Rail Tour of New South Wales

Saturday 07 November

A morning flight with Air New Zealand to arrive in Sydney midday. We then transfer to Circular Quay to board our Sydney Harbour Lunchtime Cruise. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of Sydney harbour before checking into our harbourside hotel.  Afternoon free to relax.

Sunday 08 November

This morning we take a guided walking tour of “The Rocks”. Hear the legends and history of Sydney as you stroll the shoreline of the sparkling Sydney Harbour. The afternoon and evening is free to explore.

Monday 09 November

Your adventure starts at Sydney’s Central Station. Once on board, you can choose to sit in the lounge or dining carriages, or your private compartment. First stop is at the spectacular Hawkesbury River where you board the famous ‘Riverboat Postman’ for a lunch cruise.  After that as we continue, you’ll see the whole length of the train as we round curves. Then the line traces the waters edge at Mullet Creek on through Woy Woy Tunnel to Maitland in the Hunter Valley. The train will overnight at Paterson Rail Motor Society. 

Tuesday 10 November

Today you have one of two choices of off-train experiences for a visit in the Hunter Valley.

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.

Optional Upgrade: Hunter Valley Helicopter Experience (limited capacity * Price to be confirmed - closer to depature*) Soar to new heights with a breathtaking helicopter flight at additional cost. Experience unforgettable aerial views of the Hunter region, before joining lunch.

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.

On re-boarding, the train will travel the remainder of the Hunter Valley, and on through Ardglen Tunnel to Werris Creek.

Wednesday 11 November

Today your adventure begins with a visit to the Quirindi Rural Heritage Village. The village has been designed to collect, preserve, restore, interpret and exhibit artefacts that relate to the history, heritage and culture of the region. From here we head to Werris Creek, the first and last railway town in NSW.

Thursday 12 November

Waking up in Orange this morning, your adventure continues as we’re soon departing for Bathurst, where you will again have the choice of two Off Train Experiences.

Option 1: Abercrombie House - It wouldn’t be a visit to Bathurst without first taking on Mt Panorama, before heading to Abercrombie House — a heritage treasure set in stunning grounds at Stewarts Mount. This grand 1870s country home, owned by the Morgan family for half a century, invites you to wander its gardens, paths, and outbuildings, explore reception rooms, grand staircase, ballroom, first-floor bedrooms and more, before enjoying lunch.

Option 2: Mayfield Gardens - A spectacular 65-hectare private garden, Mayfield offers not only a significant horticultural experience but also a day out that is magical and unexpected. Considered one of the largest and most spectacular cool-climate gardens in the Southern Hemisphere, it invites you on a self-guided tour with a delicious boxed lunch to enjoy in your own quiet spot.

Friday 13 November

Enjoy your final breakfast onboard the train. We’ll then board coaches traveling from Rylstone, a beautiful district settled in the 1820’s, making it one of the oldest settlements west of the Great Dividing Range. Rylstone’s streetscape features 19th century sandstone public houses, cottages and government buildings. From here we are welcomed to the Lowe Family Wine Co in Mudgee. Based around certified organic & biodynamic farm, vineyard, winery and food garden, enjoy a spectacular last lunch in the cellar door before returning to Rylstone Station to join our train.  At Lithgow we’ll travel through the 10 tunnels that replaced the Lithgow Zig-Zag, then cross the Darling Causeway on the way to Katoomba. Here we disembark after a truly memorable Vintage Rail Journey, for a two night stay.

Saturday 14 November

Today’s coach tour of this dramatic area includes Echo Point and Three Sister (great photo stop), Leura Cascades along with time to linger in the village, Jamieson Lookout, Govetts Leap and more. Tonight a farewell dinner.

Sunday 15 November

After breakfast we journey down to Sydney airport for a late morning flight home on Air New Zealand to arrive late afternoon.