Vintage Rail Journeys: Golden West Rail Tour (Tour code: 14667)

Your Golden West adventure begins at Sydney's Central Station. Once aboard, you can unwind in the lounge carriage or settle into your cabin as the train journeys towards the stunning Hawkesbury River. Here, you’ll disembark for your first off-train experience: a lunch cruise with the renowned ‘Riverboat Postman’. Revel in the breathtaking scenery of the lower Hawkesbury River as mail and essentials are delivered to the remote river-access-only communities upriver from Brooklyn.

Upon rejoining the train, you'll be treated to some of Australia's most spectacular views. Watch as the train curves along the tracks, offering glimpses of its full length, while the route hugs the water's edge at Mullet Creek. The scenic waterside journey continues through the Woy Woy Tunnel and alongside Brisbane Water. Skirting around Newcastle, the train then reaches Maitland in the Hunter Valley, where it will be stabled for the night at Paterson.

Hawkesbury River Bridge

Today, you’ll explore the Hunter Valley with a choice of three unique off-train experiences:

Option 1: Lunch at Twine Restaurant, Hunter Valley
Established in 2013, Twine Hunter Valley showcases seasonal local produce, exquisite dining options, and premium wines, all paired with stunning views and impeccable service. Overlooking some of the region’s oldest vineyards, this charming restaurant is also the perfect setting for a Muscat tasting experience.

Optional Upgrade: Hunter Valley Helicopter Experience (limited availability)
Enhance your visit with an unforgettable helicopter flight for an additional cost. Marvel at breathtaking aerial views of the Hunter region before joining lunch.

Option 2: Margan Wines
Travel by coach to the picturesque village of Broke, where you’ll begin with a stroll through the kitchen garden, past olive groves and vineyards, before heading into the winery. Enjoy a guided behind-the-scenes tour to learn how sustainably farmed, single-vineyard wines are crafted from vine to glass. Conclude your visit with a wine tasting and a delightful lunch at this award-winning, family-owned winery and restaurant.

After your chosen experience, you’ll rejoin the coach for the journey back to Branxton Station, where you’ll board the train. From here, relax as the train travels through the rest of the Hunter Valley and passes through the Ardglen Tunnel en route to Werris Creek. Dinner will be served onboard as the train is stabled for the night at Werris Creek.

Hunter Valley

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast onboard the train, setting the tone for another exciting day exploring the Golden West.

Your first stop is the Quirindi Rural Heritage Village, a fascinating site dedicated to preserving and showcasing artefacts that reflect the history, heritage and culture of the region. Next, you’ll visit Werris Creek, the first and last railway town in New South Wales, situated at a major railway junction. Home to the third-largest railway station in the state, Werris Creek also features the Rail Journeys Museum, where the rich railway history of the town comes to life.

In the afternoon, relax as the train travels along the freight-only line from Werris Creek to Orange. Enjoy dinner onboard while the train continues its journey, arriving in Orange later in the evening for an overnight stay.

Dining Carriage | Credits: Vintage Rail Journey

Waking up in Orange this morning, your journey continues as we depart for Bathurst, where you’ll have the opportunity to choose from two exceptional off-train experiences.

Option 1: Abercrombie House
Begin your visit with a drive up the iconic Mt Panorama before heading to Abercrombie House, a heritage gem of New South Wales nestled in picturesque grounds at Stewarts Mount, just west of Bathurst. This grand 1870s country home, owned by the Morgan Family for over 50 years, offers a glimpse into history. Explore its beautiful gardens, pathways, and outbuildings, as well as the reception rooms, grand staircase, ballroom, and first-floor bedrooms. A delicious lunch is included during your visit.

Option 2: Mayfield Gardens
Discover the enchanting Mayfield Gardens, a breathtaking 65-hectare private garden renowned as one of the largest and most impressive cool-climate gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy a self-guided tour through this magical landscape, complemented by a delicious boxed lunch, which you can savour in your own tranquil spot amidst the gardens.

Abercrombie State Historical Park

Savour your final breakfast onboard the train before disembarking to board coaches bound for Rylstone, a charming district established in the 1820s, making it one of the oldest settlements west of the Great Dividing Range. Stroll through Rylstone’s historic streetscape, lined with 19th-century sandstone public houses, cottages, and government buildings.

Next, visit the Lowe Family Wine Co in Mudgee, a certified organic and biodynamic farm, vineyard, winery, and food garden. Here, enjoy a memorable final lunch in the stunning cellar door setting. Afterward, return to Rylstone Station to reboard the train for your journey back to Sydney Central Station, arriving late in the evening.