Travel on one of just a few passenger trains each year to Mildura, the gateway to the spectacular Sunraysia
Depart Melbourne onboard Slow Rail Journeys' private standard gauge sitting car train hauled by heritage diesel locomotives as it makes a spirited run from Melbourne to the Goldfields.
After enjoying a night at the luxurious RACV Goldfields Resort, transfer to Maryborough and board Slow Rail Journeys' standard gauge diesel-hauled sitting train to Mildura. Sit back and relax as the Goldfields melt into the vast plains of the Mallee and the arid landscapes of Outback Victoria before reaching the vines that travellers past woke up to signal the train's arrival in Mildura and the oasis of the Sunraysia.
Enjoy three nights at the Grand Hotel, the Commodore Motel, or an equivalent hotel in Mildura.
Tour the spectacular Mungo National Park.
Enjoy access to some of Sunraysia's premier venues and attractions, including dining in the Powerhouse, the Grand Hotel's Ballroom, Orange World, Mildura's Trail of Lights and more.
Join the PB Mundoo to cruise upstream to the spectacular Trentham Estate. After sampling some of the best wine and cheese in the region, enjoy dinner onboard as the Mundoo cruises back to town
Enjoy a gourmet farewell lunch at the stunning Clyde Park Estate in the Moorabool Valley
Return rail travel from Melbourne to Mildura and v.v.
Two nights at the luxurious RACV Goldfields Resort
Three nights at the Grand Hotel, the Commodore Motel or equivalent in Mildura.
All meals, tours, transfers and more
2 nights at the RACV Goldfields Resort (1 night in each direction)
3 nights in Mildura at either the Grand Hotel or Commodore Motel (recently refurbished)
Guests travelling in a party of two (i.e. two guests per hotel room) from $5,990 (or $2,995 per person)
Single travellers from $3,490
Final payment is due 45 days prior to travel
Deposit of 20% is required to secure your spot
Opt to stay a night at the Savoy Hotel before departure (noting train check-in on Thursday morning will be from 7:00 am to 7:30 am).
Opt to stay at the Savoy Hotel upon return to Melbourne (noting the train is expected to arrive in Melbourne at approximately 4:00 pm)
Upgrade to Space+ seating onboard the train, which guarantees a private booth or 4 or 6 seats, including two window seats, and 2 or 3 forward-facing seats
Upgrade to Hotel+ rooms, guaranteeing upgraded hotel rooms and your accommodation being at the Grand Hotel in Mildura
Guarantee a room at the Grand Hotel in Mildura.
Check-in will be offered either between 4 pm and 6 pm on Wednesday (the evening prior to departure) and between 7am and 7:45 am on Thursday.
Your slow rail journey begins with check-in at the Savoy Hotel. Board the heritage Vinelander train at Southern Cross Station and depart for Geelong and Ararat. Enjoy a welcome drink as you pass through rural Victorian landscapes and the Pyrenees wine region. The train will travel through Avoca before arriving in Maryborough. From there, a coach will transfer you to the luxurious RACV Goldfields Resort for dinner and the night. The evening will conclude with welcome drinks from your Train Manager, followed by a gourmet dinner.
After meeting at the Savoy Hotel for breakfast, join the Vinelander as it runs from Melbourne Southern Cross to Maryborough via Geelong and Ararat. Upon arrival in Maryborough, transfer to a coach for the journey to the RACV Goldfields Resort.
After a gourmet breakfast, you'll be transferred from the RACV Resort to Maryborough to re-board the Vinelander. The train will travel north through towns like Donald and Ouyen, offering views of the Mallee plains and arid landscapes. During the day, you'll enjoy morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea made, sourced locally as we progress. Who has the best Vanilla Slice, Ouyen or Birchip? You be the judge as we make our way to and from Mildura. The journey concludes in Mildura, where you will be transferred to your accommodation for the next three nights. That evening, you'll have a gastronomic experience at the historic Grand Hotel.
After transferring by coach from the RACV Goldfields Resort to Maryborough Station by coach, board the Vinelander to travel by rail from Maryborough to Mildura
Today, the group will be split, with one group experiencing the moonscapes and history of Mungo National Park. Join the local Indigenous elder Warren and his son Kenny for an experience you won’t forget. The second group will tour the best attractions in Mildura, including Orange World, the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens, a delightful grazing lunch in the Rose Garden at the Grand Hotel and the Mildura township. Both groups come together for dinner at the iconic Powerhouse before touring Mildura's spectacular Trail of Lights curated by British artist Bruce Munro, the inspiration behind Uluru's Field of Lights.
Again, the group will be split, with one group experiencing the moonscapes and history of Mungo National Park. Join the local Indigenous elder Warren and his son Kenny for an experience you won’t forget. The second group will tour the best attractions in Mildura, including Orange World, the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens, a delightful grazing lunch in the Rose Garden at the Grand Hotel and the Mildura township. Both groups come together for a sunset cruise on the P.B. Mundoo to the stunning Trentham Estate to enjoy a tasting of the region’s best wine as the last hues of the day slip away over the Trentham Cliffs. Enjoy dinner back onboard the P.B Mundoo as she cruises back to Mildura.
Upon pickup from your hotel, you will be taken to the Mildura Station to board the Vinelander. The train will travel south, retracing its steps through the Mallee region. During the journey, you will have the chance to chat with your fellow passengers, read, or simply watch the scenery from the panoramic windows.
The train will stop in the small town of Lascelles, where you'll be able to step off the train to admire the spectacular silo art by street artist Rone. This piece features a portrait of a local farming couple, Geoff and Merrilyn Horman, who have deep roots in the community.
Lunch will be served onboard as the train continues south, passing through Birchip, Donald, and St. Arnaud before arriving in Maryborough. Once there, you will take a short drive to the luxurious RACV resort, where you'll check in for the night.
The evening will conclude with a final dinner, offering a chance to reflect on your journey and memories with your new friends.
Step from the Vinelander to experience Kaffine's heartfelt tribute to fourth-generation local farmers Geoff and Marilyn Horman, whose dedication and passion for sustainable agriculture have played a significant role in shaping the community's rich culinary landscape. As you savour the colours inspired by their hard work, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the connection between farm and table, celebrating the bounty of the land they love.
Board the Vinelander at Mildura Station to travel across the Mallee to Maryborough. Upon arrival in Maryborough, board a coach for the transfer to the RACV Goldfields Resort.
All good things must come to an end, and today, your epic slow rail adventure aboard the Vinelander concludes. But not before one final highlight: a spectacular farewell lunch at the stunning Clyde Park Estate. This exquisite winery is perched overlooking the dramatic Moorabool Valley, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your final meal. After lunch, you'll be transferred back to the Vinelander in the charming hamlet of Inverleigh for the final two-hour journey, allowing you to reminisce about your trip before arriving back in Melbourne.
Travel by coach from the RACV Goldfields Resort to the spectacular Moorabool Valley. After a farewell lunch board the Vinelander for a rail journey from Inverleigh to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station
Everyone has access to a window and a forward-facing seat (window seat may not be forward-facing in each direction)
Check-in is either 4-6 pm on Wednesday for those in Melbourne, or 7 – 7:45 am on Thursday.
Return to Melbourne is approximately 4pm
Bags go by truck for each leg
Hotels and seats are allocated based on mobility, people travelling in groups and other requirements
Breakfast is provided for all guests on the day we depart
Guests must attend the Savoy hotel on the day of departure and not go directly to the train
Bags are checked in and taken by truck to your hotel each day