Vintage Rail Journeys: Riverina Rail Tour (Tour code: 14668)

Your Riverina 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. Once onboard the train, either choose to relax in the lounge carriage, or settle into your cabin while we travel south from Sydney. Lunch will be served onboard the train today as it travels to Goulburn, where you will have the choice of two Off Train Experiences.

Option 1: Retford Park
Discover the charm of this exceptional heritage property in Bowral, which boasts the captivating “Portuguese Pink” mansion, extensive well-kept gardens and sculptures, as well as stunning art collections. Enjoy a tour of the mansion where the passionate volunteers recount the fascinating history while guiding you through the property. Upon entrance into the mansion, shoe covers will be provided to protect the interior of the property and lockers are available to store large bags, coats and backpacks for the duration of the tour.

Please note, while photography is allowed, videos are not permitted. 

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – The house is accessed via steps. Two flights of stairs lead to the first floor; no lift or ramps are available.

Option 2: Fairground Follies

Step back in time and immerse yourself in one of the world’s finest collections of vintage folk art, mechanical music, and 100-year-old carousels, spanning from the 1840s to the 1950s. It was a passion for “The Happiest Music on Earth” which led to the collection, restoration and exhibiting of these historic pieces. Enjoy a guided tour of the collection by, Craig Crobson, the very man who curated it all, with key highlights including the incredible 8-metre-high pipe organ with 101 keys – The Mortier “Taj Mahal”; and a stunning Century-old English Carousel featuring 30 ornately hand carved timber horses and cockerels.

Recommended Fitness level: Low – guests are required to climb coach stairs with walking and standing for short periods.

Following your first day of touring, rejoin the train in Moss Vale and enjoy dinner onboard as the train travels to Goulburn and stables for the evening. 

Bowral

Enjoy breakfast onboard as you leave Goulburn and continue along the Main South Line. Pass many interesting villages and towns today as you travel through the Canola Trail, so keep an eye out for the many grain silos adjacent to the rail line. The train then arrives into Junee, and there is an opportunity to watch the loco runaround movement.

Option 1: The Junee Roundhouse Museum

Step into the Junee Roundhouse Museum for an exciting insight into Australia’s railway heritage. This impressive working railway museum features one of the few surviving roundhouses in the Southern Hemisphere and showcases an impressive collection of vintage locomotives – steam as well as diesel, and many passenger carriages which include a beautiful sleeping car and a mail van where letters were sorted as the train travelled between Sydney and country stations. Many of these carriages are available to step inside of and fully explore their fascinating history. The museum building adjacent to the roundhouse also displays a collection historical railway equipment, photos, documents, and a large working model railway. A team of passionate volunteers will be present to provide a guided tour of the venue. Whether you’re a railway buff or just looking for a delightful day out, the Junee Roundhouse Museum has something for everyone.

Recommended Fitness level: Low – guests are required to climb coach stairs with walking and standing for short periods.

Option 2: The Junee Liquorice & Chocolate Factory

Delight your senses at the Junee Liquorice and Chocolate Factory, where you will experience the magic of artisanal confectionery and the traditional methods used to create delicious liquorice and creamy chocolates. Join a guided tour where one of their passionate chocolatiers will talk you through the process of liquorice and chocolate production and witness it being made before your eyes. Don’t miss the chance to explore the charming on-site shop, where you can stock up on your favourite sweat treat to take home.

Recommended Fitness level: Low – guests are required to climb coach stairs with walking and standing for short periods.

Coolamon Cheese and the Township of Coolamon

Enjoy a delicious self-served lunch at the Coolamon Cheese Factory, featuring various artisan cheeses, beautifully light sandwiches, various cakes, scones, fruit and seasonal hot treats. If you wish to learn more about the traditional methods of cheese-making, the passionate staff are more than happy to answer any and all questions.

Following lunch, you may choose to return to the train or take the time to explore the township of Coolamon, with its interesting shops and quirky museums, at your own pace before making your way back to nearby Coolamon Station to reboard the train. Vintage Rail Journeys has created a walking map to assist you with your exploration of Coolamon, pointing out key locations and areas of interest. At the conclusion of your exploration, you will reboard the train at Coolamon Station. 

