The Ghan is a legendary train journey between Darwin and Adelaide that crosses through Australia’s Red Centre. Here’s everything you need to know about The Ghan to make the most of your trip.
New South Wales
Explore Regional NSW on the Golden West Rail Tour
Discover the charm, serenity and heritage highpoints of regional New South Wales on this all-inclusive five-day, four-night Golden West Rail Tour.
Golden in name and nature, the Golden West Rail Tour is part of Journey Beyond’s collection of vintage rail journeys across regional NSW, including the Riverina and North Coast
As you settle into this enchanting slow‑travel experience, you’ll quickly see why vintage rail journeys leave such a lasting impression
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The Golden West Rail Tour takes you through picturesque parts of New South Wales. Image: Journey Beyond
Legendary Australian rail journeys to inspire your escape
Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to legendary rail journeys. We traverse between breathtaking outback geography and awe-inspiring coastal routes that not only enliven the senses but also slow down time.
The effortless glamour of The Ghan (from Adelaide to Darwin), scenic beauty of Kuranda Scenic Railway (from Cairns to Kuranda) and the stylish comfort of the Indian Pacific (from Perth to Sydney) spring to mind.
When in Sydney and returning to Sydney, railway enthusiasts with a yen for adventure are in for a treat. As you board the Southern Aurora (launched in 1962 to popular acclaim) for the Golden West Rail Tour, allow yourself to anticipate the untold joys of vintage train travel.
Touring along rarely accessed rail lines throughout western New South Wales and across the Liverpool Plains, travellers soak up the natural splendour of the Capertree Valley, Hunter region, Orange, Bathurst and Mudgee.
The original 1960s carriages have been lovingly restored, combining charm and comfort. Image: Journey Beyond
Why the Golden West Rail Tour is a must‑do experience
Epitomising old-world style with comfortable amenities, your immersive historic train ride features curated off-train experiences, all-inclusive dining and beverages, and the nostalgia of slow rail travel. Compact yet quaint best describes the accommodation — navigating the sitting room/bedroom and ensuite bathroom takes no time for adaptable types. Ease of mobility and basic fitness are also prerequisites.
The environmental benefits of vintage rail travel, especially electrically modified engines versus far more carbon-emitting modes of transport, also garner kudos for sustainable tourism. This train holidays Australia experience is emphasised by a dual focus on historical preservation and local connectivity.
Return travellers of these captivating journeys will be looked after by the same crew for each experience in the vintage rail repertoire.
One big happy family, the staff anticipate needs you didn’t even know you had, such as the appearance of a spare blanket on the eve of a cool night, ensuring all travellers feel at home away from home.
This five-day, four-night vintage rail tour commences and concludes at platform 1, Central Station, Sydney; generally departing at 9.30am on Monday and returning at 8pm on Friday.
What a way to while away the week!
Soak up the natural splendour and enjoy a winery experience in the Hunter Valley. Image: Getty
What to expect on your five‑day Golden West Rail Journey
Day 1: Sydney to Hawkesbury River: Riverboat Postman Lunch Cruise
On day one, you will travel from Sydney to the Hawkesbury, disembarking for your first off-train experience: joining the Riverboat Postman for a lunch cruise, which highlights regional food-and-wine specialties. Rejoining the train, guests enjoy a landmark view — seeing the train’s full length as you round curves and the line traces the water’s edge at Mullet Creek. Journey onwards through Woy Woy Tunnel alongside Brisbane Water, on the central coast near Gosford. Skirting Newcastle and onto Maitland in the Hunter Valley, the train is stabled overnight at Paterson.
Day 2: Paterson to Hunter Valley: Wine, Dining and Optional Experiences
Day two in the Hunter Valley Vineyards offers a feast of choices, from lunch at Twine Restaurant in the Wynwood Estate, the optional upgrade of a Hunter Valley helicopter experience (limited capacity) or a delectable grazing-plate luncheon at the sustainable, award-winning and family-owned Margan Wines winery and restaurant. Dinner is served onboard in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant at Werris Creek, where the train is stationed for the night.
Day 3: Werris Creek to Orange: Heritage Village & Scenic Countryside
Your adventure begins on day three with a visit to the Quirindi Rural Heritage Village. The village has been designed to collect, preserve and exhibit artefacts that relate to the region’s history and culture. Board a model train akin to Thomas the Tank Engine, albeit built for adult passengers, and share in a delightful Devonshire tea before returning to the Southern Aurora.
