Great Australian Steam Spectacular (Ground Only)

DAY 1

Tuesday 22nd September
After making your own flight arrangements to Melbourne, you will meet the group at the Movenpick Hotel for our six-night stay and, after check-in, we enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before dining at leisure.

DAY 2

Wednesday 23rd September
Today, we enjoy a full day at leisure to spend how you please in Melbourne. You can relax and unwind at the hotel, explore this vibrant city on the iconic Tram Route 35 which uses heritage cars, or stroll along the banks of the Yarra River. This evening, we reconvene and enjoy a welcome dinner together at a local restaurant.

DAY 3

Thursday 24th September
After breakfast this morning, we journey by road to the gold rush town of Bendigo where we visit the Tramways Museum and explore the hidden treasures and stories that have shaped this community. We continue to Echuca in time to board our vintage paddle steamer enjoying our lunch on board as we roll down the Murray River from the historic port of Echuca. On our return, our coach will take us via Rochester's fantastic Silo Art Trail to marvel at the magnificent art works arriving back in Melbourne for an evening at leisure.

DAY 4

Friday 25th September
This morning, we board the regional express train to the quaint goldfield town of Castlemaine where we embark on a return steam-hauled journey on the Victorian Goldfields Railway along the old branch line crossing timber trestle bridges, winding through beautiful forest scenery, and spotting kangaroos in the bush. On arrival in Maldon, we have time for lunch and to explore this delightfully preserved, historic town wandering amongst the stone buildings and decorative shop fronts before our return journey to Castlemaine and onwards to Melbourne.

DAY 5

Saturday 26th September
Today, our private coach transfers us to Belgrave, the departure point for the legendary Puffing Billy Railway, Australia's most popular heritage railway located in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. We will experience a fantastic steam-hauled journey along the length of the character-filled, narrow-gauge line, winding through towering forests, fern gullies, and over historic timber trestle bridges including the iconic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge. We'll have the chance to look around the new Lakeside Visitor Centre and take our lunch before returning to Belgrave and retracing our steps to Melbourne for an evening at leisure.

DAY 6

Sunday 27th September
After breakfast this morning, we travel by road to the Newport Workshops of Steamrail Victoria for a private visit to explore their collection and gain an insight into the restoration projects that keep their historic fleet in tiptop shape before continuing to the Newport Railway Museum with its extensive collection of steam, diesel, and electric locomotives. This afternoon, we will experience a special steam charter in beautifully restored heritage carriages aboard the Bellarine Railway to Drysdale including a yard visit to the historic Lakers Siding Station before returning by road to Melbourne.

DAY 7

Monday 28th September
Today, we join the XPT (Express Passenger Train) travelling in First Class for our day-long journey from Melbourne to Sydney. With a café car on board to purchase meals, snacks, and drinks, we can relax and watch the scenery roll by from the open plains of Australian bush and farmland to the hilly landscapes as we approach Sydney. On our arrival, we make our way to the Rydges Hotel for our seven-night stay and, after check-in, we enjoy an evening at leisure to unwind and dine.

DAY 8

Tuesday 29th September
After breakfast this morning, we have a free day in the dynamic city of Sydney, and you can hop on the local trains, trams, buses, and ferries using our included transport passes. Discover the iconic Sydney Opera House, walk the famous Harbour Bridge, take lunch in The Rocks, visit the remarkable Royal Botanic Gardens, or explore the museums and galleries of Sydney's harbour area.

DAY 9

Wednesday 30th September
This morning, we join the local train service to Picton for a special charter from the main line to visit the spectacular NSW Rail Museum in Thirlmere where we enjoy a guided tour of Australia's largest collection of heritage rollingstock with an exclusive look at the workings of the roundhouse. After taking lunch together at the museum, we embark on a return steam journey to Buxton including a fantastic photo opportunity before retracing our steps to Picton and onwards to Sydney.

DAY 10

Thursday 1st October
Today, we enjoy a day at leisure to continue our exploration with our included transport passes, relax in the fantastic facilities of the hotel, or discover the beautiful beaches of Sydney including the world-famous Bondi Beach where you can immerse yourself in the laidback lifestyle, golden sand, and sparkling ocean.

DAY 11

Friday 2nd October
Today, we experience a scenic train ride into the Blue Mountains for a nostalgic steam-hauled journey on the impressive Zig Zag Railway. We will step back into a bygone era as we wind through sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and sweeping valleys along the unique switchback design of this railway, a zig-zagging route required to climb the steep terrain. Our return journey affords us panoramic views of the Blue Mountains before we retrace our steps to Sydney for an evening at leisure.

DAY 12

Saturday 3rd October
After breakfast this morning, we will enjoy a full day at the fantastic Sydney Transport Heritage Expo based around Central Station and our tickets include the incredible "Great Train Race" as two historic steam locomotives depart and travel side-by-side through the suburbs. The rest of the day is free to explore the event with steam trains, steamboat cruises, vintage bus rides, heritage displays, and exclusive merchandise available.

DAY 13

Sunday 4th October
This morning, we travel by rail to the Lofthus Tramway Museum to explore their large collection of vintage trams including a short return ride along the 4km track before continuing by rail to Albion Park. Here, we have an exciting steam charter aboard the Illawarra Light Railway along the narrow-gauge line and the chance to discover their impressive collection of industrial locomotives including sugar cane, coal mines, and blue metal. We complete our day with a visit to the nearby HARS Aviation Museum for a fascinating guided tour ahead of our return to Sydney for our final evening at leisure.

DAY 14

Monday 5th October
After our fantastic Australian adventure, you will make your way independently to the airport for your chosen flight home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner