Victorian Rail Adventure 2027
19 March 2027
3 September 2027
12 November 2027
Embark on the Spirit of the Antipodes Pre-Tour from October 28th to 31st 2026, for a captivating 3-day exploration of Auckland's rich heritage and scenic beauty. Begin your adventure with a delightful evening cruise aboard the historic 1935 steam tug, William C Daldy, navigating the picturesque Waitematā Harbour. The following day offers guided visits to the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), where you'll delve into New Zealand's transport history and enjoy a charming tram ride. Conclude your journey with a nostalgic steam train excursion on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, traversing serene rural landscapes and savoring a traditional High Tea in exquisitely restored carriages. This pre-tour serves as the perfect introduction to the main Spirit of the Antipodes Rail Tour, immersing you in the cultural and historical treasures of the Auckland region.
Arriving in Auckland this morning, find your way to the CBD and our accommodation. For those that find themselves arriving early, a leisurely activity may be arranged. Or feel free to explore the city. We will gather late afternoon and make our way to the wharf for our late afternoon cruise departure.
This afternoon we’ll cruise Waitemata Harbour aboard the historic and beautifully preserved 1935 built steam tug, William C Daldy, for an unforgettable cruise around Auckland’s stunning Waitematā Harbour. Feel the power of the original steam engines as you glide past iconic landmarks, under the Harbour Bridge, and alongside the city’s sparkling waterfront. With the scent of coal-fired steam in the air and the rhythm of the pistons beneath your feet, this is more than just a cruise- it’s a journey back in time.
Overnight: Mövenpick Hotel, Auckland (D)
Today is an easy day in Auckland as we take our coach to explore the Auckland area, including a visit to Devonport. A city tour leads us to our first destination, the Auckland War Memorial Museum which proudly sits above the Auckland skyline.
We then head to MOTAT, for time to see their impressive collection of aircraft, trams, trains, cars and more! Take a ride on the tram and see both sites, or revel in the impressive collection of trains and the award winning aircraft display hall.
This afternoon we head to Devonport, taking time to explore the area, you can choose to catch the ferry back across the harbour to our accommodation, which is only a 2 minute walk from the Auckland Ferry Terminal.
Otherwise we relocate back to our accommodation for the evening which is provided free at your leisure. You might like to take a short walk to Britomart Train Station for a late afternoon train ride around the Auckland Metro Network or go for a leisurely walk along the Auckland Waterfront to one of the many acclaimed restaurants.
Overnight: Mövenpick Hotel, Auckland (B, L)
Today we travel South to the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, the operators of our East & West Rail Tour, at their operational base in Waiuku, on the southern border of the Auckland and Waikato regions.
Here we have a specially chartered steam train on the 7.5km railway line, with plenty of photo stops and a stop at the workshop for a tour and to learn more about the railway’s history and its current operation. We are likewise treated to an elaborate High Tea Lunch.
With our bellies and camera’s full, we transfer to our accommodation for the night at Karaka’s DoubleTree by Hilton.
Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton, Karaka (B, L)
This morning we transfer from our hotel in Karaka to Glenbrook to start our East & West Rail Tour.
(B)
3 Nights' accommodation in premium
Exclusive charter of the William C Daldy Steam Tug including onboard dinner
Coach exploration of Auckland
Admission to MOTAT with steam train ride
Admission to Auckland Museum
Exclusive journey on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway including High Tea lunch
Activities, coach transfers and transfers as outlined in the inclusions and itinerary
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 3 dinners
Travel to tour departure point and from tour end point
Travel insurance (Recommended for International travel)
Meals and drinks not provided for in the itinerary
Things of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, room service, etc
Excursions / entrances listed as optional in the itinerary
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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Reserve your place on this exciting exploration of Spirit of the Antipodes – Pre Tour.
Train traveller, well known TV personality and travel company owner, Scott McGregor, has travelled on some of the world’s most inspiring railway tours and led the most exclusive group adventures to numerous exotic destinations over the years.
