The Australian (Ground Only)

DAY 1

Friday 24th May 2024
After making your own flight arrangements to Australia, you will meet the group at the Mercure Hotel which is situated by the rail station for a five night stay.

DAY 2

Saturday 25th May 2024
Experience a scenic train ride into the Blue Mountains and take a steam hauled trip on the famous Zig Zag railway. Enjoy the thrill of traveling through tunnels and over viaducts to Clarence and back. There is an optional stop at Katoomba on the way back to Sydney where you can ride one of the world's steepest funiculars to the rainforest walkway (additional fee may apply). Don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure.

DAY 3

Sunday 26th May 2024
Join us for a thrilling day of rail exploration! Ride a special train from Picton along the historic main line to the impressive New South Wales Rail Transport Museum in Thirlmere. Enjoy a guided tour of their vast collection of 38 steam locomotives and get an exclusive look at the workings of the roundhouse. A lunch is included before we embark on a scenic steam ride to Buxton and back.

DAY 4

Monday 27th May 2024
Enjoy a day of leisure or adventure in Sydney with our inclusive transport passes! You can hop on the rail, tram, bus, or ferry for spectacular views of the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Our tour manager will also provide recommendations on routes and attractions for your convenience. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore this beautiful city hassle-free!

DAY 5

Tuesday 28th May 2024
Join us on a picturesque rail journey along the South Coast of Sydney, culminating in an unforgettable steam charter aboard the Illawarra Light Railway's 2ft gauge collection. Explore the impressive range of locomotives with an exclusive guided tour through Albion Park.

DAY 6

Wednesday 29th May 2024
A journey on the XPT train (like our HST's) travelling in 1st class over the scenic route from Sydney to Melbourne, which includes a spiral. There is a café car on board to purchase snacks or hot lunch. We will stay for five nights at Batman's Hill on Collins across the road from the station.

DAY 7

Thursday 30th May 2024
Today we experience a day excursion by road to the historic port of Echuca for a leisurely cruise on board a vintage wooden paddle steamer along the Murray River with a light lunch included. Afterwards we travel to the gold rush town of Bendigo and enjoy a ride through the streets on one of their vintage trams.

DAY 8

Friday 31st May 2024
Today is a free day to explore Melbourne. The route 35 'circle' tram route uses historic cars whilst all other tram routes within the central area are free. The tour manager will advise on attractions that can be visited by tram or just enjoy a stroll along the banks of the Yarra River.

DAY 9

Saturday 1st June 2024
We travel by local train to Belgrave for the Puffing Billy Railway, perhaps the most well-known of all the steam lines in Australia. Grab the opportunity to photograph the first train of the day on the famous curved trestle before riding behind one their classic 100-year-old engines through forests and open landscapes to Lakeside. After time here for lunch, we take a look around the new visitor centre and model railway, before returning by steam to Belgrave.

DAY 10

Sunday 2nd June 2024
Taking the diesel railcar to Castlemaine, we board the 5'3" gauge Victoria Goldfields Railway for a steam hauled ride over one of the last remaining branch lines built in the 19th Century to open up the rural parts of Victoria. Reaching the delightfully preserved historic town of Maldon there is time for lunch, browse the interesting shops or take a drink in the Kangaroo Hotel before returning to Castlemaine and taking the main line train to Melbourne.

DAY 11

Monday 3rd June 2024
We will depart at 8am on the "Overland" train from Melbourne to Adelaide. Travelling in comfortable Red Premium Class, breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea are included and served at your seat. With only 36 seats per carriage in 2 and 1 configuration there is plenty of leg room. Arriving in Adelaide late afternoon, we will stay three nights at the Stamford Plaza Hotel.

DAY 12

Tuesday 4th June 2024
Today we travel to Port Adelaide by rail to the excellent Railway Museum, where we have requested locomotive "Peronne", a Barclay of 1919 to be in steam for the group. A miniature railway also circles the museum site and nearby is the Aviation Museum and Maritime Museum. This evening, we take an optional tram ride out to the coast at Glenelg for a meal.

DAY 13

Wednesday 5th June 2024
We will travel by road to Mt. Barker for a visit to the Steamranger depot and vintage railcar charter train. We continue by road to Goolwa for the steam hauled "Cockle Train" along the coast to Victor Harbour. You could also stroll over the causeway to Granite Island or take the horse drawn tram. We return to Adelaide by road.

DAY 14

Thursday 6th June 2024
We journey by road into the remote interior of South Australia. Firstly, to Peterborough for Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre set in a roundhouse with its unique triple gauge turntable. After lunch, which is included, we visit Wadlata Outback Centre in Port Augusta for an insight into the area. We will stay for three nights at the Standpipe Golf Motor Inn with dinner included each evening.

DAY 15

Friday 7th June 2024
We will travel by road to the historic town of Quorn and the Pichi-Richi Railway. After a depot visit, we ride the "Coffee Pot" steam railmotor, built by Kitson in 1905, on an exclusive charter to Woolshed Flat where we have a picnic lunch. We return to Port Augusta by road later in the day.

DAY 16

Saturday 8th June 2024
We take another steam train over part of the original route of the "Ghan" until 1956 when a new line was built. We are hauled by one of the original engines and rolling stock from the 1920's as we take a relaxing trip through the Pichi-Richi Pass.

DAY 17

Sunday 9th June 2024
We return to Adelaide via the Clare Valley Wine Region with one night at the Stamford Plaza. We will spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps riding the trams in the city centre which are free.

DAY 18

Monday 10th June 2024
After your fantastic holiday experience with Railtrail, you will head to the airport independently to catch your flight home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner