Vintage Rail Journeys: North Coast Rail Tour

Overview

Embark on a memorable North Coast adventure aboard the Aurora Australis, starting from Sydney’s Central Station. Travel through scenic landscapes, from the Hawkesbury River to the stunning North Coast. Explore Port Macquarie with a tranquil river cruise, visit Byron Bay's iconic lighthouse or Zentveld's Coffee Plantation, and discover the rich history of Kempsey and Trial Bay Gaol. Experience local culture, indulge in delicious meals, and soak in the beauty of New South Wales before returning to Sydney after a five-day rail journey.

Inclusions

All-inclusive dining with a selection of wines and beverages

Four nights private ensuite accommodation onboard the train in a Heritage Twin Cabin

Hospitality Attendant available to assist you, answer your questions, or prepare a comforting cup of tea or coffee

Off-train excursions and entrance fees as per itinerary

Itinerary

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Day 1 Sydney McLeay Valley

The North Coast adventure begins at Sydney Central Station aboard the Aurora Australis. Choose to unwind in the lounge carriage or settle into your cabin as the journey north unfolds. Lunch will be served as the train heads towards Kundabung. The afternoon offers a mix of trivia and music while enjoying breathtaking views of the Hawkesbury River, Mullet Creek and Brisbane Water. After passing Newcastle and Maitland in the Hunter Valley, the train follows the North Coast Line, continuing alongside the Gloucester River. Meet fellow passengers over dinner onboard as the train stables for the night at Kundabung.

Lunch, Dinner

Hawkesbury River Bridge

Day 2 Port Macquarie

Enjoy breakfast onboard the Aurora Australis before boarding coaches for a scenic exploration of Port Macquarie.

Embark on a relaxing lunch cruise along the tranquil Hastings River, where you may spot dolphins, turtles, osprey and sea eagles. Take in the picturesque rural landscapes and abundant wildlife. After lunch onboard, travel by coach to Kempsey Station to rejoin the train. This afternoon, enjoy more stunning scenery as the train journeys inland before returning to the coast, passing Sawtell and Coffs Harbour. The train will stable for the night at Nammoonna.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Port Macquarie

Day 3 Byron Bay

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

Option 1 – Byron Bay Lighthouse
Travel by coach to Byron Bay to visit the iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse. Built in the early 20th century to guide ships along the coast, this lighthouse stands proudly at the most easterly point of mainland Australia. Once operated by resident keepers until 1989, it now features an automated light visible from the township of Byron Bay.

Option 2 – Zentvelds Coffee Plantation
Alternatively, visit Zentvelds Coffee Farm & Roastery, located in the heart of the Ballina-Byron Hinterland. Offering a unique ‘crop to cup’ experience, the farm produces, processes, roasts, and serves its own coffee beans, all cultivated and supplied from the stunning Northern Rivers region.

Next, journey aboard the Byron Solar Train, a world-first heritage train powered by solar energy. This restored 1949-era two-carriage train travels along a three-kilometre coastal track connecting Byron Town Centre with the North Beach precinct. As you relax, enjoy views of littoral rainforest, endangered coastal wetlands and the scenic Belongil Creek, part of Cape Byron Marine Park.

Following the morning’s activities, enjoy lunch at the North Byron Hotel, a peaceful haven offering great food, music and the relaxed atmosphere Byron Bay is known for. Afterward, coaches will take you to The Farm before returning to the train at Casino. Dinner will be served onboard as the journey continues south, with the evening spent stabling at Kundabung.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Byron Bay Lighthouse

Day 4 Kempsey

Enjoy breakfast onboard the train before boarding coaches for a scenic drive to the Trial Bay Gaol. Opened in 1886 after 13 years of construction, it’s hard to imagine building a prison in such a beautiful location. Today, this historic ruin stands as a tribute to those who lived and died here, with a museum and memorial providing insight into life during that time.

Next, visit the Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey, an innovative museum celebrating Australia's cultural icons, Slim Dusty and Joy McKean. The museum honours the significant influence these two figures had on rural and regional Australia’s country music scene. Enjoy lunch at the centre before returning to the train. Continue south along the North Coast Railway line, arriving at The Rail Motor Society in Paterson, where the train will be stable for the night. As sunset casts its golden light over the rolling hills of prime dairy country, relax and enjoy dinner onboard before retiring for the evening in Paterson.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lounge | Credits: Vintage Rail Journey

Day 5 Maitland Sydney

Enjoy your final breakfast onboard the Aurora Australis at The Rail Motor Society in Paterson. Today, explore Maitland, where you’ll visit the 1870-built Grossmann House, beautifully restored by the National Trust in the 1960s and the Maitland Regional Art Gallery. Afterward, board the train for the last time and savour lunch onboard. As the journey takes you past Brisbane Water and the Hawkesbury River, enjoy one final dinner before concluding your rail adventure at Central Station, Sydney.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation

Vintage Rail Journeys

Upgrade available

Vintage Rail Journeys offers a unique and exceptional experience – combining the charm and excitement guests love with a new level of relaxation and care. From the moment you step aboard, every detail is thoughtfully handled, allowing you to unwind completely. Enjoy delicious meals, fine wine, and freshly brewed tea and coffee, along with a selection of expertly curated tours. The only decisions you’ll need to make are what to savour and which Off Train Experience to explore.

Whether you’re soaking in the ever-changing scenery from the comfort of your private cabin or heading to the lounge and dining carriages to share stories with fellow travellers, every moment is designed for your enjoyment. At night, the train is stabled to ensure you have a peaceful and restful sleep. Each carriage features a dedicated Hospitality Attendant, ready to assist with any needs, answer your questions, or prepare a comforting cup of tea or coffee.

HERITAGE TWIN CABINS

Heritage Twin cabins accommodate 2 guests.
By day, you have a 3-seat lounge
By night, you have upper and lower bunks (one member of your party will need to be able to climb the ladder to the top bunk)
You have your own ensuite, complete with the original fold down hand basin and fold down toilet

Room Upgrades

Heritage Single Cabin

Welcome to all solo travellers on board, with no single supplement for Heritage Single cabins. Each cabin features a comfortable Day Lounge, footrest, fold-down washbasin, and mirror. By night, it transforms into a cosy bed for a restful sleep. Conveniently, spacious shared bathrooms are located at both ends of the Singles carriage for your comfort.

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

2025 departure dates:

14 July
28 July
11 August
25 August
08 September

2026 departure dates:

25 May
08 June
22 June
06 July
20 July

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing, and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

What is the dress code onboard?

The dress code is smart casual. Formal attire is not required for dinner and comfortable shoes are recommended for off-train excursions.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout your journey on the Aurora Australis.

How much luggage can I bring?

Space is limited. Bring one carry-on bag (48cm h x 34cm w x 23cm) and a garment bag per person. Twin cabins have a luggage nook for two carry-on bags and a closet for 3-4 garments. Single cabins have overhead luggage racks and space for slim or soft bags under the seat.

Can dietary needs be accommodated?

Yes, the onboard chef can cater to most dietary requirements. Please inform consultants at the time of booking or notify your Guest Attendant upon boarding if there are any changes.

Is smoking allowed on the train?

No, the Aurora Australis is strictly non-smoking, including between carriages and in restrooms. Smoking opportunities at stations will be communicated by the Guest Attendants.

What level of mobility is required?

The tours require moderate physical fitness and good mobility. Heritage trains are not suitable for passengers reliant on wheelchairs or walkers. If booking a Twin cabin, one person must be able to use a ladder for the top bunk. Guests need to board and disembark transportation independently, carry their luggage, walk moderate distances, stand comfortably and climb stairs.

Can I bring a walker or walking stick?

Heritage trains have narrow corridors and heavy connecting doors, making them unsuitable for walkers or wheelchairs. However, walking sticks used for stability are permitted and can be stored in your cabin.

Is there refrigeration for medication?

Yes, refrigeration for medication is available. Please notify your Guest Attendant when you board the train.

Can I leave the train at night?

The train typically stables in sidings rather than stations to ensure safety. Guest Attendants will inform you if there are opportunities to disembark safely at night.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult our consultants at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

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

Highlights

Overview

Inclusions