The Snowy Mountains and Beyond by Local and Heritage Rail

This morning after our breakfast and check out, we’ll head back to the train station for a very special full day rail journey. Waiting for us will be our very own private heritage train, operated by Seymour Heritage Rail Centre, located in Victoria. Partly made up of the original 1937 built carriages that once served on the iconic ‘Spirit of Progress’, and hauled by two heritage diesel locomotives, it will have no doubt attracted a few locals and train spotters on the platform, enviously watching as you settle in to your spacious surroundings. Our train has two special features – a unique Observation-Parlor Car with a bar – a great spot to enjoy the views while sharing a drink with friends; and a Baggage Car where two doors are opened to form an open air observation area – quite the thrill when the train is at speed travelling at up to 115kmh!

After crossing the Murray River into Victoria, we’ll follow the historic North East railway line through northeastern Victoria’s Riverina and Hume regions for a classic inland Australian rail experience – peaceful, open, and rural, with scenery that gradually shifts from border river country to rolling hills and fertile plains as you head south. On arrival in Seymour mid-morning, the home of our train, we’ll have the privilege of a true behind the scenes look at the spectacular collection of locomotives and carriages displayed there and learn what it takes to keep these important parts of our travelling history alive.

Back on our train, we’ll enjoy the delightful experience of having lunch in the Dining Car – there’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal on a train with like-minded travellers as the scenery rolls past your window. At Benalla, we’ll be shunted on to the Oaklands Branch line, which once ran all the way through Boree Creek and Lockhart to join the Main South Line, before stopping at Goorambat for a look at the spectacular silo art, part of the sensational Victoria Silo Art Trail. 

We’ll stop for a look at silo art again at the next station, Devenish, for a more poignant moment. The art here, across two silos, was unveiled on Anzac Day in 2018 and 2019 respectively, to celebrate the 100-year centenary of the end of the First World War and as a tribute to the Australian Light Horse who served in the Second Boer War and WW1.

We’ll reboard our train and continue the run to Yarrawonga , our home for the next two nights, transferring on arrival directly to our hotel, located right on Lake Mulwala, to check in. After some time to freshen up, (maybe take a dip in the infinity pool) we’ll regroup in the hotel restaurant for dinner together. 

Overnight: Sebel, Yarrawonga (B, L, D)

Today is Anzac Day and for those who wish to, we’ve arranged a transfer into town to be part of the local Dawn Service at the war memorial on the main street. You’ll be back at the hotel in time for breakfast and an unhurried morning before we set off for the day’s activities. 

Mid-morning, we’ll board our private coach for the journey to Rutherglen, in one of Victoria’s celebrated wine growing regions to visit one of the most historic wineries and cellar doors in the state – the esteemed De Bortoli Winery. The impressive heritage building that houses the Cellar Door was originally constructed as wine cellars in 1886 and served as the home of Seppelt Wines for over a century before the De Bortoli family acquired the estate in 2018. Upon arrival we’ll take a short tour and enjoy a wine tasting before sitting down to a lovely lunch in the winery restaurant, Tuileries. You’ll also have time to peruse the wonderful art gallery featuring indigenous art and artefacts and time to chat to the cellar door team if you’d like to know more about the wines and perhaps even have some delivered to your home. 

After lunch, we’ll transfer to the shores of Lake Mulwala and board our privately-chartered paddle steamer, PS Cumberoona, for a relaxing cruise. Inspired by the historic Murray River paddle steamers of the past, this side paddlewheeler was built as a Bicentennial project in 1986 as a homage to life on the river of bygone days, preserving the historical element by being powered by two Buffalo Pitt engines manufactured in 1906 as well as a more modern diesel power plant. A bar on board is available if you’d like to enjoy a drink or two while gliding around the lake.

Lake Mulawa, famous for its iconic, submerged ‘ghostly’ river red gums, is an artificially created reservoir on the Murray River, forming after the building of the Yarrawonga Weir in 1939. Fifteen kilometres long, with a surface area of approximately 4,500 hectares, it has a total holding capacity of approximately 118,000 megalitres. Interesting side note – 50% of the lake is less than 2.5 metres deep, and 90% less than 4.5 metres deep. 

