Southern Food & Wine Rail Adventure 2026

Southern Food & Wine Rail Adventure

10 October 2026 - 7 days

Our Southern Food & Wine Rail Adventure takes a delicious new turn as we travel south through the Riverina by private heritage train, uncovering the hidden culinary gems of regional borderlands of New South Wales and Victoria.

From morning tea in a spectacular private garden to the vibrant citrus sculptures of Griffith. Explore Australia’s largest cactus garden, enjoy a long lunch at De Bortoli Wines in Rutherglen, and unwind with an afternoon cruise on Lake Mulwala. Every stop offers something unique!

Step back in time aboard the iconic former ‘Spirit of Progress’ from Yarrawonga, with scenic stops to view towering silo art en route to Violet Town. Sip local wines over a relaxed lunch at Tallis Winery in Dookie, and cap off your adventure with a spectacular farewell dinner at the acclaimed Miss Amelie restaurant in Wodonga’s heritage Railway Station building.

This is a rail journey well off the beaten track where delicious food, fine wines, and unforgettable regional experiences await at every turn.

Come with us – your taste buds won’t regret it.

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The Cruise Express difference

Unique and exclusive

We privately charter our heritage trains, so you’ll travel as part of an exclusive Cruise Express group. We also visit out of the ordinary places and travel on rail lines rarely used by passenger trains. Our itineraries are unique and carefully curated to allow you more time in each destination. And with our experienced team of Cruise Express Tour Managers onboard, all the little details are taken care of. See more, do more, stay longer!

Holiday Inclusions

Departs 10 October 2026 - 7 days

Daylight heritage rail journey from Sydney Terminal to Griffith with East Coast Heritage Rail incl. lunch onboard
2 nights Griffith accommodation at The GEM Hotel (or similar)
Exclusive morning tea in the garden of Mick & Marj Careri
Griffith town tour including Hermit’s Cave Lookout
Exclusive visit to De Bortoli’s private garden with tastings and lunch
Exclusive dinner at Zecca Handmade Italian
Lunch at Tattersalls Hotel Tocumwal
Visit Cactus Country at Strathmerton
2 nights Yarrawonga accommodation at the Sebel Hotel (or similar)
Visit Byramine Homestead with morning tea
Exclusive tour, tastings and lunch at De Bortoli Wines Rutherglen
Lake Mulwala cruise aboard paddle steamer Cumberoona
Daylight heritage rail journey aboard the former ‘Spirit of Progress’ from Yarrawonga to Violet Town and from Avenel to Albury
View the silo art at St James and Devenish
Exclusive lunch at Rye at Tallis Winery
1 night Shepparton accommodation at Quality Parklake (or similar)
Visit Museum of Vehicle Evolution
Lunch at Rabbit Hole Inn at Avenel
Farewell dinner and drinks at the acclaimed Miss Amelie restaurant in Wodonga
1 night Albury accommodation at the Atura Hotel (or similar)
Daylight heritage rail journey from Albury to Sydney Terminal with East Coast Heritage Rail incl. lunch onboard
Group transfers throughout
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Cruise Express Tour Manager & Escorts

^Passengers may embark / disembark at Campbelltown, Moss Vale or Goulburn
˜Breakfast on the first morning will be served to passengers embarking at Sydney Terminal and Campbelltown only. Light dinner on the last evening will be served to passengers disembarking at Moss Vale, Campbelltown and Sydney Terminal only.

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Tour Fares

$4,990^* pp double / twin
$5,490^* solo

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Brochure & Itinerary

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Questions?

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