This journey takes you along the scenic North Coast Line through the Central Coast, the Mid-North Coast and Northern Rivers regions of New South Wales. You’ll discover the beautiful Hastings River at Port Macquarie, the breathtaking hinterland rainforest and eclectic community of Byron Bay, the crystal clear creeks and the uncrowded surf beaches of the Mackay Valley Coast, and the history and heritage of Maitland & Morpeth. Unpack Only once and enjoy everything that slow rail touring provides.
Welcome to Grand Southern Loop, an incredible 17-day journey offering an unparalleled in-depth exploration of three states by rail and road. With a mixture of must see sights and exclusive experiences, you’ll find virtually everything is included, allowing you to relax and truly immerse yourself in each destination. Unlike many tours, we head far away from main roads and the average inclusions. In several cases we will stop for two or three nights, allowing you to see more of each destination with free time to explore on your own.
If you're looking to capture a classic photo of an Aussie country town, look no further than Trundle (population 332). Picture yourself here, standing on New South Wales' widest main street, next to the Trundle Hotel with the second longest wooden verandah in Australia, with an ABBA soundtrack playing in the background! This normally sleepy community explodes in October when the community frocks up, puts on their dancing shoes and hosts the Trundle Abba Festival. Even its old railway line, kept open for the occasional grain train, comes alive with the arrival of the special “Waterloo Express”, a vintage passenger train full of revellers to join the fun.
Rail travel really is the most relaxed way to enjoy Australia, so we hope you’ll join us on board our private Aurora Australis train for the Elvis Special adventure in regional NSW.
Starting in Adelaide and heading north, our South Australian Outback journey takes in vast, red desert landscapes, jaw-dropping natural wonders, character-packed towns, and quirky once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Enjoy a ride on the Afghan Express heritage train for a trip on the most iconic section of the original Trans Australia Railway, marvel at the rugged Flinders Ranges - home to Wilpena Pound, a giant natural amphitheatre and enjoy a scenic flight over the vast, magical landscape of the Painted Hills and Lake Eyre.
The route of the legendary ‘Sunlander’ is now the haunt of some of Australia’s most advanced and efficient long distance passenger trains. Soak up the best the Sunshine State has to offer on an exciting and historical tour from Brisbane through the Wide Bay and Tropical North riding on the modern ‘Spirit of Queensland’ a train with comfort, style and a schedule that allows for a hop on hop off adventure all the way to Cairns in the far North. The blend of offerings on this comprehensive adventure includes an embarrassment of riches for the traveller, with a variety of train, boat and plane travel linking a plethora of fascinating places. Our tour is inspired by the renaissance of heritage in Queensland and the relaunch of the wonderful Mary Valley Rattler, Gympie’s special steam train. In addition to iconic rail trips, you will watch majestic whales in Hervey Bay, cruise out into the Whitsundays and Magnetic Islands and dine in style at premier eateries en-route. At the end of the day your well-appointed rooms and fine restaurants will be your home away from home. Drink a toast to your health and enjoyment of this classic Queensland railway adventure
Experience the heart of Australia’s food bowl, stopping at regional towns and attractions throughout the Riverina. You will also travel on rail lines that don’t have scheduled passenger services, making this a real adventure. Come with us to discover acclaimed wines, taste gorgeous fresh produce and explore the natural scenery throughout the region.
New South Wales is blessed with a number of interesting ‘cross country’ railways, linking the main lines radiating out from Sydney and allowing trains to follow a circular path in different regions of the state. One of these is the ‘Sandy Hollow line’, started in 1937 and completed in part, in 1985. This normally freight-only line is open to special trains from time to time and on this occasion our privately chartered nifty little Rail Motor has specific accreditation to traverse this scenic run. The interesting route of this cross-country link has allowed us to create a special Railway Adventure, looping around the captivating highlights of the Central West of NSW.
From the coast to the inland plains, volcanic ranges, and classic country towns this adventure celebrates the variety that the northern regions of NSW have to offer the Railway Adventurer. From the window of your trains and coaches, an ever-changing vista of our coastal and country landscapes will be on show. Using regular regional express trains on morning departures is an ideal way to see the landscape and to cap off the adventure we have a privately chartered rail motor to travel on the rarely visited freight only ‘Sandy Hollow’ line down the scenic Bylong and Goulburn River Valleys. This comfortable classic 1960’s heritage double-ended Railmotor is the pride of the fleet at the volunteer-run Rail Motor Society at Paterson in the Hunter Valley. We will visit them at their depot along with a wonderful long list of special museums, homesteads, and observatories together with charming country cities, towns and villages.
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