Embark on an unforgettable 13-day heritage rail tour of Victoria, where scenic landscapes and rich cultural experiences awaits. Start by travelling on the historic steam train, The Grainlander to the Mallee region to see spectacular silo art, return to Melbourne to enjoy a sumptuous lunch on the Q Train on the Bellarine Railway, before sampling fine food and wine in the Yarra Valley. More steam awaits on the Goldfields Railway from Castlemaine to Maldon, before experiencing a vintage talking tram ride in Bendigo, autumn colours in the picturesque Bright and a ride on the legendary Puffing Billy. With guided excursions that tap into the state's natural wonders, this railway tour offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
DAY 1 Friday 15 May 2026 Melbourne - The Grainlander steam train
At 4pm, meet at the Savoy Hotel, Melbourne for
a welcome meeting and dinner before boarding
the 1960's era carriages on the Grainlander, a
magnificently hauled historic steam locomotive.
On board, enjoy welcome drinks in the Club
Lounge to meet your fellow travellers and sit
back and relax. "Please note large suitcases
can be stored at the Savoy Hotel from 10am
and there's an optional tour available to the
Newport Railway Workshops at 1pm. Overnight:
The Grainlander steam train (D)
DAY 2 Saturday 16 May 2026 The Grainlander
Enjoy breakfast on board as your train pulls into
Wycheproof in the heart of the Mallee region.
The Grainlander will then steam past Nullawil
to see spectacular silo artwork in Lascelles,
Roseberry and Patchewollock. In the late
afternoon, we visit the inland sea of Lake Tyrell,
which is likely the highlight of the weekend for
many. Enjoy a sparkling wine reception as the
red hues of the sun disappear over the horizon
at sunset. Enjoy a delicious dinner and return to
the train for a restful sleep as the train remains
stabled in Sea Lake. Overnight: The Grainlander
steam train (B,L,D)
DAY 3 Sunday 17 May 2026 The Grainlander - Melbourne
Awake to a beautiful sunrise and enjoy
breakfast in the dining car. Settle into a relaxing
day of slow rail travel as the Mallee melts into
the Ironbark Forest and undulating countryside
of the Goldfields region. The Grainlander
makes a short stop at the historic station in
Maryborough to service the locomotive where
you can get off and stretch your legs. Continue
to Southern Cross Station, Melbourne where
our train will arrive and terminate at 6PM.
Transfer to the nearby Savoy Hotel for check in.
Free evening. Overnight: Melbourne (B,L)
DAY 4 Monday 18 May 2026 Q Train-Melbourne
This morning, we take the ferry from Docklands
across Port Phillip Bay to Portarlington before
transferring to Drysdale for a ride on the Q
Train Australia's most exclusive rail-restaurant
and an elegant throwback to the golden era of
nostalgic train travel. Ride in lovingly restored
carriages along the historic Bellarine Railway,
while being treated to some of the region's best
produce, wine, beer and cider at lunch. Return
by ferry to Melbourne where the rest of your
evening is free. Overnight: Melbourne (B,L)
DAY 5 Tuesday 19 May 2026 Walhalla
This morning, you'll board your coach and travel
through scenic countryside to the sleepy town
of Walhalla. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy lunch on
the platform at the Walhalla Train Station before
enjoying a ride on the privately chartered
Walhalla Goldfelds Railway. Return to the town
to wander the historical heart of town. Enjoy
dinner at your hotel in the company of their
engaging owner and your group. Overnight:
Walhalla (B,L,D)
DAY 6 Wednesday 20 May 2026 Yarra Valley
After breakfast, travel by coach through the
scenic Yarra Valley to the award winning De
Bortoli Wines Cellar Door and Restaurant for
lunch and wine tasting. Travel to Healesville
and board the privately chartered Yarra Valley
Railway for a ride on a 1940s Walker rail motor.
Travel through the countryside, returning to
the heritage listed Healesville station for a
railway workshop tour. Travel onto your winery
hotel where the rest of your evening is free.
Overnight: Yarra Valley (B,L)
DAY 7 Thursday 21 May 2026 Daylesford - Maldon
This morning, we transfer by coach to the
Kerrisdale Mountain Railway for a workshop
tour with their wonderfully eccentric hosts
followed by ride on the narrow-gauge railway
with spectacular views of the Goulburn Valley.
Stop at Kilmore where you can enjoy lunch,
and travel to the trendy town of Daylesford to
ride on the privately chartered 1920s Diesel
Electric Rail Motor. Explore Daylesford, before
transferring the bustling Castlemaine, known
for its arts scene, gold rush history, and fine
food and wine. Check into your hotel and enjoy
free time for dinner. Overnight: Castlemaine (B)
DAY 8 Friday 22 May 2026 Maldon Castlemaine
This morning, explore Castlemaine before
taking a ride on the Victorian Goldfields Railway
to Maldon. On board, step back in time to an
era of first-class elegance and decadence,
enjoy the scenery from the heritage parlour
car viewing platform, or perhaps purchase
a drink from the bar. Enjoy free time for
lunch in Maldon, notable for its 19th-century
appearance, maintained since gold-rush days
before returning on the railway to Castlemaine.
Upon arrival, there's free time for dinner around
the Theatre Royal or The Mill - a lively artisan
precinct home to arty restaurant, breweries and
wineries. Overnight: Castlemaine (B)
DAY 9 Saturday 23 May 2026 Bendigo Bright
This morning, travel by coach to Bendigo and
step aboard a Vintage Talking Tram and see
the craftsmanship that has gone into restoring
each vehicle, appreciating why Bendigo's trams
are such an integral part of the city's identity.