Start the day with breakfast onboard before embarking on one of the following off-train experiences.

Option 1: Meet the Producers 

Explore two closely linked and well-known agricultural partners of the Riverina Region, starting at Southern Cotton where you will learn about the intricate process of cotton farming and production, and discover the significance to the local economy and environment through knowledgeable guides. With a unique view from observation walkways of the factory floor, immerse yourself in the rich history and innovation behind one of Australia’s vital agricultural sectors.

You’ll then be taken next-door to Whitton Malt House, which you will learn has a very fascinating relationship with Southern Cotton. Whitton Malt House has been recognised as an iconic destination for food, drinks, and events, all rooted in the region’s agricultural production. Set among the venue’s manicured grounds by Lake Hulong, relax with a delicious meal of local deep-fried Murray cod and chips (alternate meals are provided for pre-advised dietary needs).

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Tour includes steps, stairs, uneven ground and various surfaces. Please note, enclosed shoes are required for this tour.

Optional Upgrade: Whisky Tasting at Whitton Malt House
Savour a curated selection of fine whiskies (limited availability).

Option 2: Farm and Vines

Start your day at Morella Olive Grove Farm, where you will step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the captivating charm of a working farm. Frank DalBon, a second-generation farmer, is the driving force behind Morella Grove’s success, which has garnered acclaim both locally and internationally for their high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, condiments, and vinegars.

As your host, Frank will take you on a journey through the olive trees and fields, sharing his expertise and passion for farming, offering intimate insights into the art of cultivating the land and crafting premium products. To make your visit even more memorable, you’ll have the opportunity to both taste and purchase your favourite Morella Grove products during your visit.

Afterward, head to Yarran Wines to enjoy a tasting of their various wines on offer, paired with a charcuterie style grazing lunch.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Tour includes steps, stairs, uneven ground and various surfaces.

Following your tour, rejoin the train in Yenda and travel on to Temora, where the train stables overnight, enjoying another delicious dinner onboard.

Begin the day with breakfast onboard before exploring Temora, with a choice of two fascinating tours.

Option 1: Bundawarrah Centre
Discover the Bundawarrah Centre, home to the Temora Rural Museum. Step back in time as you explore a hardwood slab cottage that was Sir Donald Bradman’s first home, a one-room public school, bush church, country dance hall, printery, flour mill and ambulance station. The tour also includes the Ambulance Museum, showcasing a collection of vehicles and conveyances dating back to 1897.

Option 2: Temora Aviation Museum
Alternatively, delve into aviation history at the Temora Aviation Museum, located on the site of the longest-running RAAF Elementary Flying Training School from World War II. The museum features three main exhibits: the original 10 EFTS Guardhouse, the Engineering Hangar where aircraft maintenance can be observed, and the Display Hangar, which houses exhibitions and a stunning collection of aircraft.

Coaches will return you to Temora Station, where lunch will be served in the dining carriage. The journey continues along freight-only lines via Stockinbingal, offering a unique rail experience, though potential delays are possible due to passing freight trains. The day concludes with dinner onboard as the train travels through Parkes and along the Broken Hill line to Orange Rail Yard. 

Savour breakfast onboard as the train journeys from Orange towards the majestic Great Dividing Range. Travel through Lithgow and the iconic ten tunnels that replaced the original Lithgow Zig-Zag, before crossing the Darling Causeway en route to Mount Victoria. Here, disembark for an unforgettable experience on the historic Zig Zag Railway. Established in 1869, this nostalgic steam locomotive adventure offers breathtaking sights, sounds, and scenery. A grazing boxed lunch will be provided, and afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the charming town of Katoomba. Once you’ve enjoyed your time in the Blue Mountains, reboard the train for the final leg of your Vintage Rail Journey. A light supper will be served before arriving back at Sydney’s Central Station.

Katoomba