Journey Beyond welcomes Vintage Rail Journeys to its portfolio

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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Vintage Rail Journeys is Journey Beyond’s newest addition.

Leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, has announced that Vintage Rail Journeys has joined its portfolio of iconic Australian train experiences.

Alongside the likes of The Ghan, the Indian Pacific, the Great Southern and The Overland, Vintage Rail Journeys is in good company in Journey Beyond’s ‘Australia by Train’ portfolio.

Who are Vintage Rail Journeys?

The NSW-based Vintage Rail Journeys offers itineraries throughout the state, from the Golden West Rail Tour which passes through the Hunter Valley and Orange, the North Coast Rail Tour that traverses up the coast through Port Macquarie and the charming villages of the Coffs Coast, and the Riverina Rail Tour which takes you into Australia’s ‘food bowl’.

Exterior view of the historic Rylstone Train Station,Rylstone.
The Golden West Rail Tour stops at Rylstone Train Station. (Image: Amber Hooper)

What makes it an iconic Australian train experience?

Since its inception in 2020, Vintage Rail Journeys has quickly gained recognition for its unique approach to rail tourism.

Founders Simon Mitchell and Danielle Smith purchased 17 ex-Southern Aurora carriages and restored them to their original condition.

“We didn’t want to see these iconic carriages sitting unused in a rail yard. Our vision was to design exceptional tours of regional NSW, offering guests a truly immersive experience and connecting them with the communities and producers along the way," Mitchell said.

Young people with luggage catching a train at Katoombatrain station.
Stop at Katoomba on the Riverina Rail Tour. (Image: Destination NSW)

The vintage 1960s ex-Southern Aurora sleeper train provides guests with a unique journey through Australian rail history.

Journey Beyond chief executive officer Chris Tallent said he was thrilled to welcome guests aboard the restored trains.

“Vintage Rail Journeys perfectly complements our existing world-class rail operations, including The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern and The Overland," Tallent said.

“We will be thrilled to welcome guests aboard these restored carriages in 2025, on one of our immersive rail experiences across regional NSW."

Young people catching a train at Katoomba train station.
Jump onboard in Katoomba. (Image: Destination NSW)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

What do passengers need to know?

Revised itineraries, departure dates and pricing will be released in July for the 2025 season.

About Journey Beyond

In addition to its ‘Australia by Train’ portfolio, Journey Beyond also comprises small group tour operator Outback Spirit, luxury safari-style accommodation Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, the historic Telegraph Station (one of the best things to do in Alice Springs) and Cruise Whitsundays and its Reefsuites (have you ever gone to the loo underwater?).

an aerial shot of Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
Bask in barefoot luxury at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef. (Image: Justin Bumpstead)

They also look after the Rottnest Express to get you to Rottnest Island, the incredible Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises (one of Darwin’s top activities), Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney and the adrenaline-inducing Melbourne Skydeck and Eureka 89.

seaplane and jetboat with Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures
Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures is an unforgettable experience.

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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Discover the Yarra Valley town made for slow weekends

    Kellie Floyd Kellie Floyd
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    Once a service town for gold miners, Healesville has evolved into a destination brimming with character.

    If you trace your finger to the heart of the Yarra Valley on a map, you’ll land on Healesville – a charming little town framed by towering gums and rolling hills. Its main street is lined with cosy cafes, a bookshop, silversmiths, boutiques and a providore stacked with artisan breads and cured meats. In other words, all the essentials for a leisurely weekend. Just beyond the shops, parklands invite picnics, bush trails suggest a wander, along with an old tourist railway, distilleries and award-winning vineyards. Originally a service centre for the goldfields, the railway soon brought visitors seeking fresh mountain air. Today, it’s the kind of place that rewards a slow stroll.

    Staying in Healesville

    the lounge in one of the cosy villas at Healesvillas
    Inside one of the cosy villas.

    If sweeping mountain views are part of your accommodation prerequisite, Healesvillas are two architecturally designed villas sleeping six guests, complete with landscaped al fresco areas and a fire pit. Wander into town to visit Cheesemonger Sophie to help craft the perfect platter, and Barrique Wine Store for a local red, before returning to soak up the views.

    Dining out in Healesville

    small plates at No. 7 Healesville
    No.7 offers small plates and tasting menus centred on seasonal produce. (Image: Ben Frazer)

    For breakfast, head to My Little Kitchen Cafe, a cheerful spot on the main street known for its strong coffee and warm hospitality. Herd is a low-lit spot with serious style, serving up modern comfort food, or to sit beside wine barrels and underneath chandeliers head to No. 7 Healesville, a wine bar and restaurant in a converted warehouse.

    Drinking in Healesville

    a cocktail at Four Pillars Gin Distillery
    Enjoy a cocktail at renowned Four Pillars Gin Distillery. (Image: LVDI)

    Take a tour or sip your way through a tasting paddle at one of Australia’s most famous gin distilleries, Four Pillars Gin. If visiting a boutique winery is on the list, Boat O’Craigo wines has sweeping views over the vineyards to the hills beyond. The newest addition to the local drinking scene, Zoncello Yarra Valley serves a must-try Limoncello Spritz.

    the Boat O’Craigo winery
    Boutique winery Boat O’Craigo. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

    Healesville highlights

    If you’re after a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, Silvermist Studio designs beautifully unique pieces. Lifestyle store Morris et al is filled with women’s fashion and homewares, and because everyone deserves a good book, Verso Books is a cosy independent bookshop with carefully chosen titles.

    Head to Healesville Sanctuary to get up close to some of Australia’s wildlife. If the weather is on your side, pack a picnic and head to Maroondah Reservoir Park to climb the steep dam wall, where kids and adults alike can’t resist testing out the booming echo. And if you feel like stepping back in time, board a vintage train at the Yarra Valley Railway.

    the Puffing Billy Railway
    Step back in time at the Puffing Billy Railway. (Image: Visit Victoria)