From here, travel to the major junction of Werris Creek, the first and last railway town in NSW. You will then journey to the celebrated grape-producing region of Orange, where dinner is served onboard and the train is stabled overnight. The scenery throughout dinner service is particularly idyllic; with rolling hills, stone-banked brooks, gambolling lambs and even roaming deer in focus.
Day 4: Orange to Bathurst: Abercrombie House or Mayfield Gardens
On day four, travel from Orange to Bathurst, with options to visit the NSW heritage treasure of 1870s Victorian-era mansion Abercrombie House, including a delicious, home-prepared luncheon, served with a range of table wines. Or take in Mayfield Gardens, a spectacular 65-hectare private garden, at your leisure, which includes a boxed lunch to be enjoyed in the company of new friends or at a private spot in the bucolic grounds.
Day 5: Bathurst-Mudgee-Sydney: Lowe Family Wines and return to Sydney
After savouring your last breakfast onboard, day five sees guests board private coaches to 1820s-era Rylstone District, one of the oldest settlements west of the Great Dividing Range. From here, visitors will enjoy a delectable lunch at the Cellar Door of the certified-organic and biodynamic Lowe Family Wine Co. in Mudgee. The passion for the craft of European-style winemaking is evident on the guided tour and range of tastings throughout this engaging experience. Soak up your final hours of blissful serenity onboard or revel in the farewell soirée in the Explorer Lounge as you return to Central Station, Sydney.
By journey’s end, guests develop a genuine affinity with staff and their 80-plus fellow travellers. Learning the personal (and often heartrending) stories of your neighbours heightens the spirit of connection. This, in turn, inspires your next immersion in the slow-movement, easy-going pace and style of a vintage rail journey.
Relax with a drink in the Explorer Lounge. It's the perfect spot to meet and mingle with fellow travellers. Image: Journey Beyond
Highlights and inclusions of the Golden West Rail Tour
Travelling guests receive all-inclusive dining, wines, beverages, tea and coffee throughout their journey. Take a Riverboat cruise on the Hawkesbury River, including lunch. Enjoy two distinct winery experiences: one in the Hunter Valley and the other in Mudgee. Visit the quaint heritage village of Quirindi in rural New South Wales. Discover Bathurst’s historic Abercrombie House or Mayfield Gardens. The local knowledge, laced with maverick humour, which is imparted by bus or boat drivers, vintners or property owners, is educational and entertaining.
Meals are served in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, offering a classic rail‑dining experience. Image: Journey Beyond
Golden West Rail Tour, Sydney return trip: 2026 departure dates
• Monday 3 August 2026
• Monday 17 August 2026
• Monday 31 August 2026
• Monday 14 September 2026
• Monday 28 September 2026
• Monday 26 October 2026
• Monday 9 November 2026
• Monday 23 November 2026.
What should I pack for a rail journey like the Golden West Rail Tour?
Packing smartly will help you make the most of the Golden West Rail Tour’s compact yet comfortable cabins and diverse off‑train experiences. Here are the essentials to bring along:
Layered clothing
Regional NSW can shift from warm days to cooler evenings, and you’ll appreciate flexibility during excursions and onboard dining.
Comfortable walking shoes
Perfect for exploring vineyards, heritage villages and gardens at a relaxed pace.
Small day bag
Handy for carrying your camera, water, and personal items during off‑train tours such as the Riverboat Postman cruise or winery visits.
Warm layers for nights
You'll be able to ask for a spare blanket but you may wish to pack an extra layer to ensure comfort.
Refillable water bottle
Useful for excursions and staying hydrated between onboard service.
Chargers and/or power bank
Power outlets are available, but having backup charging options is always helpful when capturing scenic moments on video.
Motion‑sickness remedies (if needed)
The train ride is generally smooth, but some travellers prefer to be prepared.
Smart‑casual outfit
Appropriate for relaxed but refined onboard meals in the dining carriage.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Ltd AR 001243563 is an authorised representative of the issuer and receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. RACV Travel Insurance issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548. Terms & conditions apply, refer to the PDS.
The writer travelled as a guest of Journey Beyond on Vintage Rail Journeys’ Golden West Rail Tour.
