Join the Vinelander, one of Slow Rail Journeys' signature itineraries, as it travels from Melbourne deep into Outback Victoria to the oasis of Mildura.
Don't miss your chance to marvel at Mildura's spectacular Trail of Lights and more!
$2,545 per person twin share and $2,990 for solo travellers. All fares include all five nights' accommodation, meals, tours, and rail travel.
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 into Mildura and the oasis of the Sunraysia.
Enjoy three nights at the Grand Hotel, the Commodore Motel or equivalent in Mildura.
Tour the spectacular Mungo National Park, or take part in the town's Mildura Day celebrations
Experience Mildura's spectacular Trail of Lights
After a restful morning with optional tours featuring exclusive access to Mildura’s best attractions, 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
All fares include:
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
Mildura's Trail of Lights
Prepare to be captivated by the Trail of Lights, a transcendent experience that allows connection with both the artwork and the natural environment.
Through the interplay of 12,500 firefly lights, Gone Fishing sculptures, and the natural landscape, the lights, curated by British artist Bruce Munro, will not disappoint.
From the iconic Field of Light at Uluru to the mesmerising Sensorio in the rolling hills of Paso Robles in California, Munro’s installations are more than just art; they're experiences.
His work is a captivating blend of creativity and engineering. Thousands of lights come together to tell stories of wonder and human connection.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where imagination meets reality, and light becomes the ultimate storyteller. invites contemplation and reflection, creating a space for introspection and wonder.
As night falls, this spectacle will turn Lock Island into a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors. Don’t miss this chance to see art and nature come alive in a whole new way!
The Vinelander Tour Highlights
Summary Itinerary
Wednesday 29 October (Optional)
For those guests staying in-house at the Savoy Hotel, Welcome to Melbourne! If you are staying at the Savoy, or are close to the area, we encourage you to make use of the Wednesday evening train check-in to eliminate lines the following morning. Please note that the night in the Savoy is an optional extra and isn't hosted.
Wednesday in detail (Optional)
Thursday 30 October
With a sense of anticipation, meet your fellow travellers early this morning to commence our epic exploration of one of the most spectacular corners of Victoria. After breakfast, board the Vinelander as it bids farewell to the suburban sprawl of Melbourne and Geelong, crosses the fertile green southwestern plains, skirts the Grampians, and crosses the scenic Pyrenees before arriving at the Goldfields and our luxury accommodation for the evening.
Thursday in detail
Friday 31 October
Today, we leave the Ironbark forests and granite hills of the Goldfields behind, travelling north into the great vistas of Mallee Depression before finally arriving at the irrigated oasis of Sunraysia.
Friday in detail
Saturday 1 November
Experience two of Australia's most unique attractions - visit the moonscapes of Mungo National Park, home to the oldest human remains outside Africa, followed by being one of the first to tour Mildura's spectacular Trail of Lights curated by British artist Bruce Munro, the inspiration behind Uluru's Field of Lights.
Saturday in detail
Sunday 2 November
Experience the best of the Sunraysia and some relaxation time in Mildura before boarding the PB Mundoo for a daylight cruise to Trentham Estate. After sampling some of Sunraysia's best wine, reboard the Mundoo for an evening dinner cruise back to Mildura.
Sunday in detail
Monday 3 November
Bid farewell to the Sunraysia as the Vinelander transports you to the heart of the Mallee. Admire awe-inspiring silo art, feast on locally sourced produce and finish the day in the granite peaks and ironbark-clad forests of the Goldfields.
Monday in detail
Tuesday 4 November
All good things must come to an end, and today two options are offered to return to Melbourne - either transfer to Maryborough to join the diesel-hauled standard gauge Vinelander for a day of rail cruising across Victoria, travelling along the little-seen freight line from Maryborough to Ararat, as wide vistas of the Mallee and Sunraysia are replaced by the back fences of the houses in the populated Port Phillip basin, and finally the gleaming glass skyscrapers of Melbourne’s CBD, or take advantage of our Express Return option boarding a fast Vlocity train in Wendouree for the journey to Melbourne.
Tuesday in detail
Full Itinerary
Wednesday 29 October
For those guests in or around Melbourne's CBD, the Slow Rail Journeys team will offer a check-in service allowing you to get your cabin, group and hotel allocations and boarding passes and chat with one of your Train Managers before departure.
Thursday 30 October
Your Slow Rail Journey will commence with check-in at the historic Savoy Hotel.
Entering Melbourne's busy Southern Cross Station, you will immediately realise you are embarking on a journey like no other. Sitting on the platform is the Vinelander, its heritage train perfectly juxtaposing the modernity and hustle surrounding it.
Upon boarding, settle into your private train for our epic journey. From the moment you step onboard, you'll immediately relax into the Slow Rail Experience.
Right on time, the Vinelander will wake up the station as the whistle sounded, announcing our departure along the Standard Gauge line toward Geelong and Ararat. Relax as a welcome drink is served to your seat, and Melbourne disappears behind the train.
After a brief stop at North Shore station on the northern outskirts of Geelong, the Vinelander will swing west to cross the Moorabool Viaduct, leaving the populated coastal plain surrounding Port Phillip Bay, which is home to more than 80% of Victoria's population behind, running through the rural hamlets of Inverleigh, Cressy and Derrinallum toward the Grampians and Pyrenees.
After traversing the Western Standard Gauge line, which was built in 1995 to replace the Board Gauge link between Melbourne and Adelaide (providing a direct link from Melbourne to Perth, which before 1995 involved trans-shipping goods in Adelaide from Broad to Standard gauge, or running via NSW), we arrive into the township of Maroona - a rural village some 20km south of Ararat where the line from Portland and the coast joins the Melbourne - Adelaide rail corridor. Today, Maroona has a population of approximately 80, but it has a hotel, general store, and sporting precinct.
Departing Maroona, the Vinelander skirts the spectacular Grampians mountain range passing Ararat and venturing into the Pyrenees wine region. The Pyrenees is a place of wild and beautiful landscapes, down-to-earth locals, fantastic food and wine, and a history deep in the gold rush. For all its natural wonders, the Pyrenees is largely undiscovered. Still untamed and underexplored.
Mid-afternoon, the Vinelander runs through Avoca, where the town's wide main street is a delight to explore with hotels, cafés, gift shops, galleries and collectables housed in historic buildings dating back to the 1850s. Avoca is becoming known as an antiques and collectables centre. If you love poking around in bric-a-brac and collectable stores, you know that no vacation is complete without some time spent bargaining over some treasures. The township is surrounded by the Pyrenees Mountain Ranges, which is great for mountain bike riding, hiking, and camping, catering to all skill and fitness levels. Avoca hosts the Pyrenees Unearthed Avoca Wine Festival, held in April each year, where you can try many of the Pyrenees Wines all in one location while strolling the banks of the Avoca River.
After passing Avoca, the Vinelander continues into the Goldfields for the final sector of the day and goes to the Goldfields town of Maryborough. A testament to a rich past shows in the Central Goldfield’s grand buildings, historic cottages, and gracious homes. Today, many visitors come to walk in the footsteps of the prospectors of the Victorian gold rush era.
Centred in the heart of Victoria’s Golden Triangle, Maryborough is midway between Bendigo and Ballarat, making this picturesque town the perfect base to explore the goldfields of Victoria. Maryborough has a splendid cluster of heritage buildings centred on the Maryborough Civic Centre. The elegant architecture of the courthouse, Town Hall, Post Office and Old Fire Station display the fine workmanship of a bygone era.
Perhaps the most iconic building in the town is the historic Maryborough Railway Station, dating back to the 1890s. The station is reported to have the most extended platform in country Victoria. At the main entrance, admire the highly polished timber ceiling and beautiful tessellated floor.
Upon arrival in Maryborough, guests will be transferred by coach to the luxurious RACV Goldfields Resort, approximately 45 minutes from Maryborough Station, to enjoy dinner and night in a luxurious hotel room.
Set perfectly amongst the history and nature of the Goldfields, mid-way between the mineral springs of Daylesford and the historic city of Ballarat, RACV Goldfields Resort is set in beautiful bushland outside Creswick.
Rooms feature fairways or forest views set amongst the sounds of the Australian bush. Dine on classic favourites and signature dishes featuring quality local produce and seasonal ingredients. Enjoy a luxurious spa treatment (additional) and unwind for the evening.
This evening, join your crew for the Train Manager's welcome drinks, followed by a gourmet dinner.
Friday 31 October
After a gourmet breakfast in the RACV Resort's dining room, guests are transferred to Maryborough to join the Vinelander for the journey north.
Upon arrival in Maryborough, our private standard gauge fleet of carriages will proudly form the Vinelander as we travel north toward the Sunraysia under the power of the diesel locomotives that once hauled the namesake train on its overnight journey to Mildura.
Maryborough's historic railway station is one of the most beautiful in Australia. Departing Maryborough, the Vinelander passes the historic town of Dunolly before continuing north through St Arnaud (where the town's spectacular silo art may be visible) to Donald, where a brief stop is made. Donald is a country town with a lively spirit. Situated on Lake Buloke and close to several famous granite outcrops, the city is also known for the Lions' Train Park, a railfan heaven adjacent to the station.
Continuing north, relax as the flat Mallee plains make way for the arid landscapes of the outback as the Vinelander continues north through towns the trains' famous namesake sped through in the middle of the night - Lascelles, Speed—Tempy and more.
