Your North Coast journey begins at Sydney’s Central Station, where you’ll check in before a short coach transfer to Darling Harbour. Here, board the Spirit of Migloo for a Morning Discovery Cruise with Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney. Enjoy a light breakfast and take in uninterrupted 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour, before returning to Central Station to board your Vintage Rail Journey.

Settle into your cabin or relax in the lounge carriage as the train travels north from Sydney, with lunch served onboard along the way. Spend the afternoon enjoying live music as the landscape unfolds beyond your window, following the Hawkesbury River and Mullet Creek before continuing towards Brisbane Water.

As the journey progresses, pass Newcastle and Maitland before joining the North Coast line and heading towards Gloucester. Here, the railway begins to follow the Gloucester River, introducing the verdant scenery and waterways that characterise the North Coast.

Settle in for dinner on board and enjoy the company of fellow travellers as the train continues north to Kundabung, where we will stable overnight. (L, D)

After waking to breakfast on board, set out to explore Coffs Harbour and the vibrant surroundings of this coastal town.

Travel by coach into the Great Dividing Range to Sealy Lookout, where the Forest Sky Pier offers sweeping views across the forests and coastline. Then return to Coffs Harbour for lunch before continuing to the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden. Through lush subtropical gardens, wander the pathways and boardwalks to discover an impressive collection of plants from Australia and around the world.

After a day immersed in the natural beauty of the North Coast, return to the train and settle into the lounge or your cabin. Enjoy dinner on board as the train continues south towards Casino, where we will stable overnight. (B, L, D)

Enjoy breakfast onboard before experiencing the laid-back character and natural beauty of Byron Bay and its hinterland.

Discover the story behind the region’s coffee at Zentveld’s Coffee Plantation, where a guided walk through the plantation reveals the journey from crop to cup. Taste freshly brewed coffee made from beans grown on the farm, then continue to Cape Byron Lighthouse perched at Australia’s most easterly point, for sweeping views along the coast. Alternatively, spend the day exploring Byron Bay at your own pace, browsing its boutiques, artisan stores, and local markets before taking a scenic journey aboard the restored Byron Solar Train. Powered entirely by the sun, the train winds through littoral rainforest and coastal wetlands before crossing Belongil Creek.

After a day discovering Byron Bay and its surrounds, return to the train and settle into the lounge or your cabin. Enjoy a gourmet dinner onboard as the train continues its journey south to Kempsey, where we will rest for the night. (B, L, D)

Wake to breakfast on board before setting out to explore the history and character of the Kempsey region and the spectacular Mid North Coast.

Explore the Slim Dusty Centre, celebrating the life, music, and enduring influence of Slim Dusty and Joy McKean, and their connection to rural and regional Australia. Alternatively, travel to historic Trial Bay Gaol, dramatically positioned within Arakoon National Park. Wander through the ruins and uncover the stories of those who lived and worked within its walls, set against a striking coastal backdrop.

Reboard the train for lunch before continuing south along the North Coast Railway line, travelling through rolling dairy country towards Paterson. As the afternoon fades into evening, settle into the lounge or your cabin and enjoy another delicious dinner on board, before settling in for the night as the train stables in Paterson. (B, L, D)

Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking in Paterson and wandering through The Rail Motor Society. Explore its fascinating collection of historic rail motors, carriages and railway memorabilia, offering a glimpse into the evolution of rail travel in Australia.

Continue to Newcastle and experience the city from the water. Board a scenic lunch cruise and take in views of the coastline, revitalised foreshore, and iconic city landmarks as you enjoy a freshly prepared buffet lunch.

Cruise towards the mouth of the Kooragang Wetlands, passing the port’s coal loading facilities, working tugboats, and ships along the harbour. Keep watch for local wildlife, with dolphins and seabirds often making an appearance along the way.

Return to the train for the final leg of your journey south. Settle back into the lounge and watch the landscapes of Brisbane Water National Park and the Hawkesbury River unfold beyond your window, before arriving at Sydney’s Central Station and bringing your North Coast adventure to a close. (B, L)