This evening we’ll enjoy an early, relaxed dinner at Blacksmith, right on the shore of the lake. Sit back and enjoy hand made pizzas and local produce with stunning lake views. 

Overnight: Sebel, Yarrawonga (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll travel north to the tiny location of Walla Walla, and Morgan’s Lookout – a massive white granite outcrop famously used by John Owen, aka Daniel ‘Mad Dog’ Morgan, the bushranger and outlaw, as a vantage point to watch for approaching victims and police. There’ll be time to climb the steps to the top of the lookout and drink in the spectacular 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside.

From here, we’ll head to nearby Walla Park, a historic working farm and emerging tourism destination for a special couple of hours as guests of the owners. Originally part of the large Walla Walla Station, established in the mid-19th century, “Walla Park” dates from 1909, when the station was subdivided under a government closer-settlement scheme to create smaller farms, and Hermann (Harry) Paech and his wife Emma purchased the homestead block, sparking continuous ownership by the Paech family since then. While the original Walla Walla Station Homestead, built around 1860, was partly demolished so the bricks could be used to build three houses for their sons, the main building, one of the oldest surviving homesteads in the district, still stands on the property. On our visit, you’ll get to meet the family, hear about evolving farming life, learn about local Wiradjuri history and enjoy a home made lunch.

After lunch we’ll head to the tiny town of Ladysmith, situated on the former Tumbarumba Branch Line just east of Wagga Wagga, for what must be one of the most unusual rail offerings we’ve ever included. Opened in stages from 1917 to 1921, passenger trains were withdrawn in 1974 after significant flooding damaged much of the line. Today Ladysmith, one of only two stations left intact on the line, is maintained by a plucky group of volunteers who have reopened a short section of the line. We’ll visit the former station, which now houses a small museum, enjoy some afternoon tea, and take a short ride on the branch on one of the rail ‘trikes’ – former inspection vehicles that have been lovingly restored by the volunteers. It’s an exciting and thoroughly unique experience.

Continuing on we’ll arrive at our centrally located hotel in Tumut in the late afternoon and check in. After a quick freshen up, we’ll transfer the short distance to Nimbo, nestled in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains and home to the renowned ‘Three Blue Ducks’ restaurant – our very special dinner venue tonight. Born out of a few good restaurateur mates throwing around ideas about a more sustainable approach to eating and living, the restaurant is best known for its ethically sourced, fully sustainable farm-to-table dining experience prepared by head chef Francesco Mauro. 

Overnight: Tumut Farrington Motel, Tumut (B, L, D)

This morning after check out and breakfast at a nearby local cafe, we’ll board our private coach for a full day of sightseeing through the Snowy Mountains as we make our way to Canberra. Heading out on the Snowy Mountains Highway, we’ll travel past the staggering Blowering Dam. With an area three times the size of Sydney Harbour, it plays a critical role in the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, releasing water for agriculture in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. The drive through the Snowy Mountains will spoil you with spectacular views in every direction as we wind around the top of Lake Eucumbene before making a short comfort stop at Adaminaby and continuing on to Cooma for lunch at the historic Alpine Hotel – a landmark Art Deco building established in 1939 and featuring classic 1930s styling, including chrome balustrades and ornate fireplaces.

After lunch, we’ll pay a visit to the old Cooma Railway Station – now the home of the Cooma Monaro Railway. Built as an important stop on the Bombala Line, the line south of Queanbeyan is now closed, but as so often happens, a dedicated group of volunteers has lovingly and carefully restored the station and much of the yard to an extraordinary level of detail and will host us for a tour of their collection and afternoon tea on the old platform. 

We’ll arrive in Canberra later in the afternoon and check into our centrally located hotel. This evening is yours at leisure to get out and about or relax in the hotel – there’s a great steak restaurant on the ground floor of our building, and plenty of other dining options nearby. The choice is yours!