During your time onboard, enjoy locally sourced morning, lunch, and afternoon tea provided in partnership with our regional partners.
Mid-afternoon, the Vinelander will make a stop in Ouyen - a small country town located 441km from Melbourne by road; the Ouyen township is in the heart of the Victorian Mallee and surrounded by a beautiful array of national parks: Wyperfeld, Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray Sunset National Parks. All three parks have an abundance of drought-resistant wildflowers (as many as 100 varieties), unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, with access tracks throughout. Built to serve the dryland grazing surrounding it, Ouyen proudly supports an array of community clubs within the town, including a thriving Football and netball Club, Lawn Bowls, Lawn Tennis Courts, a Golf Course and a Swimming Pool.
Departing north, the train skirts the spectacular Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. This park is typical Mallee country, with extensive low scrub and open native pine woodland. Superbly adapted birds, animals, and vegetation thrive in the poor, sandy soils and searing summers.
Creeks connected to the Murray seasonally fill the freshwater Hattah Lakes, providing food and shelter for waterbirds and fish. The lakes can remain full for up to ten years without flooding, but flooding occurs once every two years.
Continuing north along the Calder Highway, we will enjoy spectacular views as we pass Red Cliffs to the historic city of Mildura at the crossroads of Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia.
After transferring to your accommodation for the next three nights and settling in, enjoy a gastronomic experience served at the historic Grand Hotel, and be welcomed by Chaffey Trail President Mark Eckel and his amazing team.
Saturday 1 November
Today, visit two of Australia's most spectacular attractions - the moonscapes of Mungo National Park, home to the oldest human remains outside Africa, and Mildura's spectacular Trail of Lights.
Uncover a starkly beautiful landscape of ancient dry lake basins and sand formations in Mungo National Park. Home to Mungo Woman and Mungo Man, this area of NSW is rich with Aboriginal history and significant to the local indigenous people.
Our Mungo Explorer Experience offers the chance to visit and explore one of the oldest known civilisations outside Africa, walk amongst the moonscape at the Walls of China, and learn more about this fascinating region.
Departing Mildura, travel by coach for just under two hours along an unsealed road deep into the Outback, crossing the Murray River and venturing into the great unknown.
On arrival, enjoy morning tea at the iconic Mungo Lodge before exploring the Woolshed and the Visitors Centre to learn about the region's rich Aboriginal history.
After lunch back at Mungo Lodge, we will be joined by Barkindji guides to tour the spectacular moonscapes of the Walls of China before returning to Mildura for dinner.
After dinner, prepare to be captivated by the Trail of Lights, a transcendent experience that allows connection with both the artwork and the natural environment.
Through the interplay of 12,500 firefly lights, Gone Fishing sculptures, and the natural landscape, the lights, curated by British artist Bruce Munro, will not disappoint.
From the iconic Field of Light at Uluru to the mesmerising Sensorio in the rolling hills of Paso Robles in California, Munro’s installations are more than just art; they're experiences.
His work is a captivating blend of creativity and engineering. Thousands of lights come together to tell stories of wonder and human connection.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where imagination meets reality, and light becomes the ultimate storyteller. This piece invites contemplation and reflection, creating a space for introspection and wonder.
As night falls, this spectacle will turn Lock Island into a must-visit destination for locals and visitors. Don’t miss this chance to see art and nature come alive in a whole new way!
Sunday 2 November
Mildura is a vibrant regional city of contrasts. From the Murray River to the outback, there is something for everyone. While we can only sample the tip of this fascinating region's attractions, we hope your brief stay whets your appetite for a longer journey to the area.
Today is about doing as much or as little as you choose! Our flexible touring options, casual breakfast and lunch options and the relaxing cruise this afternoon are just what the doctor ordered after our journey north on the Vinelander.
For those seeking a more active morning, a team of volunteers from the Chaffey Trail and the council will host the historic riverfront, or you can visit Orange World, where Mario will not disappoint! If you feel like a lower-key morning, join our town shuttle for some shopping, a coffee, or just exploring the vibrant community of Mildura.
In the mid-afternoon, join the PB Mundoo on a cruise up the Mighty Murray to the spectacular Trentham Estate.
After sampling some of the region's best wines, enjoy a dinner cruise on the Mundoo back to Mildura.
Monday 3 November
Welcome back on board the Vinelander!
After being picked up and valeted back to Mildura Station, it is time to relax into the rhythm of slow rail travel as we retrace our steps south through Hattah and Ouyen toward Mallee and its many attractions. Settle in next to a panoramic window as we depart Mildura. Chat with newfound friends, read a good book or stare at the majesty of this spectacular state out the window as the Vinelander speeds south.
Mid-morning, the Vinelander will stop in the small town of Lascelles, where guests will be invited to step from the train for an off-train experience marvelling at the spectacular silo artwork which looms above the town.
