Southern Steam Spectacular
From Melbourne - 19 May 2021 - 6 days
from $2,990* pp twin | $3,490* solo
Southern Steam Spectacular 2021 – over two years in the planning in May 2021 Cruise Express and Scott McGregor’s Railway Adventures invite you to join us for six spectacular days of exploration, fun and sensory overload.
This record breaking Australian heritage rail journey is quite unlike any other, travelling behind some of the country’s oldest and finest steam locomotives and carriages. Never before has a tour featured eight steam locomotives in one tour! A feature will be a short run with the 130 year-old locomotive Y112, as well as several sections where two or three locomotives will haul at the same time.
We’ll visit destinations such as the small town of Wycheproof where the line runs right up the middle of the Calder Highway through town! Spend time in Maldon which has retained an authentic pioneer-like appearance with history of the gold-mining era being preserved. We’ll also enjoy the unique pleasure of cruising the Murray River aboard a paddle wheeler at Echuca.
Travel far away from the well-worn main roads through country Victoria along lines that in several instances haven’t seen these locomotives in over half a century! This is your time to sit back as you enjoy sweeping views of the countryside savouring the simple delights of travel, as it used to be. Spectacular!
SOLD OUT!
MAP
Locomotive roster
Wednesday 19th May
Melbourne – Ballarat : R711, R761
Ballarat – Wycheproof : K153, K190
Wycheproof – Sea Lake : K153 – the first K class to haul to Wycheproof and Sea Lake since 1970
Thursday 20th May
Wycheproof – Maryborough : K153, K190
Maryborough – Ballarat : Y112, K153, K190
Ballarat – Melbourne : R761, K190
Friday 21st May
Melbourne mystery tour
Melbourne – Newport – Melbourne : D³ 639
Saturday 22nd May
Melbourne – Castlemaine : A² 986, R761
Castlemaine – Maldon : J549
Sunday 23rd May
Bendigo – Echuca : A² 986 – the first A² to haul solo from Bendigo to Echuca since 1963
Monday 24th May
Echuca – Bendigo : A² 986
Bendigo – Melbourne : A² 986, R761
Locomotive availability and roster is subject to change. Last K class to Sea Lake was K184 on July 25th 1970.
Package Inclusions
19 May 2021 - 6 days - from Melbourne
- (Optional pre-tour hotel stay – see below)
- Steam-hauled daylight journey from Melbourne to Sea Lake
- Coach transfer from Sea Lake to Swan Hill
- 1 night Swan Hill accommodation at a local motel with breakfast
- Coach transfer from Swan Hill to Wycheproof
- Steam-hauled daylight journey from Wycheproof to Melbourne
- 2 nights Melbourne accommodation at the Quality Hotel Batmans Hill on Collins with breakfast daily
- Morning mystery heritage rail tour in Melbourne
- Return heritage rail journey from Melbourne to Newport
- Private inspection at Newport Heritage Railway Workshops with light lunch
- Steam-hauled journey from Melbourne to Castlemaine
- Steam-hauled journey from Castlemaine to Maldon on the Victorian Goldfields Railway
- Coach transfer from Maldon to Bendigo
- 1 night Bendigo accommodation at the Mercure Bendigo Schaller with breakfast
- Steam-hauled journey from Bendigo to Echuca
- Murray River paddle steamer cruise with refreshments
- Farewell dinner in Echuca with beverages
- 1 night Echuca accommodation at a local hotel with breakfast
- Private coach transfers in Bendigo and Echuca
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Professional Cruise Express Tour Managers
Coming from further afield?
Pre-tour hotel stay
We anticipate our train to depart Southern Cross Station at approx. 6am on 19 May. Why not enjoy a convenient overnight stay right across the road from the station?
We will have rooms available nearer the time of departure.
Package Fares
from: $2,990* pp twin share – SOLD OUT
from: $3,490* solo – SOLD OUT
You will be seated in a mixture of comfortable heritage non air-conditioned carriages throughout your journey. Cars will either be open seating or compartment style with up to four passengers per compartment.
from: $3,190* pp twin share – SOLD OUT
from: $3,590* solo – SOLD OUT
You will be seated in heritage air-conditioned carriages^ throughout your journey. Cars will be compartment style with up to four passengers per compartment.
^Cars on the Victorian Goldfields Railway are not air-conditioned
from: $3,390* pp twin share – SOLD OUT
from: $3,790* solo – SOLD OUT
You will be seated in heritage First Class air-conditioned carriages^ throughout your journey. On the Victorian Goldfields Railway you will be seated in the spectacular Tambo and Macedon cars and enjoy a complimentary cheese platter and glass of sparkling.
^Cars on the Victorian Goldfields Railway are not air-conditioned
Carriage images are representative only and may vary according of car type used.
Brochure and Itinerary
View and download
Questions?
Find the answers here
Terms and Conditions
Important Information
Book online or call 1300 766 537
Southern Steam Spectacular 2021
*Fares and inclusions are per person either twin-share or single in AUD. Fares are subject to availability and may change at any time. Train departure and arrival times are subject to change. Locomotives and heritage rail equipment are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. This tour is subject to minimum group numbers being achieved. Ask your Travel Specialist for details. Cruise Express reserves the right to make changes to any details outlined in this brochure, without notice. B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. SOCIAL DISTANCING: This tour will operate under the prevailing Government rules / guidelines / laws at the time of operation.
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Head Office: Sydney NSW
The NSW Central Coast
Perth WA
If you would like to arrange either a face-to-face or virtual meeting please contact us today.
