Bowral and Beyond by Rail
Christmas in July in the Southern Highlands
• Sydney • Bowral • Berrima • Thirlmere • Robertson • Sutton Forrest •
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Departure
- Overview
- Highlights
- Map & Itinerary
- Trip Inclusions
- Transport & Accommodation
- Things you need to know
- Reviews
- FAQs
This fully-escorted four-day winter escape to Bowral and the Southern Highlands offers a cosy blend of cultural visits, historic charm, and seasonal cheer. Travel by train from Sydney to Bowral, where crisp air and warm hospitality set the tone for visits to Retford Park, the famed NSW Rail Museum and the grand Golden Vale Homestead. Enjoy guided walks, cool-climate wines, and a festive Christmas-in-July dinner at The Robertson Hotel – ugly jumpers encouraged. With time to explore Bowral’s gardens, boutiques and museums at your own pace, this is a perfect short break for those seeking history, art, and good food and wine in a picturesque country setting.
Departure dates
Per person twin share: $2,965
Single Supplement: $445
Some highlights of your tour
- Private luggage transport means you can travel luggage-free by local train from Sydney to Bowral
- Enjoy historical walking tours through the towns of Berrima and Bowral’s heritage precinct
- Visit Retford Park, an elegant Italianate mansion and National Trust estate that belonged to philanthropist James Fairfax AC
- Visit the NSW Rail Museum, home to Australia’s largest collection of historic rolling stock
- Dine at Bendooley Estate with a delicious seasonal menu
- Celebrate Christmas in July at the historic Robertson Hotel – ugly jumpers encouraged!
- Have the privilege of a private tour of the historic Golden Vale Homestead at Sutton Forrest
- Pay homage at the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame
- Take a peaceful stroll through Corbett Gardens, a historic public park known for its seasonal plantings, manicured lawns, flower beds, and mature trees
Your mini escape starts late this morning at Sydney’s historic Central Station where you’ll meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers before handing your luggage to our private coach for separate transport and boarding the regular intercity train service to journey south to Bowral.
Nestled at the heart of the Southern Highlands, Bowral is a town known for its cool-climate gardens, heritage architecture and cultural charm. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the town’s story, starting with a guided walking tour through the historical town centre. Discover elegant buildings, early settler landmarks and tales of the region’s transformation from sleepy rural village to sophisticated country town.
It’s then a short drive to our hotel, our ‘home’ for the next three nights. After some time to relax and freshen up, we’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner including drinks in the hotel dining room.
Overnight: Berida Hotel, Bowral (D)
This morning after breakfast, we’ll board our private coach and step back in time on a heritage walking tour of nearby Berrima, one of Australia’s best-preserved Georgian villages. Established in the 1830s on the banks of the Wingecarribee River, Berrima was once a bustling administrative centre for the colony and today its wide streets, sandstone buildings and early colonial charm offer a vivid glimpse into 19th-century life. We’ll walk past historic inns, churches, the old courthouse and gaol, while hearing tales of convicts, settlers and bushrangers who helped shape the town’s character. The tour includes a visit to the Berrima District Museum, where thoughtfully curated displays bring the region’s rich social and industrial history to life, from early European settlement and river trade to wartime internment and domestic life in the Highlands.
Next, our private coach will take us to nearby Retford Park, the former home of philanthropist James Fairfax AC. Built in 1887 by the Hordern family on land originally granted by Governor Macquarie in 1821, and renowned for its elegant Victorian Italianate mansion, meticulously designed gardens, and significant art collections, the property was lavishly redesigned by Fairfax in the 1960s. Upon his death in 2017, Fairfax ensured its legacy by gifting it to the National Trust, complete with endowments for ongoing maintenance. Here, we’ll enjoy a guided visit of the grand “Portuguese Pink” mansion before having some free time to explore the wonderful gardens or enjoy lunch at leisure in the cafe.
