The Elvis Special

Next
Departure

Jan 2026

4 Days

from $3,795

Next
Departure

Jan

2026

4 Days

New South Wales

from $3,795

Enquire Now

Meet your Tour Leader

Rail Mates Tours - Vintage Rail Journeys

This tour is designed and operated by one of our friends in rail partners, Vintage Rail Journeys. Their terms and conditions will apply. Railway Adventures is not liable for the accommodation, meal and sightseeing inclusions in the itinerary.

The King of Rock and Roll and a Queen of Australian Rail travel join forces on this fabulous short adventure from Sydney to Orange and 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 enjoy a private visit to Rowley Wines in Orange with lunch and optional winery experiences as well as 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

Available

Price:
Per person twin share in a ‘Twinette’ cabin: $3,795
Per person in a single ‘Roomette’ cabin: $3,895

Deposit (per person): $1,000

Final payment due by: 21 November 2025

Tour Start: Sydney, Australia

Tour End: Sydney, Australia

Fitness Level: 1 loco

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
Exclusive lunch experience at a local Orange Winery
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

SURFERS PARADISE - JULY 13:An unidentified singer on concert " Elvis Viva Surfers Paradise " Saturday July 13, 2013 Surfers Paradise Queensland Australia.

Elvis look-a-likes at the Parkes Elvis Festival 2014

An Elvis look-a-like and friends enjoy the Parkes Elvis Festival 2014

Elvis fans prepare for their journey to Parkes from Central Station Sydney. The NSWTrainLink

Parkes Elvis Festival Parade 2014

An Elvis look-a-like performs at the Parkes Elvis Festival Parade 2014

A couple enjoying the Parkes Elvis Festival 2014

It’s all the fun of the fair at Central Station on the first morning of your tour with a gathering of Elvis look-alikes, and performers to send us on our way. Your exclusive train, ‘The Elvis Special’, another icon from the 1960’s, is your home away from home for the next four days. 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.

Our journey takes us along the main western line, where we begin the steep climb up into the Blue Mountains. Take in the magnificent views as you linger over a relaxed onboard lunch in the Dining Car, with seasonal produce and regional wines served by our onboard crew. As the countryside rolls past your window, wander to the Lounge Car 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.

All too soon our train will have arrived at Orange for the night.

Overnight: Aboard the Aurora Australis / Southern Aurora (L, D)

Awaken to sweeping views of the Central Tablelands and a hearty breakfast as the train makes its way west. This morning, you’ll disembark at Orange Station and travel by coach to the acclaimed Rowlee Wines Estate in the heart of Orange – a region known for cool-climate wines and vibrant local fare.

Enjoy a long-table lunch, showcasing fresh regional flavours paired with Rowlee’s signature vintages. In the afternoon, choose your own vineyard experience:

Estate Tour & Tasting – Dive into the winemaking process from vine to wine
Sensory Wine Masterclass – Explore aroma, flavour, and texture in a guided tasting
Private Garden Walk – Stroll the picturesque grounds with curated tastings along the way

As the sun dips low over the vines, return to the train for a leisurely evening onboard. Indulge in a pre-dinner drink with fellow travellers in the lounge before enjoying another chef-prepared meal on board.

Overnight: Aboard the Aurora Australis / Southern Aurora (B, L, D)

This morning, enjoy a slow start and breakfast on board as excitement builds for the day ahead. By mid-morning, 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, D)

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

3 nights aboard the ‘Elvis Special’ heritage train, return from Sydney, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences
Spend the day at the iconic Parkes Elvis Festival on Saturday 10th January, with tickets to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest
Onboard cocktail party and live entertainment
Savour a two-course vineyard lunch and enjoy your choice of winery experiences at Rowlee Wines in Orange

What's not included

Travel to tour departure point and from tour end point
Travel insurance (Recommended for domestic 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

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 Wales

Some 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.

New South Wales

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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