Southern Steam Spectacular
From Melbourne - 19 May 2021 - 6 days 12 SEATS LEFT
from $2,990* pp twin | $3,490* solo
Southern Steam Spectacular 2021 – over two years in the planning! In May 2021 Cruise Express 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 highlight 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 railway 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 at Echuca aboard a paddle wheeler.
Travel far away from the well-worn main roads through country Victoria along lines that haven’t seen these locomotives in over half a century! Sit back as you enjoy sweeping views of the countryside and savour the simple delights of travel as it used to be. Spectacular!
VERY LIMITED SPACE!
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 Batmans Hill on Collins with breakfast daily
- Morning mystery heritage rail tour in Melbourne
- Return heritage rail journey from Melbourne to Newport
- Private inspection with light lunch at Newport Heritage Railway Workshops
- 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 wheeler 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 an early morning (approx. 6am) departure from Southern Cross Station on Wednesday 19 May. Why not enjoy a convenient overnight stay right across the road from the station?
Rooms available at the Batman’s Hill on Collins to book now. Ask us for full details.
Package Fares
from: $2,990* pp twin share – 7 seats left
from: $3,490* solo – WAITLIST
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 – 5 seats left
from: $3,590* solo – WAITLIST
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
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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
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