Explore the city, visiting the Central Deborah
Goldmine and wander the historical centre.
There's free time to enjoy lunch at the 19th
century Shamrock Hotel before transferring
by coach to Bright. In May, Bright is renowned
for its magnificent autumn display where large
deciduous oaks, elms and poplars paint the
town in shades of crimson and bright yellow.
Overnight: Bright (B)
DAY 10 Sunday 24 May 2026 Bright
This morning, you'll tour the former Bright
Railway Station, now a museum and enjoy a
stroll around the scenic centre of Bright. Visit
Myrtleford to see antiques and artisan crafts
from Japan, Morocco and India at Red Ramia
Trading and enjoy free time for lunch. Moving
on, you'll tour the historic town of Beechworth,
including the famous Beechworth Bakery
where you can unwind with a cuppa. Arrive in
Bright where you evening is free. Why not enjoy
dinner in one of the town's wineries or tapas
bars? Overnight: Bright (B)
DAY 11 Monday 25 May 2026 Seymour
After breakfast, transfer to Glenrowan where
you will tour the Ned Kelly Museum and
Homestead. Pause at the Goorambat Railway
Hotel where you can enjoy lunch, before taking
a road of discovery on the North East Victoria
Silo Art Trail, where you will experience art
in a large scale on the silos at Goorambat,
Devenish, and St James. Later, enjoy a tour of
the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre to see
their rollingstock, including royal and vice regal
cars and enjoy dinner in their iconic Spirit of
Progress dining car. Overnight: Seymour (B,D)
DAY 12 Tuesday 26 May 2026 Puffing Billy - Melbourne
This morning, travel to the outskirts of
Melbourne for a ride on one of the most
popular steam heritage railways in the world,
the legendary Puffing Billy. This narrow-gauge
heritage railway was one of the five narrow
gauge lines of the Victorian Railways which
opened at the beginning of the 20th century.
Depart Belgrave in the late morning and travel
through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges,
before enjoying free time for lunch at Lakeside
before returning by train to Belgrave. Travel by
coach to Melbourne, check into your hotel and
enjoy a farewell dinner together. Overnight:
Melbourne (B,D)
DAY 13 Wednesday 27 May 2026 Melbourne - Depart
Our tour comes to an end this morning after
breakfast and hotel check-out. (B)
| Twin Fare (per person) | Single Fare |
|---|---|
| $7,150 | $8,600 |
The 1950s built Standard Twin Cabin carriages are equipped with two comfortable bunk beds and a private ensuite which includes a shower and vanity (toilet facilities are located in adjacent carriages).
The 1950s built Premium Single Cabins are equipped with a single bed and a vanity (toilet and shower facilities are available at the end of each carriage).
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. A.C.N. 005 817 0781
(Travelrite International) is the tour operator.
Tour Costs:
The tours costs are based on transport, accommodation
costs and entrance costs at 20 June 2025. Travelrite reserves the right
to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger
that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid
or modify arrangements. No alterations to costings will be made within
60 days of departure.
Deposit and Payment:
A non-refundable deposit of $900 per
passenger is required at the time of booking. Full payment will be
required 60 days before departure. A 1.5% administration charge will
be added to payment by Visa, Mastercard and America Express.
Cancellations:
Cancellations within 60 days prior to departure will
result in the loss of all monies paid. Cancellations outside of 60 days
prior to departure will result in the loss of the deposit paid per person.
Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees
due to illness, death in family, etc.
Changes To The Tour Itinerary:
Travelrite International reserves
the right to make changes to the tour itinerary to fit in with operational
requirements. Any changes to the itinerary will be replaced with similar
arrangements with an equal or greater value.
Minimum Tour Numbers and Conditions:
The tour has been costed on the basis of
a minimum number of passengers having booked 60 days prior to
departure. Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full
refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour
at a modified cost if the minimum number is not achieved.
Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements which do not allow for
any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other
services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Baggage:
All passengers qualify for 1 piece free baggage allowance.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibility:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. is the tour organiser.
Travelrite International acts only as agents in making of arrangements
with carriers, hoteliers and others for the tour. As a result, we cannot
accept liability for any act or omission whatsoever, whether negligent or
otherwise of those carriers, hoteliers or other persons providing services
in connection with the tour over whom we have no direct or exclusive
control. We do not accept responsibility for any injury, damage, loss,
delay, change of schedule or any other events which are beyond our direct
control, such as, but not limited to, war, flood, fire, civil disturbance,
acts of God, acts of government, or any other authorities, terrorism,
accidents to or failure of machinery or equipment, or industrial action.
The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall
constitute the sole contract between the transportation companies or
firms and the purchasers of these tours and the passengers. Baggage
is at own risk throughout the tour. The contract shall be construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria and any legal action
must be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite International
to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite
International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts
between you and the various providers of accommodation, transporta-
tion and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite International
may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as
your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you,
any good or service which Travelrite International reasonably believes is
necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you
or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in
which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint
Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay
Travelrite International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite
International in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite
International advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including
in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book:
Bookings can be made by completing a booking form
and sending it with a non-refundable deposit of $900 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email sales@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International:
Travelrite International
Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company
which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 40 years.
It has a fully ATAS accredited (No. A10538) office at Balwyn. As
such it directly represents the major airlines of the world and
all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport
operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the
Australian Travel Industry Association –ATIA
“Being part of an organised tour was a new and enjoyable experience for us. We could relax because the Tour Manager had everything organised.”
“The Tairei Gorge out of Dunedin was our favourite – it had great scenery, bridges and tunnels!”
