Vintage Rail Journeys: North Coast Rail Tour (Tour code: 14669)

The North Coast adventure begins at Sydney Central Station aboard the Aurora Australis. Choose to unwind in the lounge carriage or settle into your cabin as the journey north unfolds. Lunch will be served as the train heads towards Kundabung. The afternoon offers a mix of trivia and music while enjoying breathtaking views of the Hawkesbury River, Mullet Creek and Brisbane Water. After passing Newcastle and Maitland in the Hunter Valley, the train follows the North Coast Line, continuing alongside the Gloucester River. Meet fellow passengers over dinner onboard as the train stables for the night at Kundabung.

Hawkesbury River Bridge

Enjoy breakfast onboard the Aurora Australis before boarding coaches for a scenic exploration of Port Macquarie.

Embark on a relaxing lunch cruise along the tranquil Hastings River, where you may spot dolphins, turtles, osprey and sea eagles. Take in the picturesque rural landscapes and abundant wildlife. After lunch onboard, travel by coach to Kempsey Station to rejoin the train. This afternoon, enjoy more stunning scenery as the train journeys inland before returning to the coast, passing Sawtell and Coffs Harbour. The train will stable for the night at Nammoonna. 

Port Macquarie

Enjoy breakfast onboard the Aurora Australis before selecting one of two off-train experiences for the day.

Option 1 – Byron Bay Lighthouse
Travel by coach to Byron Bay to visit the iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse. Built in the early 20th century to guide ships along the coast, this lighthouse stands proudly at the most easterly point of mainland Australia. Once operated by resident keepers until 1989, it now features an automated light visible from the township of Byron Bay.

Option 2 – Zentvelds Coffee Plantation
Alternatively, visit Zentvelds Coffee Farm & Roastery, located in the heart of the Ballina-Byron Hinterland. Offering a unique ‘crop to cup’ experience, the farm produces, processes, roasts, and serves its own coffee beans, all cultivated and supplied from the stunning Northern Rivers region.

Next, journey aboard the Byron Solar Train, a world-first heritage train powered by solar energy. This restored 1949-era two-carriage train travels along a three-kilometre coastal track connecting Byron Town Centre with the North Beach precinct. As you relax, enjoy views of littoral rainforest, endangered coastal wetlands and the scenic Belongil Creek, part of Cape Byron Marine Park.

Following the morning’s activities, enjoy lunch at the North Byron Hotel, a peaceful haven offering great food, music and the relaxed atmosphere Byron Bay is known for. Afterward, coaches will take you to The Farm before returning to the train at Casino. Dinner will be served onboard as the journey continues south, with the evening spent stabling at Kundabung.

Byron Bay Lighthouse

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 you arrive and stable in Paterson.

Lounge | Credits: Vintage Rail Journey

Enjoy your final breakfast onboard the Aurora Australis at The Rail Motor Society in Paterson. Today, explore Maitland, where you’ll visit the 1870-built Grossmann House, beautifully restored by the National Trust in the 1960s and the Maitland Regional Art Gallery. At Paterson, board the train for the last time and savour lunch onboard. As you travel back past Brisbane Water and the Hawkesbury River, soak up the last part of your rail journey before disembarking at Central Station, Sydney.