Featuring the new-look Explorer Dream & the famous Spirit of Progress

Melbourne to Sydney return

Media Release 

A cruise ship new to Australia and a historic express train that was once the main link between Sydney and Melbourne will feature in a unique, new, seven-day rail and sail adventure between the two cities in February 2020.

Ideal for rail and cruise lovers, the six-night ‘Northern Explorer’ tour will see guests sail to Sydney by cruise ship and return aboard two restored trains – Australia’s famous, former express train, the Spirit of Progress, and the rail motor 621/721.

Hosted by Cruise Express, which specialises in cruises and heritage rail trips, the short break begins in Melbourne on February 13, 2020, with a relaxing, three-night cruise to Sydney via Burnie aboard Dream Cruises’ 1974-passenger ship, Explorer Dream. The ship was recently transformed in a major A$44 million facelift and will begin her maiden season in Australia this summer.

In Sydney, guests will spend two nights at Sydney’s historic, art deco-styled Grace Hotel that dates back to 1930 when it was the headquarters for the department store chain, Grace Brothers. A private morning tea inside the expansive and graceful Queen Victoria Building, completed in 1898, is also included to complement the heritage theme of the trip.

It’s then all aboard the heritage rail motor, 621/721, for a leisurely and nostalgic journey from Sydney to Albury, with morning and afternoon tea included along the way and a café lunch stop inside the heritage-listed Junee Railway Station, which opened in 1878.

The rail motor, built in 1962, features windows that open, allowing passengers to easily take in the ever-changing scenery. During the trip, guests can visit the driver’s cab to see how the train operates.

After a night in Atura Hotel in Albury, passengers will ride the iconic Spirit of Progress train for the final leg to Melbourne. The former express train served the Melbourne-Sydney route from 1937 to 1986. Heritage locomotives will haul the original carriages including compartment, kiosk and parlor cars, with morning tea served onboard.

Exclusive to Cruise Express, the six-night Northern Explorer from Melbourne is available from $2390 per person, twin-share.

Call Cruise Express on 1300 766 537 or visit www.cruiseexpress.com.au