Relax into your private sleeping compartment as your Private Train departs Melbourne for an epic adventure to the spectacular waterways, mountains and rainforests of Gippsland. Cruise the vast Gippsland Lakes, dine at some of the region's most acclaimed venues and enjoy unique touring options on the inaugural Gippsland-bound Slow Rail Journey.
Highlights of your Gippsland Slow Rail Journey adventure include:
Cruising the spectacular Gippsland Lakes including visits to Paynesville, Metung and more
A chartered journey on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway and the opportunity to visit the fascinating history of the region
Touring options including a walking tour of Raymond Island's Koala population
Enjoying a daylight slow rail experience from Bairnsdale back to Melbourne
Be tempted by the region's best produce, with gourmet meals served in iconic venues across the region.
All Slow Rail Journeys Fares include:
All meals (two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and an afternoon tea)
All touring and off-train experiences
Two nights onboard in a comfortable sleeping compartment.
View information, images and more regarding cabins, cabin layouts, lounge and dining cars here: https://www.slowrailjourneys.com.au/onboard
Your experience will commence at 7:30 pm (Friday) with check-in, followed by dinner at the Savoy Hotel.
The train generally arrives back into Melbourne's Southern Cross Station late afternoon on Sunday.
View information, images and more regarding cabins, cabin layouts, lounge and dining cars here: https://www.slowrailjourneys.com.au/onboard
Your journey begins at the historic Savoy Hotel, where a smiling train manager will check you in, followed by a gourmet bon voyage dinner. This is your chance to meet your fellow adventurers before a quick briefing and safety demonstration.
You are then escorted to the train at Southern Cross Station. The string of heritage ex-Overland and Southern Aurora carriages creates a stunning visual against the station's modern architecture.
As the whistle sounds, your private train pulls out of Southern Cross. Settle in, explore the train, or grab a drink in the Club 1 Lounge.
Join your fellow travellers for an included bon voyage dinner at Melbourne's art deco Savoy Hotel.
After pulling out of Southern Cross Station, the train will reverse direction in Western Melbourne before running back through Southern Cross and Flinders Street, before running along Melbourne's busiest suburban rail line to Pakenham, before continuing through Warragul, Moe, Morewell, Traralgon and Sale to Bairnsdale.
Accommodation will be in your private sleeping cabin onboard your private sleeping train.
This morning, wake up and have breakfast in the car, savouring fresh flavours to start their day. Afterwards, a bus will transfer you to some of the best food and wine attractions in the lakes region before enjoying a gourmet lunch at Wyanga Park. After lunch we embark on one of the highlighs of the weekend - a privately chartered cruise from Lakes Entrance to Paynesville before a visit to the famous koala colony on Raymond Island, where guests can see these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner on the waterfront in Paynesville.
Breakfast today will be served in the Dining Car.
Lunch will be served at the Wyanga Park Winery (to be confirmed).
Dinner will be served lakeside in Paynesville
Accommodation will be in your private sleeping cabin onboard.
Today's tours visit some the most interesting attactions in East Gippsland, including those outlined below:
Awaken as the train departs from Bairnsdale and enjoy a delightful breakfast in the dining car while the train glides through lush dairy farming areas.
Marvel at the scenery as you pass the La Trobe Valley before the train stops in Warragul, where we will board buses to tour the historic town of Walhalla, known for its gold-mining past and rich heritage.
Hop aboard the Walhalla Railway, a charming steam train that takes you through stunning landscapes.
Finally, embark on the last leg of your journey to Melbourne, where the excitement of the city awaits.
Breakfast today will be served in the Dining Car.
Lunch will be served on tour in West Gippsland
Afternoon tea will be served in the Club Car as the train approaches Melbourne.
Departing Bairnsdale in the early morning, the train will make its way west as the stunning Gippsland scenery unfolds, featuring lush forests and tranquil lakes, before arriving in the vibrant city of Melbourne. The route offers a picturesque journey through charming towns and picturesque landscapes, connecting Bairnsdale to the bustling metropolis. Enjoy the relaxing ride as you travel through the heart of Victoria, with opportunities to experience the region's rich natural beauty and cultural highlights along the way.
Today's tours visit some the most interesting attactions in West Gippsland, including those outlined below:
Discover Walhalla, a picturesque town rich in gold mining history, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Explore its charming heritage architecture and take a ride on the historic Walhalla Goldfields Railway.