The Elvis Special
PRIVATE SLEEPER TRAIN TO
THE PARKES ELVIS FESTIVAL AND BEYOND
• SYDNEY • PARKES • SYDNEY •
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Departure
- Overview
- Highlights
- Map & Itinerary
- Trip Inclusions
- Transport & Accommodation
- Things you need to know
- Reviews
- FAQs
The King of Rock and Roll and a Queen of Australian Rail travel join forces on this fabulous short adventure from Sydney to Parkes featuring a visit to the Parkes Elvis Festival. Travel aboard Vintage Rail Journeys ‘Aurora Australis’ which features carriages formerly used on the iconic ‘Southern Aurora’. Settle back in your private compartment, enjoy fabulous meals in the Dining Car or relax with friends over drinks in the Lounge Car. You’ll join in all the fun of the parade and festivities in Parkes. A rollicking, fun-filled journey with your own compartment on our special train parked in the heart of the action. With all meals included, tickets for the Elvis ‘Hop on, Hop off’ bus to get you around the festival, and tickets to Festival events will make this very special long weekend experience one to remember.
Departure dates
Per person twin share in a ‘Twinette’ cabin: $3,795
Per person in a single ‘Roomette’ cabin: $3,895
Some highlights of your tour
- A rare opportunity to travel aboard this unique 800 km private train journey across scenic country railway lines in the Blue Mountains and Central NSW
- Private sleeping compartment for 3 nights and 4 days aboard the Aurora Australis, (formally the Southern Aurora), our fully air-conditioned heritage sleeper train
- Gourmet dinners, lunches and breakfasts in the dining car of your special train
- Access to the parties shows and events offered at the Parkes Elvis festival, including the main event, the Tribute Show with the festival headline act
Today, you step into a bygone era of golden-age rail travel as you depart from Sydney Central Station aboard the Elvis Festival Train. From the moment you board, the rhythm of rock and roll begins to build. Settle into your private, recently restored cabin and meet your fellow festival-goers as the train leaves behind city skylines.
Linger over a relaxed onboard lunch in the Dining Carriage, with seasonal produce and regional wines served by our onboard crew. As the scenery of the Blue Mountains rolls past your window, wander to the Lounge Carriage for live entertainment and toe-tapping classics from the King himself.
As dusk falls, enjoy a multi-course welcome dinner prepared by our onboard chefs. Then, raise a glass in the Lounge — the spirit of Elvis is already alive and well on board.
Overnight: Aboard the Aurora Australis / Southern Aurora (L, D)
Awaken to a hearty breakfast onboard before the train shunts to the platform at Parkes Station. After disembarking mid-morning, you’ll spend the entire day immersed in the Parkes Elvis Festival — one of the most iconic celebrations of the King anywhere in the world.
From street parades and live performances to themed events and pop-up stages, Parkes transforms into a buzzing hub of sequins, music, and unforgettable energy. With the official program yet to be released, this day will be tailored so you can make the most of the festival atmosphere.
In the evening, return to the train for another chef-prepared dinner and a relaxed evening onboard as the celebrations continue to echo through Parkes.
PLEASE NOTE: Day 2’s activities are subject to change as the official festival program has yet to be released.
Overnight: Aboard the Aurora Australis / Southern Aurora (B, L, D)
This morning, enjoy a relaxed start and breakfast on board as excitement builds for the day ahead. After lunch on the train, you’ll head to the centrepiece of the entire journey — the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at the Parkes Elvis Festival.
Get ready for sequins, swagger, and showmanship as performers from around the world compete for the crown. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the King’s charisma, this high-energy event is guaranteed to get your blue suede shoes moving.
After the show, return to the train for a festive cocktail party, where classic drinks meet classic tunes. Toast to Elvis and simply relax and relive your favourite moments from an unforgettable day.
Overnight: Aboard the Aurora Australis (B, L)
As the train begins its return journey to Sydney, enjoy a final breakfast and take in the last views of country New South Wales. This is your time to relax, reconnect with your travel companions, and share in the stories, laughter, and songs that made this experience one for the ages.
You’ll arrive at Sydney Central Station by late morning, taking with you memories of the romance of rail travel, rolling vineyards, and the one and only King of Rock and Roll.
(B)
What's included
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3 nights aboard the ‘Elvis Special’ heritage train, return from Sydney, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences
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Spend the day at the iconic Parkes Elvis Festival on Saturday 10th January, with tickets to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest
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Onboard cocktail party and live entertainment
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Savour a two-course vineyard lunch and enjoy your choice of winery experiences at Rowlee Wines in Orange
What's not included
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Travel to tour departure point and from tour end point
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Travel insurance (Recommended for domestic travel)
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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
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Excursions/entrances listed as optional in the itinerary
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
Aurora Australis
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.
Aurora Australis
Things you need to know
Our track record
Hear from some of our adventurers that have already ridden the rails with us.
FAQs
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