From here, the choice is yours – you can choose between visiting the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame, which celebrates Australia’s cricketing icon Sir Donald Bradman and the history of the game; or take a peaceful stroll through Corbett Gardens, a historic public park known for its seasonal plantings, manicured lawns, flower beds, mature trees, and central water fountain; or take the opportunity to explore Bowral at your own pace, perhaps browsing boutiques or relaxing in a café. There will be transport available to accommodate your choice.
After some time to relax at our hotel, we’ll head out for a special evening at a premier cool-climate winery on the outskirts of town for a seasonal dinner in the warmth of the restaurant.
Overnight: Berida Hotel, Bowral (B,D)
This morning is yours to enjoy a relaxed winter morning and early lunch in Bowral in any way you choose – browse the town’s charming boutiques, get lost in a bookshop, conjure up knitting designs at the charming wool shop, cosy up in a café, or simply unwind at the hotel.
In the early afternoon, we’ll regroup and head to Thirlmere, home of the NSW Rail Museum, featuring Australia’s largest collection of historic rolling stock and a must-visit for anyone curious about the role of rail in shaping New South Wales. Operated by Transport Heritage NSW, it’s a living tribute to over 170 years of rail history, with a collection spanning the steam, diesel and electric eras. You’ll enjoy a guided introduction to the museum’s vast collection of historic locomotives, carriages, wagons, rail memorabilia and artefacts. See rare examples of steam engines that once hauled passengers and freight across the state, step inside the Governor-General’s luxury carriage, and discover how rail shaped settlement, commerce and daily life in NSW. Highlights include the iconic Locomotive 3801, the Prison Van and detailed railway station recreations that bring the past to life. Then, enjoy a steam train ride through the Southern Highlands landscape, experiencing the nostalgic sounds and sensations of travel in a bygone era. The carriages, many lovingly restored to their former glory, recall the heyday of rail as the lifeblood of regional Australia.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll return to our hotel to freshen up before venturing to The Robertson Hotel, an elegant Highlands retreat with a storied history and roaring fireplaces perfect for the season, to celebrate the spirit of winter with a festive “Christmas in July” dinner including drinks. Expect hearty fare, warm company and a touch of fun, with guests being encouraged to don their ugliest or funniest Christmas jumper for the occasion.
Overnight: Berida Hotel, Bowral (B,D)
This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll bid farewell to Bowral, load our luggage onto our private coach and take a short drive to Golden Vale Homestead, a magnificent c1870 Georgian property nestled in the green pastures of Sutton Forest. From a humble land grant in 1821, Golden Vale has witnessed 150 years of elegant living. Today the homestead features an extensive collection of furniture and art, as well as outbuildings dating from the nineteenth century, including stables and fully equipped four stand woolshed. Now under the stewardship of the National Trust, this rare surviving pastoral property offers a window into early colonial life, with its beautifully preserved interiors, sweeping gardens and stories of pioneering families. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the house and grounds, followed by a light early lunch served in the surroundings of this elegant country estate.
In the early afternoon, we’ll transfer back to Bowral Station and board the intercity train for the return journey to Sydney’s Central Station. Sit back and relax as the train winds through the Highlands one final time, pulling into Central Station just after 4pm.
End of Tour (B, L)
What's included
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3 nights premium accommodation
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Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
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Drinks included with 2 dinners
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All train fares, coach transfers and transport costs provided for in the itinerary
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All meals and excursions provided for in the itinerary
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Full-time Railway Adventures Tour Leader throughout
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Knowledgeable guides
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Tipping and gratuities
What's not included
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Travel to tour departure point and from tour end point
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Travel insurance (Mandatory for international travel only)
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Meals and drinks not provided for in the itinerary
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Things of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, room service, etc
Some ways you’ll travel
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
Private Coach
New South Wales
XPLORER Regional Train
New South WalesSome places you’ll stay
Hand-picked hotels and resorts based on location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Please Note: Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.
Berida Hotel
Berida Hotel
Berida Hotel
Things you need to know
- Luggage will be privately transported from Sydney to Bowral, but you’ll need to manage your own luggage on the return journey
- Some rooms may have a shower over bath set-up
Our track record
Hear from some of our adventurers that have already ridden the rails with us.
FAQs
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