Railtrail Annual Brochure 2024

W orldwide T our –

GROUND ONLY

BY AIR

Experience the trip of a lifetime for any dedicated steam enthusiasts! Our escorted rail holiday to Australia boasts at least nine steam train rides including exclusive charters, outback towns, the scenic Blue Mountains, a vintage wooden paddle steamer cruise, and some amazing railway museums. Enjoy comfortable day time rail journeys between Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide with free time in these amazing cities to explore and create unforgettable memories.

DAY 1 Thursday 23rd May This morning we depart on Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow. DAY 2 Friday 24th May After changing at Singapore, we arrive in Sydney late afternoon. A private coach transfer will take you to the Mercure Hotel which is situated by the rail station for five a night stay. DAY 3 Saturday 25th May Experience a scenic train ride into the Blue Mountains and take a steam hauled trip on the famous Zig Zag railway . Enjoy the thrill of traveling through tunnels and over viaducts to Clarence and back.There is an optional stop at Katoomba on the way back to Sydney where you can ride one of the world’s steepest funiculars to the rainforest walkway (additional fee may apply) . Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure. (B) Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 17 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 5 lunches and 3 evening meals ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Zig Zag Railway in the scenic Blue Mountains ★ Exclusive charter to Thirlmere Railway Museum ★ Steam charter on Illawarra Light Railway ★ 1st class XPT train ride from Sydney to Melbourne ★ Relaxing vintage paddle steamer cruise on the Murray River ★ Vintage tram ride in Bendigo ★ Ride the Puffing Billy Railway ★ Broad gauge steam to historic Maldon ★ Premier class travel on the “Overland” train to Adelaide ★ Port Adelaide Railway Museum with steam ★ Steam hauled “Cockle Train” along the coast to Victor Harbour ★ Steamtown Heritage Centre at Peterborough ★ Charter of the unique “Coffee Pot” steam railmotor ★ Steam hauled journey over part of the original “Ghan” route ★ Free time in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide

Fares Ex London By Air From £5989

Fares Ex Sydney/Adelaide Ground Only From £4599

OR

Puffing Billy Railway

© PBR

DAY 4 Sunday 26th May Join us for a thrilling day of rail exploration! Ride a special train from Picton along the historic main line to the impressive New South Wales Rail Transport Museum in Thirlmere . Enjoy a guided tour of their vast collection of 38 steam locomotives and get an exclusive look at the workings of the roundhouse. A lunch is included before we embark on a scenic steam Enjoy a day of leisure or adventure in Sydney with our inclusive transport passes ! You can hop on the rail, tram, bus, or ferry for spectacular views of the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Our tour manager will also provide recommendations on routes and attractions for your convenience. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this beautiful city hassle free! (B) DAY 6 Tuesday 28th May Join us on a picturesque rail journey along the South Coast of Sydney , culminating in an unforgettable steam charter aboard the Illawarra Light Railway’s 2ft gauge collection. Explore the impressive range of locomotives with an exclusive guided tour through Albion Park . (B) ride to Buxton and back. (B, L) DAY 5 Monday 27th May

DAY 7 Wednesday 29th May A journey on the XPT train (like our HST’s) travelling in 1st class over the scenic route from Sydney to Melbourne , which includes a spiral. There is a café car on board to purchase snacks or hot lunch.We will stay for five nights at Batman’s Hill on Collins across the road from the station. (B) DAY 8 Thursday 30th May Today we experience a day excursion by road to the historic port of Echuca for a leisurely cruise on board a vintage wooden paddle steamer along the Murray River with a light lunch included. Afterwards we travel to the gold rush town of Bendigo and enjoy a ride through the streets on one of their vintage trams. (B, L) DAY 9 Friday 31st May Today is a free day to explore Melbourne . The route 35 ‘circle’ tram route uses historic cars whilst all other tram routes within the central area are free. The tour manager will advise on attractions that can be visited by tram or just enjoy a stroll along the banks of the Yarra River. (B) DAY 10 Saturday 1st June We travel by local train to Belgrave for the Puffing Billy Railway , perhaps the most well-known of all the steam lines in Australia. Grab the opportunity to photograph the first train of the day on the famous curved trestle before riding behind one their classic 100-year-old engines through forests and open landscapes to Lakeside . After time here for lunch, we take a look around the new visitor centre and model railway, before returning by steam to Belgrave. (B) DAY 11 Sunday 2nd June Taking the diesel railcar to Castlemaine , we board the 5’3” gauge Victoria Goldfields Railway for a steam hauled ride over one of the last remaining branch lines built in the 19th Century to open up the rural parts of Victoria. Reaching the delightfully preserved historic town of Maldon there is time for lunch, browse the

Sydney Harbour

© AdobeStock

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

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