In Lascelles, Renowned Melbourne Street Artist “Rone” has painted the images of a local couple, Geoff and Merrilyn Horman, on the defunct wheat silos that tower above the town.
The town has a population of only 48 people on a good day, but Rone selected the Horman's above all others. They are a humble couple who are both wise and knowing and have nurtured the town with their vast farming experience and longstanding connection to the area.
Their family has lived in the area for four generations. Geoff and Merrilyn were born in the district and married in Lascelles in 1967. Together with their two sons and their families, they have continued the family tradition of wheat farming and strong community involvement.
Lunch will be served onboard the Vinelander as we make our way south through Birchip, Donald, and St. Arnaud toward Maryborough, our stopping point for the evening.
Arriving in Maryborough, board coaches for the short drive to the luxurious RACV resort - your luxury oasis for the evening. Relax in the resort's exquisite facilities after a long day on the road!
After settling into your overnight accommodation, join your fellow passengers and crew for a final dinner of the tour - a chance to solidify new friendships and relive some of the life-long memories you will have made over the past several days.
Tuesday 4 November
All good things must end, and today, our epic slow rail adventure onboard the Vinelander concludes with a scenic journey back through the Pyrenees, along the flanks of the Grampians and across the western plains toward Geelong and Melbourne.
Today, guests will be offered two options. Either:
Return to Melbourne on our Express Return option, taking advantage of a transfer to Wendouree to board a regular V/Line train arriving at 10:51 a.m. or
Remain onboard the Vinelander to retrace our steps through Ararat to Melbourne, arriving at 7:02 pm.
Those remaining onboard the Vinelander will be transferred to Maryborough to reboard the train, which will then set out west along the little-seen Ararat to Maryborough cross-country freight line.
The Standard Gauge railway line between Ararat and Maryborough is rarely used by passenger trains—ours is the first to operate along since standardisation. While high-speed Velocity trains operate on the broad-gauge network speed between Maryborough and Melbourne in approximately two hours via Ballarat, our leisurely 7-hour slow rail experience sees us loop the west of the state. We spend the morning travelling 87km west to Ararat before setting the course south to Maroona and Cressy and finally east through Geelong to Melbourne!
Joining Ararat's main Western Standard Gauge line, the Vinelander speeds toward Melbourne across one of the state's most productive wheat and canola growing regions.
It's not long before the open vistas outside are once again replaced with Melbourne's suburbs, and all too soon, the train arrives back into the modern world at Southern Cross Station, right on time.
Those taking the express return option will be bused to Wendouree Station, where they will board an escorted V/Line service back to Melbourne, arriving mid-morning.
Onboard Facilities and Package Inclusions
Enjoy a premium epic adventure while staying in the region's best hotels, travelling in spacious carriages, and attending premium events.
Inclusions:
Enjoy the best experience the regions we visit can offer. Your package includes all meals, tours, transfers, accommodation and more!
Onboard The Vinelander
Accommodation will be in the following hotels en route:
The Goldfields (Two nights): RACV Goldfields Resort
Sitting on 150 acres in Victorian Spa Country, RACV Goldfields Resort features various wellness facilities, rooms, and suites with luxurious spa baths. It also has an impressive 18-hole championship golf course on site.
The resort has health and wellness facilities, ideal for guests seeking a relaxing break or business travellers who need to unwind. Swim in the pool, enjoy a post-journey game of tennis, or work out in the gym before spending a peaceful afternoon in the spa.
Mildura: (Three nights):
Grand Hotel Mildura, the Commodore Motel or Equivalent
Please note: While Slow Rail Journeys has done extensive work to source the best rooms in Mildura, Mildura is a regional town and hotel rooms are clean and functional rather than luxurious and are not at the standard of our accommodation in Creswick.
Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel Mildura's sophisticated accommodation is in a historic building opposite the beautiful Murray River in the heart of Mildura. Mildura is a modern and vibrant town between Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Whether planning a holiday to Mildura itself or simply passing through, the Quality Hotel Mildura Grand offers a very convenient and relaxing place to stay. Note that some rooms at the Grand are small, with limited viewing windows.
Commodore Motel
Superbly located opposite Mildura's majestic Murray River and within walking distance to the shopping and dining precinct, the Commodore Motel's renovated rooms are some of Mildura's most comfortable and recently refurbished.
Optional Upgrades
Enjoy the very best with the following optional upgrades available:
Room+: Upgrade to a Fairway View or above room at the RACV Goldfields Resort and a Superior or above room in Mildura
Space+: Upgrade to receive more space onboard the train, including guaranteed No-Neighbour seating. Enjoy a booth of four for single packages and six for twin packages.
Please note these upgrades are limited by capacity.
Route Map
Locomotives
Our train will feature two locomotives from our heritage diesel fleet.
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