Golden West Rail Tour

Sydney - The Hawkesbury - Paterson

Your Golden West adventure begins at Sydney’s Central Station. After check-in, enjoy a short coach transfer to Darling Harbour to board a Morning Discovery Cruise* with Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney. Aboard the Spirit of Migloo, take in uninterrupted 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour with a light breakfast served on board.

*This experience is included for guests travelling in 2027, and available as an optional upgrade on 2026 departures ($60 per person).

Return to Sydney Central Station to board your Vintage Rail Journey. Once on board, relax in the lounge carriage or settle into your cabin as we travel towards the spectacular Hawkesbury River. Here, you’ll step off for your first Off Train Experience, joining the famous ‘Riverboat Postman’ for a lunch cruise. Take in the magnificent scenery of the lower Hawkesbury as we follow the postal route to the river-access-only settlements upstream from Brooklyn.

Back on board, take in what we believe are some of Australia’s finest rail views. As the train rounds the curves at Mullet Creek, you’ll see its full length tracing the water’s edge. The scenic journey continues through Woy Woy Tunnel and alongside Brisbane Water National Park before skirting Newcastle and travelling on to Maitland in the Hunter Valley. Enjoy your first dinner on board as the train makes its way to Paterson, where it will be stabled for the night. (L, D)

Paterson - Hunter Valley - Werris Creek

Today you will explore the renowned Hunter Valley, with a choice of Off Train Experiences showcasing the region’s celebrated food, wine and landscapes.

Option 1: Lunch at Twine Restaurant Hunter Valley
Established in 2013, Twine Hunter Valley celebrates seasonal local produce, exceptional dining and quality wines, complemented by picturesque vineyard views and warm hospitality. Overlooking some of the region’s oldest vineyards, enjoy a relaxed lunch in this beautiful setting.

Optional Upgrade: Hunter Valley Helicopter Experience
(limited capacity)
Take to the skies on a spectacular helicopter flight at additional cost. Soar above the Hunter Valley’s rolling vineyards and countryside, enjoying unforgettable aerial views before joining your lunch at Twine.

Option 2: Margan Wines

Travel by coach to Broke, where you’ll stroll through the kitchen garden, past the olive groves and vineyards, and into the winery for a guided behind-the-scenes tour. Discover how Margan’s single-vineyard, sustainably farmed wines are crafted from vine to glass at this award-winning family-owned winery. Enjoy a wine tasting followed by a leisurely lunch in the restaurant.

Following your chosen experience, return to Lochinvar Station and reboard the train. Relax as you travel through the remainder of the Hunter Valley before passing through the Ardglen Tunnel and continuing to Werris Creek. Dinner will be served on board before the train is stabled overnight at Werris Creek. (B, L, D)

Werris Creek - Quirindi - Merrygoen

This morning, enjoy breakfast on board as another day of discovery unfolds across the Golden West. Your first stop is Quirindi, nestled in the heart of the Liverpool Plains and known for its rich agricultural heritage. Here, you’ll visit the Quirindi Rural Heritage Village, a fascinating collection of restored buildings, machinery and artefacts that bring the region’s pioneering past to life. Wander through the village and gain insight into the people, industries and stories that helped shape rural New South Wales.

Returning to the train, settle into the lounge or relax in your cabin as the journey continues along the freight-only rail line from Werris Creek towards Merrygoen. This lesser-travelled route offers a unique perspective on the working landscapes of regional Australia, passing through vast farmland and quiet country communities rarely seen by most travellers.

As evening approaches, enjoy another memorable dinner on board while watching the changing scenery roll by. Later, arrive in Merrygoen, where the train will be stabled overnight. (B, L, D)

Merrygoen - Gulgong - Orange

Wake to another delicious breakfast onboard the train before stepping off at Gulgong. You’ll then board coaches travelling to Mudgee where you’ll be welcomed to the Lowe Family Wine Co. Based around certified organic & biodynamic farm, vineyard, winery and food garden, enjoy a spectacular lunch in the cellar door before returning to the train.

As evening falls, enjoy another indulgent three-course dinner on board as the train continues to Orange, where it will be stabled overnight. (B, L, D)