct and Byron Arts Estate. The journey takes ten minutes one way or 25 return from North Beach Station. Relax as you pass through littoral rainforest, endangered coastal wetlands and over the stunning tea tree Belongil Creek, part of Cape Byron Marine Park.

Following your morning touring, we enjoy lunch at the North Byron Hotel. We step away from the centre of town & into a shimmering oasis away from the crowds. Like a tucked-away treasure, the North Byron Hotel is a thriving mecca of good food, great music, laughter and the “Byron Bay chill seeker” vibe. Our coaches then take us to The Farm, before returning us to our waiting train in Casino. We are going to our train in the Casino. Tonight, enjoy another delicious dinner onboard, as we begin our return journey south, and are stable for the evening in Kundabung.

Day 4 | Kempsey

Enjoy breakfast onboard the train before boarding coaches to enjoy a scenic drive to the Trial Bay Goal. The gaol opened in 1886 after 13 years of construction. It must have been a strange feeling building a prison in such a beautiful setting. Today, this picturesque historic ruin stands as a testament to those who lived and died here, with a museum and memorial for visitors to get a better idea of life in those days.

It’s then onto the Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey. 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 stalwarts of the Australian country music scene. You will also enjoy lunch at the Slim Dusty Centre. 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 shown to best effect as sunset approaches. Dinner will be served onboard the train this evening as we arrive and stable in Paterson.

Day 5 | Maitland – Sydney

Enjoy your last breakfast onboard the Aurora Australis at The Rail Motor Society, Paterson. Today we will discover Maitland, where you’ll spend time at the 1870-built Grossmann House, restored by the National Trust in the 1960’s and the Maitland Regional Art Gallery. At Maitland, you’ll board the train for the last time and enjoy lunch onboard. As you travel back past Brisbane Water and the Hawkesbury River, enjoy one more dinner onboard before concluding your rail journey at Central Station, Sydney.

* The above itinerary is subject to change.

2025 Departure Dates: 14 Jul / 28 Jul / 11 Aug / 25 Aug

• Heritage Twin Cabin from $3,595 per person*
• Heritage Single Cabin from $3,545 per person*

2026 Departure Dates: 25 May / 8 Jun / 22 Jun / 6 Jul / 20 Jul

• Heritage Twin Cabin from $3,790 per person*
• Heritage Single Cabin from $3,690 per person*

Advertised pricing is subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.

Heritage Twin Cabins are designed to accommodate two guests, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey. During the day, the space transforms into a cosy three-seat lounge, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the passing scenery. At night, it converts into upper and lower bunk beds, with one guest needing to be able to climb a ladder to access the top bunk. Each cabin also features a private ensuite, complete with original 1960s fittings, including a fold-down hand basin and fold-down toilet, preserving the charm of vintage rail travel.

Heritage Single Cabins offer a comfortable and private space for solo travellers, featuring a day lounge with a footrest, a fold-down washbasin, and a mirror for convenience. As evening falls, the cabin transforms into a cosy bed, providing a restful retreat after a day of exploration. Guests in Single Cabins also have access to spacious shared bathrooms located at either end of the carriage, blending vintage charm with thoughtful amenities.

Lounge Carriage - the social heart of the train, invites you to unwind and connect with fellow travellers in a relaxed, welcoming setting. With all-inclusive travel, you can enjoy a selection of Australian wines and beers, as well as unlimited tea, coffee, soft drinks, and juices - all served as you sit back and take in the journey.

Dining Carriage - step into the original ex-Southern Aurora Dining Carriage, where the onboard chef serves hearty, delicious meals crafted with care and inspired by local flavours. Complement your meal with a selection of Australian wines, beers, and other beverages - all included in your fare.

Commences: Central Station, Sydney

9:30am Monday

Concludes: Central Station, Sydney

8:00pm Friday