Journey aboard the Riverlander to explore the spectacular Goulburn Valley and Riverina regions of Victoria and Southern New South Wales. Be amazed by the once derelict silos that have been transformed into giant canvasses hosting spectacular art works along the Northeast Silo Art Trail. Visit some of Australia's most unique and high quality providers, farms and attractions along the Murray Farm Gate Trail. Dine in some of the best pubs and enjoy the best gastronomic experiences in the region. Don't miss this spectacular weekend Slow Rail Journey to one of the most interesting corners of Victoria.
Fares range from $850-$1,295 per person
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highlights
Step back in time onboard The Riverlander to enjoy a weekend of slow rail travel to some of Northeastern Victoria (and far Southern New South Wales)'s most beautiful townships and famous attractions.
itinerary
Entering Melbourne's busy Southern Cross Station you will immediately notice our historic steam locomotive R707 and our moving museum of carriages juxtaposing the modernity and hustle surrounding. From the moment you board you'll immediately relax and enter the elegance of a bygone era.
At 10:10 pm The Riverlander will wake up the station as the whistle is sounded announcing our departure. Join your fellow travellers and tour organisers in one of two luxury Club Carriages with a welcome aboard drink and evening supper as we head north out of the city. Enjoy drinks at the bar as the train climbs the Great Dividing Range and pulls into Seymour for a resupply stop.
During the night our train will steam up the lower Goulburn Valley leaving the main Melbourne - Sydney standard gauge line at Mangalore and passing through Nagambie and Murchison East. In the very early morning we will arrive Shepparton and shunt into the freight yard for a few hours of movement free sleep.
Waking in one of Victoria's most dynamic regional cities, guests enjoy breakfast onboard before boarding coaches to tour the Northeast Silo Art Trial. Victoria’s North East Art Trail takes in silos and art exhibitions in an area covering some of Victoria’s most eclectic small towns.
Our first stop on the Northeast Silo Art Trail will be the small town of Goorambat, where we will tour two amazing artworks. Visit the local Uniting Church where Adnate has painted his depiction of the female aspect of the Holy Trinity spectacularly inside the church.
Then continue to the silos which feature three works by Melbourne street artist Jimmy Dvate, including an endangered bird of prey from the area and a rural landscape.
Continuing along the trail the next stop we will make is in Devenish where artist Cam Scale's three towering murals pay homage to local community involvement in military service. The artwork was unveiled on Anzac Day Eve 2018 and coincides with the 100 year centenary of the end of the First World War.
A short drive takes us to St James, the home of GC Coles who founded the Coles supermarket empire. Coles opened his first store in the town before going on to open the first Coles branded store in Fitzroy. In St James artist Tim Bowtell has dedicated the silo to the story and legend of the man behind the empire.
The final silo along the Northeast Silo Art Trail is in Tungamah where Sobrane Simcock (the first Australian female artist to paint a silo) has depicted some of the regions diverse birdlife - including dancing brolgas, a galah and a kookaburra onto the massive canvass above.
After lunch in a quintessential country pub our coaches will return us to Shepparton Station to continue our Slow Rail Journey north through the Rivera and into the redwood forests to the majestic Murray River and onward to Tocumwal, across the bridge in New South Wales.
In Tocumwal an optional off-train experience - a guided walk taking in the local Railway Museum and the historic centre of Tocumwal will be offered.
This evening enjoy dinner served in the Terminus Hotel before retiring to a motionless night of rest onboard.
The following morning awake to the sunshine that makes this area into one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country. After a hearty breakfast onboard board coachesfor today's exploration of the region surrounding Tocumwal along the Murray Farm Gate Trail.
Our first destination, just 8km from Tocumwal, is the Big Strawberry where, just a stone's throw from the Murray, Darren and Tarn Hayes operate one of the region's largest strawberry farms. Over a scone enjoy all things strawberry continuing along the trail.
Next visit an organic farm gate to discover how delicious healthy natural food can be. Operating since 1988, Aintree Farm Organics offers an extensive range of products from their produce of hemp, almond, olive and honey.
Next stop for lunch and an experience that is out of this world. Visit desert landscape like no other at Australia's largest cactus farm. Sandy walking trails weave their way through the 12 acres of garden making for an unforgettable trip. There are eight paths to explore and plenty to see and do before enjoying a spectacular lunch in the restaurant.
After lunch coaches will return to Tocumwal in time for a early afternoon departure to Melbourne. Relax in our luxurious lounge car, enjoy a drink at the bar or rest in your compartment as our train winds south.
Relax into an afternoon of slow rail travel as afternoon tea is served in the lounge cars. Watch as the landscape changes from the wide fertile river plains to the Great Dividing Range and finally the fringes of Melbourne.
After a spectacular view o descending the range we speed through the suburbs into Melbourne, Southern Cross where our train will arrive and terminate after a weekend that you won't forget.
off-train experiences
fares
timetable
route map
sleeping carriages
Enjoy overnight travel aboard our fleet of heritage sleeping cars.
on-train facilities
The train will feature a fully stocked bar/club car, a luxurious lounge car and Cafe Hudson offering light snacks, espresso coffee and other refreshments along with a number of additional carriages.
locomotives
Our train to will feature diesel locomotives sourced from our Heritage fleet.
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