Vintage Rail - North Coast Rail Tour

Enjoy breakfast onboard before boarding coaches to explore Port Macquarie. Take a scenic lunch cruise of the tranquil waters of Port
Macquarie, with the possibility of seeing dolphins, turtles, osprey and sea eagles. Enjoy the peaceful rural landscapes and abundant
wildlife on the Hastings River. Enjoy lunch onboard your cruise, before travelling via coach to Kempsey Station and rejoining the train. This afternoon you’ll experience more beautiful scenery, travelling inland before turning towards the coast again travelling along the water, past Sawtell and through Coffs Harbour. This evening the train stables at Nammoona.

Enjoy breakfast onboard the Train before choosing one of two Off Train Experiences for the day.
Option 1 Byron Bay Lighthouse: From Nammoona, travel via coach into Byron Bay to visit the Byron Bay Lighthouse. Built at the turn of the 19th century to protect ships passing along the coast, Cape Byron Lighthouse stands resolute on the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. Operated by resident keepers until 1989, its now automated light is clearly visible from Byron Bay township.
Option 2 Zentvelds Coffee Plantation:  Alternatively, visit Zentvelds Coffee Farm & Roastery, nestled in the heart of the Ballina-Byron Hinterland. Zentveld’s Coffee offers more than just a daily cup; it provides a unique ‘crop to cup’ experience. The coffee beans are cultivated, processed, roasted, packed, served, and supplied right here in the beautiful Northern Rivers on the family farm.
From here, visit the Byron Solar Train. A world first, step aboard the immaculately restored 1949-era two-carriage heritage train, powered by a 4.6 billion-year-old energy source. The three-kilometre coastal track links Byron Town Centre with the burgeoning North Beach precinct and Byron Arts Estate. The journey takes ten minutes one way or 25 minutes return from North Beach Station. Relax while passing through littoral rainforest, endangered coastal wetlands, and over the stunning tea tree Belongil Creek, part of Cape Byron Marine Park. Following the morning touring, lunch is enjoyed at the North Byron Hotel. Step away from the centre of town and into a shimmering oasis away from the crowds. Like a tucked-away treasure, the North Byron Hotel is a thriving mecca of good food, great music, laughter, and the “Byron Bay chill seeker” vibe. Coaches then travel to The Farm before returning to the waiting train in Casino. Tonight, enjoy another delicious dinner onboard as the return journey south begins, stabling for the evening in Kundabung.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast onboard the train before having the option of two Off Train Experiences.
Option 1 Trial Bay Gaol: Enjoy a scenic coach drive to the Trial Bay Gaol. The gaol opened in 1886 after 13 years of construction. It must have been a strange feeling building a prison in such a beautiful setting. Today, this picturesque historic ruin stands as a testament to those who lived and died here, with a museum and memorial for visitors to get a better idea of life in those days.
Option 2 Slim Dusty Centre: Alternatively, take a stroll around the Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey. This is an innovative museum dedicated to Australia’s Cultural Icons, Slim Dusty and Joy McKean. The museum honours the positive impact on rural and regional Australia by these two stalwarts of the Australian country music scene. Both groups will reconvene for lunch at the Slim Dusty Centre. Coaches will return you to our train where we will continue south along the North Coast Railway line to The Rail Motor Society. The rolling hills of this prime dairy country are really shown to best effect as sunset approaches. Dinner will be served onboard the train this evening as we arrive and stable in Paterson. 

Begin your final day with a delicious breakfast onboard the Aurora Australis at The Rail Motor Society in Paterson. The journey continues with a visit to Maitland, where you’ll explore the beautifully restored Grossmann House, a heritage gem built in 1870 and brought back to life by the National Trust in the 1960s. Discover more of the region’s cultural richness at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery. Reboard the train for one last ride, savoring a delightful lunch as you journey through the scenic landscapes of Brisbane Water and the Hawkesbury River. As evening falls, enjoy a farewell dinner onboard, reflecting on your rail adventure before concluding this unforgettable journey at Central Station, Sydney.

Sydney, Australia’s most iconic city, is a vibrant hub of culture, beauty, and history. Home to nearly 20% of the country's population, it’s also Australia’s largest city. Perched along the stunning east coast, Sydney boasts an enviable mix of world-famous landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, alongside pristine white-sand beaches like Bondi and Manly. With a rich tapestry of history, art, and diverse culinary delights, Sydney offers something for every traveller, from sun-seekers and food lovers to adventure enthusiasts.