Railtrail Main Brochure 2022

A ustralia – S team on F ive G auges

Victorian Goldfields Railway

© Shuttersock © VGR

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 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 on the local trains, tramway, and ferries from Circular Quay with great views of the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House . Your tour manager will advise you on the multitude of attractions available for you to visit in this amazing city including the Lofthus Tramway Museum. (B) DAY 11 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)

Bellarine Railway

17 DAYS

15 DAYS

© Lachlan Manley Photography/Bellarine Railway

OR

DAY 12 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 13 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 14 & 15 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) DAY 16 Following our fortnight of amazing Australian steam adventures, we depart mid-morning by rail to Sydney HOTELS Batman’s Hill on Collins, Melbourne

DEPARTS Sunday 9 April 2023

BY AIR GROUND ONLY

FARE From London Heathrow Airport: Standard Economy seats on Singapore Airlines

£TBC

Upgraded flight seats on Singapore Airlines Ex Melbourne / Sydney (i.e. Ground Only Fare)

On Request

£3599

Single Traveller Supplement

£985

Return flights from London Heathrow to Australia with Singapore Airlines 14 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 to board our late afternoon Singapore Airlines flight to London Heathrow via Singapore. (B) DAY 17 We arrive at 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.

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 restaurants and two bars, including the aptly named Platform 66 bar! The comfortable bedrooms offer TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, iron & ironing board, hairdryer, tea & coffee making facilities, fridge, and air-conditioning. Rydges Sydney Central Hotel, Sydney The Rydges Sydney Central Hotel combines elegant style with an excellent city centre location in Surry Hills, next to Central Station. The hotel is within walking distance of Darling Harbour, and all of Sydney’s iconic attractions are within easy reach. The hotel has an award winning bar and restaurant offering an impressive range of craft beers. All bedrooms are spacious and equipped with safe, free Wi-Fi, iron & ironing board, TV, air conditioning, mini-bar 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 minute 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.

Blue Mountains

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

51