2026 Brochure - Fly & Rail

©Shutterstock

G REAT A USTRALIAN S TEAM S PECTACULAR Experience an action-packed steam adventure to Australia with a unique collection of excursions including the legendary Puffing Billy Railway and dramatic Zig Zag Railway. Enjoy impressive steam charters, picturesque journeys, the fantastic Transport Heritage Expo, a vintage paddle steamer cruise, fascinating museum visits, and so much more! Journey in First Class on the XPT from Melbourne to Sydney with free time to explore these vibrant cities and create unforgettable memories.

DAY 1 Arriving at our chosen flight check-in desk at London Heathrow Airport to board our morning Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore connecting onwards to Australia. DAY 2 - GROUND ONLY STARTS HERE On arrival at Melbourne Airport this afternoon, we transfer to the Movenpick Hotel, our hotel for the next six nights. Those on our Ground Only package will travel independently meeting us at the hotel and, after check-in, we enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before dining at leisure. DAY 3 Today, we enjoy a full day at leisure to spend how you please in Melbourne. You can relax and unwind at the hotel, explore this vibrant city on the iconic Tram Route 35 which uses heritage cars, or stroll along the banks of the Yarra River. This evening, we reconvene and enjoy a welcome dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

DAY 4 After breakfast this morning, we journey by road to the gold rush town of Bendigo where we visit the Tramways Museum and explore the hidden treasures and stories that have shaped this community. We continue to Echuca in time to board our vintage paddle steamer enjoying our lunch on board as we roll down the Murray River from the historic port of Echuca. On our return, our coach will take us via Rochester’s fantastic Silo Art Trail to marvel at the magnificent art works arriving back in Melbourne for an evening at leisure. (B,L) DAY 5 This morning, we board the regional express train to the quaint goldfield town of Castlemaine where we embark on a return steam-hauled journey on the Victorian Goldfields Railway along the old branch line crossing timber trestle bridges, winding through beautiful forest scenery, and spotting kangaroos in the bush. On arrival in Maldon, we have time for lunch and to explore this delightfully preserved, historic town wandering amongst the stone buildings and

decorative shop fronts before our return journey to Castlemaine and onwards to Melbourne. (B) DAY 6 Today, our private coach transfers us to Belgrave, the departure point for the legendary Puffing Billy Railway, Australia’s most popular heritage railway located in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. We will experience a fantastic steam hauled journey along the length of the character filled, narrow-gauge line, winding through towering forests, fern gullies, and over historic timber trestle bridges including the iconic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge. We’ll have the chance to look around the new Lakeside Visitor Centre and take our lunch before returning to Belgrave and retracing our steps to Melbourne for an evening at leisure. (B) DAY 7 After breakfast this morning, we travel by road to the Newport Workshops of Steamrail Victoria for a private visit to explore their collection and gain an insight into the restoration projects that keep their historic fleet in tiptop shape before

2