The Great Australian Steam Spectacular 2026

Duration

14 Days

Departure Dates

September 2026

Prices from

TBC

Experience Australia in full steam on this unforgettable 2026 tour! Ride eight historic steam railways, enjoy exclusive charters, visit top railway museums, and explore Melbourne, Sydney, and the scenic Blue Mountains. With unique access to workshops and heritage sites, this is the ultimate steam adventure for rail enthusiasts.

Overview
Itinerary
Further Information
Departure Dates
Useful Resources

Singapore Airline © Shutterstck

Expression of Interest Tour - Price TBC

14 days DEPARTS

Tuesday 22 September 2026

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

A broad gauge steam journey on the Victoria Goldfields Railway to the historic town of Maldon
A full-length ride on the world-famous Puffing Billy Railway
Behind-the-scenes access to Newport Railway Workshops, home to Steamrail Victoria
Australia’s largest collection of broad gauge steam locomotives
A private steam charter on the Bellarine Railway
A visit and tram ride at the fascinating Lofthus Tram Museum
An exclusive steam charter at the Illawarra Light Railway
Special arrangements and private access at the impressive NSW Railway Museum
A thrilling steam journey through the dramatic Zig Zag Railway in the heart of the Blue Mountains
Steam action at the Richmond Vale Railway in the historic coalfields
And the excitement of the Sydney Transport Heritage Expo!

Read our Australia Steam on Five Gauges 'taster' blog here - https://www.railtrail.co.uk/Australia-2023

* No places can be booked on an expression of interest tour, this is just to gather information on numbers of passengers that are responsive with the highlights and itinerary shown.

DAY 1

Tues 22 Sept 2026 : Depart for Australian - Flight Inclusive
Your adventure begins with a morning departure from London Heathrow aboard a quality long-haul flight with Singapore Airlines, travelling via Singapore en route to vibrant Melbourne. Sit back, relax, and get ready for the steam-filled journey ahead!

DAY 2

Wed 23 Sept 2026 : Arrival in Melbourne
Touch down in Melbourne later this afternoon and enjoy a smooth private coach transfer to your hotel. Unpack and relax as you settle in for a five-night stay with breakfast included, perfectly positioned to explore one of Australia’s most culturally rich and rail-connected cities.

DAY 3

Thu 24 Sept 2026 : Discover Melbourne at Your Leisure
Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the charm of Melbourne. Hop aboard one of the city’s iconic trams, explore its vibrant laneways and cafés, or simply unwind with a relaxing stroll along the scenic Yarra River. The day is yours to explore at your own pace.

DAY 4

Fri 25 Sept 2026 : Steam Through the Goldfieldsn
Travel by rail to Castlemaine for a nostalgic steam-hauled journey on the Victoria Goldfields Railway. Sit back and soak in the sights as you journey through classic outback scenery to the charming historic town of Maldon, before returning in true heritage style..

DAY 5

Sat 26 Sept 2026 : Puffing Billy & Steamrail Victoria
Today we step back in time with a full-length return journey on the iconic Puffing Billy Railway, travelling through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges to Gembrook. Depending on the operating schedule, we may also have the chance to enjoy a ride aboard one of Steamrail Victoria’s suburban steam shuttles - a rare treat for true enthusiasts!

DAY 6

Sun 27 Sept 2026: Workshops, Locomotives & Private Chartern
Travel by coach to Steamrail Victoria’s Newport Workshops for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of their impressive collection and ongoing restoration projects. Continue to the Williamstown Railway Museum, home to Australia’s largest collection of broad gauge (5’3") locomotives. In the afternoon, enjoy a special steam charter on the narrow-gauge (3’6") Bellarine Railway, a true highlight for railway enthusiasts!

DAY 7

Mon 28 Sept 2026 : First-Class Rail Journey to SydneynSit back and relax as you enjoy a full-day First-Class journey aboard the Melbourne to Sydney XPT train — Australia’s answer to the HST. Travel in comfort through scenic countryside as you make your way to Sydney, where you’ll settle in for a 7-night hotel stay with breakfast included, perfectly located for the exciting experiences ahead.

DAY 8

Tue 29 Sept 2026 : Explore Sydney at Your Own Pacen
Enjoy a full free day to discover the best of Sydney using the convenient Opal Pass, giving you unlimited access to the city’s trains, trams, and ferries. Cruise across Sydney Harbour, hop on a tram to Darling Harbour, or take the train to Bondi - the day is yours to explore this iconic city your way.

DAY 9

Wed 30 Sept 2026 : Trams, Coastlines & Exclusive Steam
nTravel by rail to the fascinating Loftus Tram Museum for a glimpse into Sydney’s vintage tram heritage. Then continue along the scenic coastal rail line to the Illawarra Light Railway, home to a delightful 2ft gauge line — where you'll enjoy an exclusive steam charter through this charming heritage railway setting.

DAY 10

Thu 01 Oct 2026 : Steam Giants & Main Line Memories
nBoard the train to Picton for a day at the impressive NSW Rail Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of locomotives spanning from 1866 to the mighty Garratts. Enjoy a special steam charter from the main line to the museum at Thirlmere, followed by lunch, a guided tour, and a steam-hauled journey to Buxton and back, complete with a photographic runpast — a true treat for rail enthusiasts!

B, L

DAY 11

Fri 02 Oct 2026 : Steam in the Spectacular Blue Mountains
nJourney by train into the breathtaking Blue Mountains, where you’ll enjoy a steam-hauled ride on the dramatic Zig Zag Railway. Winding through rugged escarpments and forested valleys, this iconic heritage line offers stunning scenery and a truly unforgettable rail experience.

DAY 12

Sat 03 Oct 2026 : Transport Heritage Expo Extravaganza
nEnjoy a full day of nostalgia and excitement at Sydney’s annual Transport Heritage Expo. Celebrate Australia’s rich transport history with a fantastic line-up of working steam locomotives, vintage railcars, classic buses, and even a ride on a heritage steam boat. A must for transport enthusiasts and a fitting finale to your steam adventure!

DAY 13

Sun 04 Oct 2026 : Steam Through Coal Country
nTravel north from Sydney along another scenic rail route, crossing the iconic Hawkesbury River Bridge. From there, transfer by coach to the historic Richmond Vale Railway, where you’ll enjoy a steam-hauled ride over former colliery lines, steeped in industrial heritage and set against a dramatic rural backdrop.

DAY 14

Mon 05 Oct 2026 : Farewell Australia
nThis morning, board your train to Sydney Airport for your return flights home after an unforgettable steam adventure across Australia.

DAY 15

Tue 06 Oct 2026 : Good Morning UK
Arrive back at London Heathrow, bringing to a close your incredible steam adventure through Australia. Welcome home, and thank you for travelling with us - we hope to see you on another Railtrail journey soon!

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

HOTELS

Hotel 1 Melbourn 5 nights TBC

Hotel 2 Sydney 7 nights TBC

FARES

Ground Only Fare:
Join Melbourne/leave Sydney:	£TBC
Single Traveller Supplement	£TBC

12 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 1 lunch

All train rides, transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed

Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

GUARANTEED FARE

** We reserve the right to travel by diesel train should the steam locomotive not be timetabled at the time of our visit

Important – Please select the number of passengers before proceeding to ‘Book Now’

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September 2026	TBC	Register interest below	Callback

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Sydney

Melbourne

Puffing Billy Railway

Victoria Goldfields Railway

Bellarine Railway.

Lofthus Tram Museum

NSW Rail Transport Museum

Scenic Blue Mountains

Zig Zag Railway

Flinders Street Melbourne © Shutterstock

Victoria Goldfields Railway

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