Journey Beyond has today launched its 2025 season of Vintage Rail Journeys throughout the picturesque surrounds of regional New South Wales.
The recently acquired Vintage Rail Journeys represents a blend of nostalgia, history, exploration, and connection with regional Australia, adding a further rich layer to Journey Beyond’s portfolio of iconic Australian experiences.
For the first time, guests aboard Vintage Rail will experience an all-inclusive journey with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all beverages including beer, wine, and spirits included in the fare.
The vintage 1960s ex-Southern Aurora sleeper train provides guests with a unique journey through Australian rail history. The Aurora Australis carriages have been loving restored and offer three enlivening itineraries immersing guests with the breathtaking landscape of NSW’s to the state’s Golden West, the Riverina Rail Tour into Australia’s ‘food bowl’, Northern NSW coast, as well as special event trips to the Elvis Festival in Parkes and the Bathurst 1000.
Off Train Experiences are a highlight and include a unique range of curated tours and experiences that tell stories and showcase the history, people and culture unique to the region.
David Donald, Executive General Manager of Rail at Journey Beyond says, “We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard our private Aurora Australia train for adventures through regional New South Wales in 2025. It’s the most scenic way to experience the region at leisure and travel. Guests will now enjoy all-inclusive meals and beverages in our dining carriage, lovingly crafted by our onboard chef with fresh, local ingredients. It’s a culinary journey you won’t want to miss whilst seeing the best of NSW’s scenery traveling primarily during daylight hours.“
“We appreciate the support local communities show Vintage Rail Journey guests and recognise the integral role the train and the local communities play in enrichening the lives of regional visitors,” David Donald said.
On board the Golden West Rail Tour, guests will love the dramatic sandstone cliffs of the great dividing range at the beginning and the end of the journey. Exploring the vineyards of the Hunter Valley and Orange, and the rare opportunity to travel on special access train lines across the Liverpool Plains from Werris Creek on the Way to Orange. A real treat is the spectacular scenery in the Capertree Valley on the way to Rylstone.
Golden West Rail Inclusions
- 5 days, 4 nights aboard the Aurora Australis, departing and returning to Sydney encompassing the Hawkesbury, Hunter Valley, Werris Creek, Bathhurst and Mudgee
- 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Off Train Experiences include:
- A Riverboat ‘Postman’ Cruise on the Hawkesbury River including lunch
- A bespoke winery experience in the Hunter Valley
- Guests can soar to new heights with a breathtaking helicopter flight as an optional upgrade additional cost. Experiencing unforgettable aerial views of the Hunter region, with Hunter Valley Helicopter Experience.
- Visit the quaint heritage village of Quirindi in rural NSW
- Discover Bathurst’s Abercrombie House of Mayfield Gardens
Special launch offer – Heritage Twin Cabin from $2,995 per person (save up to $2,000 per person).
Riverina Rail Tour heads south from Sydney into the heart of Australia’s ‘food bowl’. Guests will receive a warm welcome from the communities of the Riverina, and learn about the produce grown, and the challenges and innovations from the region. It’s a real adventure traveling on rail lines which don’t have scheduled passenger services.
Riverina Rail Tour Inclusions
- 4 nights aboard the Aurora Australis, departing and returning to Sydney encompassing Bowral, Junee, Coolamon, Murrami, Whitton, Griffith, Temora, Bundawarrah, Orange and the Blue Mountains
- 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Off Train Experiences include:
- Retford Park National Trust or Fairground Follies a Antique Mechanical Music Museum in Bowral
- Optional Upgrade: Whisky Tasting at Whitton Malt House where you will try a curated selection of fine whisky’s. Additional cost $25 pp
- Tour and lunch at a Coolaman artisan cheese maker
- From farm to fork and vine to wine, meet a collection of some of the best producers in the Riverina
- Stop at Mt Victoria, for an adventure on the Zig Zag Railway
Special launch offer – Heritage Twin Cabin from $2,995 per person (save up to $1,200 per person).
North Coast Rail Tour offers a unique view of the NSW coastline. Guests will discover the beautiful Hastings River at Port Macquarie, the breathtaking hinterland rainforest and the eclectic community of the Northern Rivers region. Highlights include the crystal clear creeks and uncrowded surf beaches of the Macleay Valley Coast.
North Coast Rail Tour Inclusions
- 4 nights aboard the Aurora Australis, departing and returning to Sydney encompassing the Hawkesbury River, Newcastle, Maitland, Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Coffs Harbour, Casino and Byron Bay
- 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Off Train Experiences include:
- Explore Port Macquarie on a scenic lunch tour
- Take in the sights and sounds of the Byron Bay Lighthouse
- Discover some of Australia’s cultural icons at the Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey
- Enjoy some of Maitlands historical and cultural icons with a day of touring
Special launch offer – Heritage Twin Cabin from $2,995 per person (save up to $2,000 per person).
Early Bird offers apply to all three Rail Tours. Book by 3rd October or until sold out. *Terms and conditions apply.
A unique Vintage Rail Journey is Bathhurst Race’N Rail offers race enthusiasts a distinctive way to experience Australia’s greatest touring car race the Repco Bathhurst 1000. Guests travel to and from the race aboard the Aurora Australis and enjoy the convenience of staying onboard the train on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.
Bathhurst Race’N Rail Inclusions
- 3 nights in Bathurst aboard the Aurora Australis, departing and returning to Sydney
- 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- General admission to the race and coach transfers from the train to the race
Heritage Twin Cabin starts from $2,995 per person.
Book your 2025 Vintage Rail Journey today, the first Vintage Rail Journey departure is aboard the Riverina Rail Tour on 21 April 2025. Take advantage of special introductory offers, call 1300 421 422, visit www.vintagerailjourneys.com.au
Go further aboard Vintage Rail Journeys with Journey Beyond.