“Rustic, character-filled, zig-zagging railways of Burma, opulent hotels on wheels in India South Africa and Sri Lanka, steam-hauled heritage trains in some of the most staggeringly scenic parts of the world, dinky little rail-cars in outback Queensland, bullet trains in Japan, cliff-hugging lines in Switzerland and Norway—if it travels on a rail track, I’m there!”, exclaims self-confessed train travel tragic, Scott McGregor. “In my mind, travelling by rail is still the most wonderful way to immerse yourself in the country you’re visiting. It’s romantic, relaxing and about as much fun as you can have!”.
Aa a child of the last days of steam trains in the busy junction town of Orange, NSW; trains heading in all directions offering temptations and dreams of faraway places, left an indelible impression on a young, inquisitive boy and Scott has been riding the rails in one form or another ever since. While Scott’s acting career of 30 years kept him busy starring in numerous TV shows and stage plays and then as an on-air presenter on programs such as Better Homes and Gardens, Room for Improvement and various pay-TV programs, his passion for railway tours was ever-present. “Presenting a series of Railway Adventure travel programs for Channel 7 was a career highlight”, he says with as much enthusiasm now as he had then.
In 2012 Scott decided to combine three of his passions; travel, trains and presenting, and launched Railway Adventures. Not only does he get to expand his own horizons and indulge his love of train travel, he gets to use his extensive hosting experience and love of people to lead other like-minded travellers on escorted train tours around the world. Since then, Railway Adventures has mounted more than 50 tours from Sweden to Sri Lanka, Tasmania to Transylvania, Britain to Burma and Venice to Vietnam, thrilling over 1,000 travellers. New tours are launched regularly, inspired by new trains, new routes and the growing interest in taking a train to some of the world’s most fascinating places. But you don’t have to be a train ‘nut’ to enjoy a Railway Adventures tour – there’s something for everyone!
Just one example of how Scott finds inspiration for a tour can be found in Outback Queensland. “There you find some of Australia’s most eccentric and appealing trains and together with a mail-plane flight over the Gulf and some interesting local coach and boat trips you have the essence of a quintessential Aussie outback adventure. The sleeper train, The Spirit of the Outback, the Savannahlander and the Gulflander (which has been running on the same timetable for more than 125 years!) are all iconic trains that traverse various parts of the wild Outback, Savannah and tropical rainforest landscapes of the vast state of Queensland. Along with some other special treats not available to the ordinary traveller, Railway Adventures passengers get to do it all!.
One of his favourite journey’s is by private train in Sri Lanka. For 2 weeks every year Scott charters the Viceroy Special heritage train to tour the island on a gentle rail cruise with a lucky group of travellers. Staying in luxury resorts and hotels along the way, his special train travels to almost every corner of the scenic island. “Having a private train at your disposal for an adventure around this magic island is a rare treat and a great way to immerse yourself in the scenery and culture of the country.”, he enthuses. “Our Vietnam tour makes use of private carriages attached to regular trains to explore that great country in comfort and in South Africa we use a variety of trains including the luxurious Rovos Rail and the Royal Livingstone steam train to move from one incredible adventure to another”.
Apart from the obvious joy of seeing a country by train, travelling in a small group of like-minded travellers with a dedicated, experienced tour leader and knowledgeable, English-speaking local guides is what really sets Railway Adventures apart. “The camaraderie that comes from both shared purpose and shared experiences on tour is an important aspect of the journey” Scott adds. “We’ve seen many people become life-long friends from the time they shared together along the line. The best feeling in the world is when I welcome these same people on repeat journeys”.
Along with popular destinations like Switzerland, Scandinavia, Outback Queensland and Sri Lanka, a new breed of more unusual destinations has gained great interest. Java, Cuba, Southern Africa, India and the New England region of NSW are just some of the newer adventures on offer. As for Scott’s next escape, it’s most likely some quality time at Ruwenzori Retreat, his own personal train on the Great Dividing Range near Mudgee, Central NSW. Built from a collection of vintage railway carriages it’s now a boutique tourist accommodation, comprising exclusive Orient Express style comfort for up to 13 guests. “When the travels are done, coming back to my own train in the beautiful Mudgee mountains is the most restorative and magical time for this committed rail romantic”, Scott says.