
The Central West Rambler
A ROUND TRIP OF CENTRAL NSW BY PRIVATE TRAIN
• SYDNEY • MUDGEE • DUBBO • BATHURST • KATOOMBA •
• MUSWELLBROOK • GULGONG • BALLIMORE • MILLTHORPE •
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Departure
- Overview
- Highlights
- Map & Itinerary
- Trip Inclusions
- Transport & Accommodation
- Reviews
- FAQs

Meet your Tour Leader
Barbara Wass
Barbara has a solid background in travel, tourism and hospitality, having spent time in wholesale and retail travel, and as an events coordinator in a 5-star hotel, before living and working in Japan for 2 years as a conversational English…

Meet your Tour Leader
Bernadette Eichner
Bernadette is a trained actor, psychologist, businesswoman, and writer. Passionate about the arts, culture, and how others live, Bernadette’s travel experiences are many and varied. She’s explored every state and territory in Australia and has the greatest fondness for those…

Meet your Tour Leader
Duncan Wass
DUNCAN grew up in South Australia. He switched from studying Road Design to Theatre at the University of Queensland and in 1982 he met Scott, when they co-starred in a production of The Tempest for Queensland Theatre Company. Duncan went…

Meet your Tour Leader
Scott McGregor
SCOTT MCGREGOR has been involved in the media for over 30 years as an actor, presenter, writer and producer, but sharing his love of travel, and particularly railway travel, is where his passion now lies. Graduating from NIDA in 1979, he appeared in…
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the charming towns and vibrant cities of central New South Wales. From the rolling vineyards of Mudgee to the fascinating wildlife of Dubbo, the historic streets of Bathurst, and the breathtaking beauty of Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and relaxation. Along the way, uncover hidden gems like the gold rush heritage of Gulgong, classic country pubs in Mudgee and Muswellbrook, and the picturesque charm of Millthorpe. Whether you're savoring local wines, exploring cultural and historical landmarks, or immersing yourself in the natural wonders of the region, this tour is a journey through the soul of New South Wales.
Departure dates
Per person twin share: $4575
Single Supplement: $645
Some highlights of your tour
- Exclusive use of the Central West Explorer, your privately chartered vintage 1960’s Rail-Motor with plenty of extra seats for comfort and space
- Train travel on the Great Western and Great Northern Railways and on cross country railways to Gulgong and down the Sandy Hollow Line
- Exclusive sunset cocktail reception at Scott McGregor’s very own railway-themed outlandish Ruwenzori Retreat hosted by him and partner, Bernadette Eichner
- Be enchanted by Abercrombie House, a veritable baronial castle in the Aussie bush
- Choose to visit the Dubbo Western Plains Zoo OR the Narromine Aviation Museum
- Choose to visit the award-winning Mayfield Gardens near Oberon
- Ride the Scenic Railway in the majestic Blue Mountains
- Stroll the national trust listed towns of Millthorpe, Stuart Town and Gulgong
- Special dinners at Lowe Winery in Mudgee, Dundullimal Homestead in Dubbo and Abercrombie House in Bathurst
- Farewell dinner at the historic Carrington Hotel in Katoomba
Your Journey
Meet your hosts and train crew at Sydney’s Central Station bright and early for the departure of our adventure by special train. Initially, the line takes us north out of the city and over the Hawkesbury River, skirting around Newcastle and into the Hunter Valley. After pausing for a lunch break at our first pub of the journey, the aptly named Railway Hotel in Muswellbrook, our train swings onto the cross-country line through Denman and Sandy Hollow. We then follow the course of the Goulburn River on a very scenic run on this unique freight-only line, crossing the Great Dividing Range just before arriving in Gulgong in the late afternoon.
Our coach will be standing by for the transfer to your accommodation in Mudgee where you have time to freshen up prior to heading out for dinner at The Pavilion at Lowe Winery, one of Mudgee’s premier cellar doors and restaurants.
Overnight: Parklands Resort, Mudgee (L, D)
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we gather to begin a series of local explorations. First up are a couple of short tours, one of the history and heritage of Mudgee and another of the surrounding wine growing area. You’ll then have some time for a wander around town and a coffee break before heading out for lunch at a popular winery located in the scenic Mudgee Hills, before venturing into the town of Gulgong.
Gulgong is home to a rich collection of museums and gold rush heritage buildings, including the new Gulgong Holtermann Photographic Museum, and the vast Gulgong Pioneer’s Museum. You’ll have a guided tour of this classic gold-rush town and enjoy some special viewings of the numerous collections and venues, including the Prince of Wales Opera House, the oldest operating entertainment venue in Australia.
In the late afternoon we’ll take a short excursion north to Cooks Gap on the Great Dividing Range for a sunset soiree reception at Scott McGregor’s private and unique railway themed retreat, Ruwenzori, hosted by him and his partner Bernadette Eichner. Perched high on the mountains overlooking the valleys below, Ruwenzori is a collection of vintage railway carriages, restored in the Orient-express style, set amongst themed gardens and memorabilia. Featured in many travel articles and TV shows, it’s a place Scott and Bernie love to share with special friends. Here, on top of the mountain, you’ll enjoy a Mudgee sunset with canapés and local beer and wine before heading back to your hotel, or if you’re interested to kick on, go into town and enjoy the atmosphere at one of the many venues in Mudgee’s main street.
Overnight: Parklands Resort, Mudgee (B, L, D)
This morning after breakfast and checking out of our hotel, we’ll return to Gulgong Station to board our train for the next leg of our regional rail cruise taking in the cross country freight railways across the fertile slopes to Dubbo, our final destination for the day. The regional town of Dunedoo is our first stop with its stunning silo art and grand old country pubs, after which we shunt our train onto another branch line at the junction of Merrygoen. A little further along the line is the village of Ballimore which is blessed with a classic Aussie pub right beside the line – our venue for today’s lunch.