Overnight: A by Adina, Canberra (B, L)

This morning after breakfast in the cafe on the ground floor of our hotel, we’ll embark on a day of exploring our nation’s capital, starting with a trip up Mount Ainslie to take in the views and orient ourselves to the city’s layout. 

We’ll descend down the mountain to the National Gallery Precinct, also known as the Parliamentary Triangle. You’ll have plenty of time here to take in the exhibitions at both the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery. One of the best known works on display at the National Gallery is ‘Blue Poles’ – the major, large-scale abstract expressionist painting by American artist Jackson Pollock that created such a furore when it was purchased by the Whitlam government in the 1970s for $1.3 million, a record price at the time. The purchase price and abstract nature of the painting were heavily criticised by opponents and some media, becoming a political issue for the government. This painting is now one of the country’s greatest assets – at the time of writing its value is estimated to be around US$500 Million!

It’s then off to the Museum of Australian Democracy – better known as Old Parliament House. We’ll literally enter through the back door for a catered lunch in one of the old parliamentary dining rooms – an area never available to the public when the House was in use. After lunch, we’ll take a private guided tour of the House including the former Prime Minister’s office, the Senate and the House of Representatives, exiting the building via King Georges Hall and the famous front steps where many speeches and press conferences were held, including the famous one by Gough Whitlam after his dismissal, referring to Malcolm Fraser, the newly appointed Prime Minister, as “Kerr’s cur”.

Our next stop will be the Australian War Memorial, a poignant ‘must do’ when visiting Canberra. One of Australia’s most significant and respected national institutions, it’s a powerful combination of shrine, world-class museum, and extensive archive dedicated to commemorating the service, sacrifice, and stories of Australians in war, peacekeeping, and operational service. Conceived after World War 1 by the famed war correspondent Charles Bean and architect John Crust, the foundation stone was laid in 1929 and the building officially opened in 1941, poignantly while World War 2 raged across the globe. You’ll have plenty of time to wander the various halls and galleries, visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and wander the Roll of Honour housed within covered porticos overlooking the serene Pool of Remembrance. A special end to our visit will be staying on after the memorial closes to take part in the daily Last Post Ceremony, where you may lay a wreath if prior arrangement has been made. (Please contact our office with this request).

After some time back in our hotel to relax and change for dinner, we’ll head off to one of Canberra’s most iconic buildings – the Shine Dome, for a celebratory Farewell Dinner, including drinks. Formerly known as Becker House, the headquarters for the Australian Academy of Science, the building was designed by architect Sir Roy Grounds and completed in 1959. Its iconic and innovative copper-clad dome structure was built during a period of post-war optimism, pioneering new construction techniques and symbolising scientific advancement. It was the first Canberra building listed on the National Heritage List. We’ll enjoy a short tour of the building before sitting down to a fabulous dinner overlooking the surrounding arches. 

Overnight: A by Adina, Canberra (B, L, D)

After a lazy morning, we’ll check out and transfer to Canberra’s Kingston Station to board our NSW TrainLink Xplorer service back to Sydney. 

After settling into your seat, you can sit back and relax as we head out through Queanbeyan and pass through the spectacular Molonglo Gorge tunnels before opening out onto the rural Southern Tablelands landscape, passing through Bungendore and Tarago before rejoining the Main South Line at Joppa Junction to retrace our outward journey of a week ago. Approaching Goulburn, you’ll notice the countryside becomes more varied — wide open plains, historic rural towns, silos, farmhouses, and distant low hills, before transitioning into the rolling hills, lush green valleys and charming towns of the Southern Highlands – considered by many to be the most scenic part of the route. Descending toward Sydney, the terrain becomes more hilly and forested in places, with deeper valleys, escarpments, and glimpses of the Illawarra Escarpment or distant ranges on clearer days. As we did on the way out of Sydney, we’ll set up a tab in the Buffet Car for lunch.

Our tour ends upon arrival back at Sydney’s Central Station later in the afternoon. Here, we’ll bid farewell until we all see each other somewhere else down the line. 

Note: There is an option to disembark at Goulburn, Moss Vale, and Campbelltown if you’d prefer not to go all the way back to Sydney. Please contact our office to arrange this.

(B, L)