Experience the magic of springtime in full colour on a spectacular rail tour to the heart of Northern New South Wales. Departing from Sydney, and utilising the New South Wales rail network, this fully-escorted unforgettable short escape takes you through charming regional towns and lush countryside as we make our way to one of Australia’s most beloved floral celebrations — the Grafton Jacaranda Festival. Whether you're a flower lover, rail enthusiast, or just seeking a joyful regional escape, this rail tour is the perfect way to celebrate spring — slow-paced, scenic, and filled with colour.
Our tour kicks off early morning at Sydney’s Central Station as we board the XPT for our first stop – Maitland in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, one of the state’s oldest regional centres, known for its rich colonial heritage, thriving arts scene, and close proximity to both wine country and the Hunter River. Founded in the early 1800s, Maitland was once a key agricultural and trade hub along the Hunter River.
Here, we’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the Maitland Steam and Antique Machinery Association shed, before enjoying a guided tour and lunch at Tocal Homestead. The Maitland Steam and Antique Machinery Association (MSAMA) is a dedicated group of enthusiasts in New South Wales, committed to preserving and showcasing Australia’s rich industrial and agricultural heritage. Established in 2008, the association focuses on restoring, maintaining, and operating vintage steam engines and antique machinery, providing a tangible link to the past for visitors. Tocal Homestead is a heritage-listed property established in the early 19th century with a Georgian-style homestead a central feature of the estate.
After lunch, we’ll visit the historic heart of Maitland with a visit to nearby Morpeth, a beautifully preserved historic river port town that offers a charming step back in time with its cobbled streets and 19th-century architecture. Once a bustling trade hub of the 1800s, the town is filled with antique shops, local artisan studios, gourmet cafés, and quirky boutiques.
We’ll return to Maitland and check in to our accommodation before regrouping to enjoy a celebratory Welcome Dinner (including drinks) at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Punthill Apartment Hotels, Maitland ( L, D)
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe and checking out, we’ll transfer to the Railway Station to board the XPT to continue our journey north. This full day scenic trip takes you through the heart of regional Australia, showcasing lush valleys, historic towns, and coastal hinterlands as the train passes through farmland, rivers, eucalypt forests, and historic country towns such as Taree, Kempsey, and Coffs Harbour. You’ll be able to buy tea, coffee, snacks, and lunch at leisure from the onboard Buffet Car.
Upon arrival in Grafton, we’ll transfer directly to our hotel in the heart of Grafton for some time to freshen up before enjoying dinner together at the nearby historic Crown Hotel.
Overnight: Abbey Motor Inn, Grafton (B, D)
Today is Festival Day! We’ll start with breakfast at a local cafe close to our accommodation before visiting Schaeffer House, a beautifully preserved Federation-style residence that now serves as the headquarters of the Clarence River Historical Society—the oldest country historical society in New South Wales. The Museum here offers visitors a rich glimpse into the Clarence Valley’s past through its extensive collections, including a significant Wedgewood collection of over 170 pieces, considered one of the largest on public display in NSW; historical artefacts such as an iron lung, a portable X-ray machine, and a 1909 wedding dress; a flogging horse and cat-o’-nine-tails from early settler days; and a 6-foot scale model of the Pulganbar, a vessel from the North Coast Steam Navigation Company. After exploring the museum, our knowledgeable guide will join us aboard the coach for a captivating tour of Grafton’s heritage highlights. Discover the stories behind iconic landmarks such as the historic Post Office, Court House, Cathedral, and Gaol. We’ll also take in the natural beauty of Fig Tree Avenue and cross the famed Bendy Bridge—an architectural gem in its own right.
You’ll then be free for the rest of the day to enjoy the Jacaranda Festival and all its offerings at your leisure. The Grafton Jacaranda Festival is Australia’s oldest floral celebration, with origins tracing back to the 1880s when Grafton seed merchant Henry Volkers began planting jacaranda trees throughout the town. These trees have since become a defining feature of Grafton’s landscape. Formally established in 1935, the festival honors the city’s iconic jacaranda trees, which transform the streets into a sea of purple blossoms each spring. A public Hop On-Hop Off Bus will ensure you get to see all the spectacular locations!
Both lunch and dinner are at leisure today to maximise everything the Festival has to offer.
Overnight: Abbey Motor Inn, Grafton (B)
This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll make our way to the Grafton Railway Station for the journey to our next stop on this little regional escape – Wauchope. We’ll be met by our private coach on arrival and transferred to Timbertown, an authentic recreation of a colonial-era sawmilling village, complete with over 40 buildings, including a blacksmith’s forge, a schoolhouse, and a general store. The park’s centerpiece is the Timbertown Heritage Railway, a narrow-gauge railway featuring the historic “Ruby” steam locomotive, built in 1928, which you’ll enjoy a ride on. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy lunch in the Whistlestop Café before exploring the park.
In the mid-afternoon, we’ll board our coach and transfer the short distance to Port Macquarie and check into our centrally-located hotel, before enjoying dinner and drinks on a sunset cruise on the lake.
Overnight: Mercure Centro, Port Macquarie (B, L, D)
This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll set off to explore the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, a premier eco-tourism destination nestled within the lush Sea Acres National Park. The highlight of the centre is an easily accessible and gentle 1.3-kilometre elevated boardwalk that meanders through the rainforest canopy, enabling you to explore the diverse flora and fauna, including towering Bangalow palms, strangler figs, and an array of bird species.
We’ll then move on to Roto House, a beautifully preserved late-Victorian weatherboard home, for lunch together. Built in 1891 by surveyor John Flynn using local red mahogany, this 11-room residence showcases classic Victorian Georgian architecture, featuring a bull-nosed verandah, ruby leadlight windows, and cast iron lamps in its grand hallway. The interior is adorned with period furnishings, providing visitors with an authentic experience of affluent life in the late 1800s, and the few remaining 19th-century buildings in the area.
After lunch, we’ll transfer to the Wauchope Railway Station for the train back to Sydney.
(B, L)
4 nights of accommodation in centrally located 4-star hotels
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
All transport fares and costs provided for in the itinerary
All meals, drinks excursions provided for in the itinerary
Tipping and gratuities
Travel to tour departure point and from tour end point
Meals and drinks not provided for in the itinerary
Things of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, room service, etc
The best train trips possible, private luxury coach for off-train travel, guided walking where suitable, and other appropriate and appealing options to make exploration easy
Hand-picked hotels and resorts based on location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Please Note: Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.
Hear from some of our adventurers that have already ridden the rails with us.
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