After lunch you have the option to travel by train to Narromine to visit the wonderful Aviation Museum there, or go by coach to take a tour of the Dubbo Western Plains Zoo. Both tours will have you back in time to check in and freshen up at our hotel in Dubbo before heading out to dinner at the historic Dundullimal Homestead.
Overnight: Quest, Dubbo (B, L, D)
This morning we’ll check out and walk around the corner for breakfast at The Shire Restaurant and Cafe before dropping in next door to the Old Dubbo Gaol. You’ll have time to explore this interesting historic site right in the heart of town before we transfer to the Railway Station to be reunited with our train.
Once on board, we’ll head south over the Macquarie River at Wellington and on to Stuart Town where we pause at the historic little station for a leg stretch around the village, formerly known as Iron Bark, inspiring Henry Lawson’s famous poem about the ‘Man from IronBark’.
Back on the train we open up the engines to ascend the tablelands where the scenery explodes to reveal expansive views of the valleys below and the looming geographical landmark of the ancient volcano, Mt Canobolas. Passing through Orange, our lunch stop is a short distance further on at Millthorpe. This historic village is home to an excellent rural and heritage museum, where the amazing team of volunteers will host a lunch and share the story of Australia’s most famous inventions. The last leg of our train journey today takes us through Blaney and down the famous Tumulla Bank to the Macquarie River flats and Bathurst and our hotel situated right on the perimeter of the famous Mount Panorama race track.
This evening we’ll head out to the astounding Abercrombie House for a sunset viewing of this veritable Scottish castle in the Aussie bush followed by a lavish dinner in the grand ballroom.
Overnight: Rydges Mount Panorama, Bathurst (B, L, D)
Established in 1815, Bathurst was the first inland European settlement in Australia, playing a key role in the expansion of the colony beyond the coastal regions. Bathurst is famously associated with the Australian gold rush of the 1850s, which attracted prospectors from around the world and significantly contributed to the country’s development. Today, the city is renowned for its rich heritage, with numerous well-preserved colonial-era buildings and landmarks. It is also a hub for motorsport enthusiasts, hosting the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit, home of the Bathurst 1000 race.
After breakfast and checking out you have the choice of excursions for the morning.
Option One: Explore the many interesting sites and museums of this grand regional city including the Fossil and Mineral Museum, The Ben Chifley House, the Motor Racing Museum and the interesting Railway Museum. We then offer some free time to have lunch on your own before meeting back at the railway Station for the midday departure of our train.
Option Two: Visit the spectacular Mayfield Gardens, one of the country’s most extensive private high-country gardens, designed and curated in the ‘Capability Brown’ English style. The extensive estate has gentle walking paths peppered with astounding water features, landscaping and a dazzling display of spring foliage at this time of year. There’s also a great cafe and shop where you’ll have free time to have some lunch on your own before returning to Bathurst where our train awaits for the rail journey over Great Divide and up to the high points on the Blue Mountains.
Our destination is the historic Carrington Hotel, a short walk from the railway station. Built in 1883, the hotel is a historic landmark that reflects the elegance and charm of Australia’s late Victorian and Edwardian eras. Originally named The Great Western, the hotel was renamed in honor of Lord Carrington, the then-Governor of New South Wales, and quickly became a popular destination for affluent travelers seeking a luxurious retreat in the scenic Blue Mountains. Over the decades, the hotel hosted notable figures and events, cementing its reputation as a symbol of refinement and hospitality. The hotel underwent extensive restoration in the 1990s, preserving its architectural grandeur and historic features.
After checking in, you’ll have some time to relax and perhaps even explore the streets outside the door, before we gather together for a farewell dinner together in the hotel’s grand dining room. Cigars and port in the drawing room anyone?
Overnight: The Carrington, Katoomba (B, L, D)
Today we’ll enjoy a gentle morning in the hotel before checking out and taking an excursion to the Scenic Railway at Katoomba. After some free time for coffee and snacks back in town, we’ll board the regular Express train taking us on a fast direct service back to Central Station stopping at Penrith, Westmead and Parramatta and in the mid afternoon the end of our adventure around the wonderful Golden West of NSW.
(B)
What's included
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Private rail travel with unlimited water, tea and coffee included
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Five nights’ accommodation in quality hotels
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Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
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Drinks with Welcome and Farewell dinners, and at Ruwenzori
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Comfortable, privately chartered coaches
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All entry fees and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
What's not included
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Transfers to and from Central Station in Sydney
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Meals and services not mentioned in itinerary
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Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, laundry services, etc.
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Travel insurance (not mandatory)
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

600/700 Class Rail Motors
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.

Parklands Resort

Rydges Mount Panorama

The Carington Hotel
Our track record
Hear from some of our adventurers that have already ridden the rails with us.
FAQs
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