Railtrail Annual Brochure 2021

on F ive G auges

DAY 8 Today we say goodbye to Melbourne and depart on the morning XPT train in first class to our new destination of Sydney, where we arrive in the early evening. There is a café car so we can purchase refreshments on board during our journey. Our route takes you through the city of Wagga Wagga and features a spiral of engineering greatness, as well as a glimpse of rural Australia. When we arrive in Sydney our base for the next six nights is the stylish Naumi Studio Hotel, conveniently situated just a 5-minute walk from Sydney Central station. (B) DAY 9 This morning we enjoy a two-hour train ride to Katoomba in the stunning Blue Mountains for a visit to Scenic World . Here we can journey on the Scenic Railway that has been operating since 1945 and discover the thrill of riding on the steepest passenger railway in the world ! This unforgettable experience offers glass-roofed carriages with expansive views of the rainforest and descends 310 metres through a cliff-side tunnel. During our day we can also enjoy a stroll along the elevated 2.4 km Walkway, travel on the Cableway and view the rainforest canopy through the glass floor of the Scenic Skyway, the largest aerial cable car in the Southern Hemisphere with 360° views of the Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. (B) DAY 10 A fascinating and unique rail experience awaits us today! Firstly, we travel by rail to via Campbelltown to Picton where we have a private vintage 1920’s railmotor ride from the main line station over the branch to the New South Wales Railway Museum at Thirlmere. After a guided tour of the huge collection of 38 steam locomotives , we view the operating roundhouse and enjoy a group lunch. We then enjoy an exclusive steam charter over the 14 km old main line to Buxton and return with a photo run-by included. We are part of a very elite club today as this line only sees steam four or five times a year! Following our very memorable day we return, in style by vintage railmotor to Picton before boarding our return train back to Sydney Central. (B,L) DAY 11 This morning we travel by local train to Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum located on the site of a 1914 railway roundhouse. The museum exhibits the fascinating history of the main western line and is also home to the Steam Tramway & Preservation Society. During our visit we have lunch and enjoy an exclusive charter of the 1891 Sydney Steam Tram . (B,L) DAY 12 Today we enjoy a day at leisure to explore the many famous attractions stunning Sydney has to offer. Using our included “Opal” transport pass we can travel

Victorian Goldfields Railway

18 DAYS

16 DAYS

© VGR

OR

on the local trains, tramway and ferries from Circular Quay with great views of the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House . Your tour guide will advise you on the multitude of attractions available for you to visit in this amazing city including the Lofthus Tramway

DEPARTS

BY AIR

GROUND ONLY

Saturday 3 April 2021

Museum. (B) DAY 13

FARES From London Heathrow Airport: Standard Economy seats on

After breakfast we take another scenic local train ride south along the coast to Albion Park for a private steam charter on the 2ft gauge Illawarra Light Railway . We visit the volunteer operated light railway working museum founded in 1972 and during our guided tour we view the steam and diesel collection that were used on industrial and sugar cane lines. We enjoy lunch before we return to Sydney. (B,L) DAY 14 Today we bid farewell to Sydney and continue our great Australian rail journey with another scenic rail route from Sydney to Newcastle . Our base for the final three nights is the Ibis Hotel located just a 10-minute walk from the Interchange station. (B) DAYS 15 & 16 We enjoy two full days at the incredible Maitland Steam Festival featuring mainline steam with two or three engines in action over three different routes, the Great Train Race with steam trains chasing each other, traction engine rally, stationary engines , street market and coach trips to the nearby Richmond Vale Railway . During the steam festival we have tickets included for a steam ride each day , including one of the race trains. (B)

Singapore Airlines £4475 Upgraded flight seats on On Request Singapore Airlines Ex Melbourne / Sydney (i.e. Ground Only Fare) £3300 Single Traveller Supplement £950 Return flights from London Heathrow to Australia with Singapore Airlines 15 nights hotel accommodation with private facilities Breakfast each day plus 3 lunches All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager GUARANTEED FARE DAY 17 Following our fortnight of amazing Australian steam adventures, we depart by rail to Sydney to board our afternoon flight to Singapore then onwards to London. (B) DAY 18 We arrive into London Heathrow in the morning and make our journeys homeward. ** we reserve the right to travel by diesel train should the steam locomotive not be timetabled at the time of our visit.

HOTELS

Batman’s Hill on Collins, Melbourne The Batman’s Hill on Collins is ideally located opposite Southern Cross Station with many of Melbourne’s top attractions located within a 10 minute walk. The hotel offers plenty of meal options with two HYPERLINK “https:// holidayinnmelbourne.com.au/hotel/dining/” restaurant and two bars including the aptly named Platform 66 bar! We have booked the comfortable Premiere bedrooms with TV, complementary Wi-Fi, iron & ironing board, hairdryer, tea & coffee making facilities, fridge and air-conditioning. Naumi Studio Hotel, Sydney (previously the Rendezvous Hotel) The Naumi Studio Hotel combines contemporary style with an excellent city centre location, sitting opposite Railway Square and Central Station. The hotel is within close walking distance of Darling Harbour, Surry Hills and Chinatown, all of Sydney’s iconic attractions are within easy reach. The hotel has a bar and restaurant. All bedrooms are well equipped with safety deposit box, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, iron & ironing board, TV, air-conditioning and tea & coffee making facilities. Ibis Hotel, Newcastle Located in Newcastle West, the Ibis hotel is situated within two miles of Merewether Beach and Newcastle Beach. The hotel is conveniently located approximately 10 minutes walk from Newcastle Interchange Station. All bedrooms are equipped with air conditioning, TV, fridge and tea & coffee making facilities. Please note Wi-Fi is chargeable at the Ibis Hotel. The hotel has a restaurant and bar. © dinozzaver

Blue Mountains

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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