Enjoy stunning sea views, discover historic regional towns, sample superb local produce and experience sustainable farming practices on this North Coast adventure. Travel the rail lines of country New South Wales not open to the general public thereby giving you such a unique experience both off train and on board the beautifully restored Aurora Australis for a rail tour like no other.
DAY 1: CENTRAL STATION, SYDNEY – KEMPSEY
Your North Coast adventure starts at Central Station, Sydney at approximately 9:30am. Welcome aboard the Aurora Australis where you can choose to sit in the lounge or dining carriages, or your private compartment.
Today we’ll spend all day on the train. We’ll travel over the spectacular Hawkesbury River, alongside Mullet Creek and through the ‘Venice of Australia’ to Brisbane Water. We skirt around Newcastle and on to Maitland in the Hunter Valley, where we turn right to join the meandering North Coast Line.
At Gloucester, the North Coast Line starts to follow the Gloucester River, continuing the enjoyment of travelling beside the water. The Gloucester river joins the Manning River and we follow it through Taree and on to Kempsey on the Macleay River, where we will stable at a nearby siding for the night.
Lunch and Dinner will be served on board the train in the Dining Carriage today.
DAY 2: KEMPSEY - PORT MACQUARIE – CASINO
Enjoy breakfast on board the Aurora Australis before boarding coaches to explore Port Macquarie.
We’ll 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.
We’ll return to the train after lunch, as we continue up the North Coast Line. We will be travelling for around five hours through fascinating scenery. We will be inland for a while before turning to the coast again and travelling along the water, past Sawtell and through Coffs Harbour. We then head inland again, traversing curves following the Orana River, as the line climbs through banana plantations. You will enjoy dinner on our way to Casino, where we will stable at a nearby siding for the night.
DAY 3: CASINO – NORTHERN RIVERS – KEMPSEY
Enjoy breakfast on board the Aurora Australis before boarding coaches to explore the Northern Rivers Region, known for its natural attractions and eclectic community.
While in the region, you have the option of visiting Zentveld’s Coffee Plantation and Roastery which will see you walking through the plantation and seeing the coffee being grown, watching as the team roast the beans and tasting their Australian coffee creations. You’ll also visit Duck Creek Macadamia Nuts, who have built a reputation as a producer of Australia’s finest Macadamia Products. Alternatively, visit Cape Byron Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.
Lunch today is at your own choice and cost.
Your coaches will return you to the train and we will then head south travelling inland for a while before turning towards the coast and travelling along the water through Coffs Harbour, past Sawtell and on to Kempsey where we will stable at a nearby siding for the night.
Dinner will be served on-board the train this evening.
DAY 4: KEMPSEY – PATERSON
Enjoy breakfast on board the train before boarding coaches to enjoy a scenic drive to the Arakoon National Park and the South West Rocks area. National Parks in this area have the best vantage points to see whales during their annual migration (from May to November). Guests will walk through the Trial Bay Gaol, an open air museum which captures the history of the area.
Alternatively, visit the Kempsey Museum, where you can experience First Nations history, boot making, timber industry, military history, natural history, dairy industry, shipping, historical vehicles to name just a few subjects touched on in the collections, displays and historic artefacts. You can also spend time in the Dunghutti-Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery, the gallery showcases and markets works of prominent, established and emerging Aboriginal artists of the Dunghutti region and Mid North Coast area.
We will then visit the Slim Dusty Centre, 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 amazing people. You will also enjoy lunch at the Slim Dusty Centre.
Your coaches will return you to our train where we will continue South along the North Coast Railway line to The Rail Motor Society, Paterson where we will be stabling for the night. The rolling hills of this prime dairy country are really shown to best effect as sunset approaches.
Dinner will be served on-board the train this evening.
DAY 5: PATERSON - CENTRAL STATION, SYDNEY
Enjoy breakfast on board the Aurora Australis at The Rail Motor Society, Paterson.
Today we will discover Maitland where you will spend time at the 1870 built Grossmann House, restored by the National Trust in the 1960’s and the Maitland Regional Art Gallery.
Then discover Morpeth, an historic inland river port alongside the Hunter River. A visit to Morpeth is a real journey through time. Visit the narrow laneways, walk along sandstone footpaths and into heritage buildings where you’ll discover unique shopping, artisan treasures and delightful treats.
Lunch is at your own choice and cost today.
At Maitland we will board the train for the last time, as we travel back past Brisbane Water and the Hawkesbury River, concluding your rail journey at Central Station, Sydney at approximately 8:00pm.
You will have had a truly memorable Vintage Rail Journey!
Click here for our Vintage Rail holidays or contact Holidays of Australia & the World on 1300 854 897 or holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
Image credit: Destination NSW
Subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control.
