Vintage Rail Journeys: North Coast Rail Tour (Tour code: 14669)

Your North Coast adventure begins at Sydney’s Central Station. After check-in, enjoy a short coach transfer to Darling Harbour to board a Morning Discovery Cruise with Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney. Aboard the Spirit of Migloo, take in uninterrupted 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour with a light breakfast served on board.

Return to Sydney’s Central Station to board your Vintage Rail Journey. Stepping on board, you can relax in the lounge carriage or settle into your cabin as we travel north out of Sydney. Lunch will be served onboard as we continue toward Kundabung.

Enjoy an afternoon of on board trivia and music while taking in the spectacular views of the Hawkesbury River, alongside Mullet Creek, and through the ‘Venice of Australia’ to Brisbane Water. We skirt around Newcastle and on to Maitland in the Hunter Valley, where we turn right to join the meandering North Coast Line. At Gloucester, the North Coast Line begins to follow the Gloucester River, continuing your journey beside the water. Relax and meet your fellow train travellers over dinner onboard as we stable overnight at Kundabung. 

Hawkesbury River Bridge

This morning, enjoy breakfast onboard before disembarking to explore the picturesque Coffs Harbour, renowned for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant community life. Today, you’ll discover the town’s natural highlights, including the spectacular Sealy Lookout and the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens.

Travel by coach to the Great Dividing Range, the third-longest mountain range in the world at 3,500 km, and take in breathtaking views from Sealy Lookout, home to the dramatic Forest Sky Pier. Back in Coffs Harbour, enjoy lunch at a local venue before embarking on a self-guided tour of the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, meandering along boardwalks and pathways as you explore exotic plants from sub-tropical regions around the world.

After a day of exploration, return to the train to enjoy a delicious dinner onboard and a restful night’s sleep as the train stables at Casino. 

Coffs Harbour

Enjoy breakfast onboard the Aurora Australis before selecting one of two off-train experiences for the day.

Option 1 – Coffee and Coastlines
Embark on a sensory journey at Zentveld’s Coffee Plantation, nestled in the heart of the Byron Bay hinterland. Discover the full ‘crop to cup’ story as you stroll through the vibrant plantation, learning about the cultivation, harvesting, roasting, and brewing processes. Savour a tasting experience of freshly brewed coffee, made from beans grown mere metres away. After your coffee adventure, enjoy a leisurely all-inclusive lunch at a local Byron Bay venue, before heading to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, perched at Australia’s most easterly point. Take in the breathtaking coastal panoramas and, if lucky, spot majestic whales in the pristine waters below.

Option 2 – Byron Bay at Your Own Pace

Spend the day wandering Byron Bay’s charming streets and coastline at your own pace. Explore boutique stores, artisan shops, and unique local markets, discovering handcrafted jewellery, stylish clothing, organic produce, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Pause for a midday lunch at a designated venue, then continue to uncover hidden gems and popular hotspots throughout the township. Complete the day with a ride on the restored 1949-era Byron Solar Train, powered entirely by the sun, which links Byron Town Centre with the North Beach precinct. Enjoy the short, scenic journey as you pass through littoral rainforest, endangered coastal wetlands, and over the stunning tea tree-lined Belongil Creek of Cape Byron Marine Park.

Following your day of discovery, return to the train to unwind with a gourmet dinner and enjoy a peaceful night onboard as the train rests at Kempsey.

Byron Bay Lighthouse

Begin your morning with breakfast onboard the train before stepping off for your choice of Off Train Experience, enjoying a day of immersive cultural and historical discovery in Kempsey and along the stunning NSW coast.

Option 1 – Slim Dusty Centre
Alternatively, take a stroll around the Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey. This is an innovative museum dedicated to Australia’s Cultural Icons, Slim Dusty and Joy McKean. The museum honours the positive impact on rural and regional Australia by these two stalwarts of the Australian country music scene.

Option 2 – Trial Bay Gaol
Venture to historic Trial Bay Gaol, dramatically perched within Arakoon National Park. Wander through the impressive ruins and uncover stories of the inmates who once lived behind its walls, as well as the gaol’s role in late 19th-century public works. Rich in history and framed by stunning coastal views, it’s a memorable glimpse into Australia’s past.

The Coaches will return you to the train where both groups will reconvene for lunch and then continue south along the North Coast Railway line to The Rail Motor Society. The rolling hills of this prime dairy country are really shown to best effect as sunset approaches. Dinner will be served on board the train this evening as the train arrives and stables in Paterson.

Lounge | Credits: Vintage Rail Journey

Enjoy your final breakfast onboard the train before stepping off for a Newcastle Scenic Lunch Cruise, a delightful way to experience the sparkling waters and vibrant atmosphere of Newcastle Harbour. Take in panoramic views of the coastline, the renewed foreshore, and iconic city landmarks, all while enjoying a freshly prepared buffet lunch.

As you cruise, explore the mouth of the Kooragang Wetlands, see the port’s coal loading facilities, tugboats, and large ships up close, and keep an eye out for local wildlife, including dolphins and seabirds that often grace the harbour waters.

Finally, board the train one last time. As you journey south past Brisbane Water National Park and the Hawkesbury River, savour the final moments of your unforgettable rail adventure before arriving at Central Station, Sydney