There’s slow travel and nostalgia travel, and then there’s slow, nostalgia travel, which Vintage Rail Journeys does with aplomb! When a 1960s rail legend – the Southern Aurora – goes all-inclusive, it pulls your heart to go. Add savings of up to $600 per person on their North Coast Rail Tour, and it’s time to say yes to stepping back in time on an iconic locomotive adventure!
Vintage Rail Journeys, now part of the Journey Beyond portfolio, offers a unique Australian travel experience aboard restored ex-Southern Aurora sleeping carriages (once the way to journey between Melbourne and Sydney).
Guests love the authentic vintage atmosphere experienced on the train, especially as it’s not at the expense of modern comforts.
Journeys are all-inclusive and immersive, from meals to beverages, and curated Off Train Experiences. The appeal is both the retro train experience and the chance to connect to regional communities and landscapes.
This is slow, nostalgic travel and the perfect opportunity to slip back in time, away from the pace of 2025!
The North Coast Rail Tour
The Vintage Rail Journeys North Coast Rail Tour departs Sydney’s Central Station on Mondays at 9:30 am, returning on Fridays at 8 pm. It’s an idyllic alternative to your regular M-F 9-5!
Swap meetings that could have been an email for New South Wales’ finest scenery. You’ll journey to the Hawkesbury River, Hunter Valley, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, and more.
Itinerary highlights include:
- A scenic lunch cruise on Port Macquarie’s Hastings River
- The choice of iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse or Northern Rivers Zentvelds Coffee Plantation, plus time to soak up Byron’s relaxed vibes
- Discovering the scenic Trial Bay Gaol
- Exploring Kempsey’s innovative Slim Dusty Centre, dedicated to Aussie cultural icons Slim Dusty and Joy McKean
- A tour of Maitland’s most fascinating historical sites
A point of difference for life aboard a Vintage Rail Journeys is that the train is typically stabled at night, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep.
Save on the North Coast Rail Tour
While securing up to $600 off per person won’t quite bring the cost to the OG Southern Aurora fare of £7 one way, it does go a long way to making right now the perfect time to book your cabin on the North Coast Rail Tour.
To secure this epic offer, book by 30 April for travel in July and August 2025. All trains depart from and return to Sydney Central Station.
The 4-night North Coast Rail Tour includes:
- All meals
- All wines, beverages, tea, and coffee
- All Off Train Experiences
Heritage Twin cabins are on sale from $3,595 per person, and Heritage Single cabins are from $3,545.
With only four departure dates, this is not a deal to sleep on (sleep in the sleeper carriages instead!).
Life aboard Vintage Rail Journeys
Vintage Rail Journeys stands out by offering a seamless blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and immersive regional experiences. All within the unique setting of Australia’s classic rail routes.
Heritage twin cabins have a 3-seater lounge by day and upper and lower bunks by night. There’s also an ensuite toilet, complete with the original fold-down hand basin and toilet!
Heritage single cabins convert from a day lounge with footrest to a cosy single bed by nightfall. There’s also a fold-down washbasin, mirror, and a shared bathroom at either end of the Single’s carriage.
The Lounge Carriage is the social heart of the train and the perfect place to meet your new best friends as you watch the ever-changing Australian scenery pass by. The good company of fellow guests is complemented by Australian wines, beers, soft drinks, juices, tea, and coffee.
Meals in the original ex-Southern Aurora Dining Carriage are also included with tasty fare like Crayfish tortellini (in delish tomato & white wine butter sauce), ginger glazed duck breast with black risotto, and spiced crusted pork fillet prepared by the onboard chef.
The dedicated crew leave a lasting impression as they deliver personalised service and passionately share their knowledge of this classic North Coast route.
Agents, read this
To book the North Coast Rail Tour on the Online Booking Engine, phone the reservations team on 07 4846 7000 or email tradesales@journeybeyond.com.
Visit the Journey Beyond Experience Hub to download campaign assets, including Facebook tiles, eDM headers and editable flyers.
Learn more
To discover more about the North Coast Rail Tour, and other itineraries on this classic rail journey, visit vintagerailjourneys.com.au, then speak to your preferred travel advisor to book.
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