DAY 1 Friday 5 September 2025
Melbourne – The Grainlander steam train
At 4pm, meet at the Savoy Hotel, Melbourne for
a welcome meeting and dinner before boarding
the 1960’s era carriages on the Grainlander, a
magnificently hauled historic steam locomotive.
On board, enjoy welcome drinks in the Club
Lounge to meet your fellow travellers and sit
back and relax. *Please note large suitcases
need to be stored at the Savoy Hotel from 10AM
today. There’s an optional tour available to the
Newport Railway Workshops at 1pm at an extra
cost. Overnight: The Grainlander steam train (D)
DAY 2 Saturday 6 September 2025
The Grainlander steam train
Enjoy breakfast on board as your train pulls into
Wycheproof in the heart of the Mallee region.
The Grainlander will then steam past Nullawil
to see spectacular silo artwork in Lascelles,
Roseberry and Patchewollock. In the late
afternoon, we visit the inland sea of Lake Tyrell,
YOUR ITINERARY which is likely the highlight of the weekend for
many. Enjoy a sparkling wine reception as the
red hues of the sun disappear over the horizon
at sunset. Enjoy a delicious dinner and return to
the train for a restful sleep as the train remains
stabled in Sea Lake.
Overnight: The Grainlander steam train (B,L,D)
DAY 3 Sunday 7 September 2025
The Grainlander steam train – Melbourne
Awake to a beautiful sunrise and enjoy
breakfast in the dining car. Settle into a
relaxing day of slow rail travel as the Mallee
melts into the Ironbark Forest and undulating
countryside of the Goldfields region. The
Grainlander makes a short stop at the
historic station in Maryborough to service
the locomotive where you can get off and
stretch your legs. Continue to Southern Cross
Station, Melbourne where our train will arrive
and terminate at 6PM. Transfer to the nearby
Savoy Hotel for check in. Free evening.
Overnight: Savoy Hotel, Melbourne (B,L)
DAY 4 Monday 8 September 2025
Q Train – Melbourne
This morning, we take the ferry from Docklands
across Port Phillip Bay to Portarlington before
transferring to Drysdale for a ride on the Q
Train – Australia’s most exclusive rail-restaurant
and an elegant throwback to the golden era of
nostalgic train travel. Ride in lovingly restored
carriages along the historic Bellarine Railway,
while being treated to some of the region’s best
produce, wine, beer and cider at lunch. Return
by ferry to Melbourne where the rest of your
evening is free.
Overnight: Savoy Hotel, Melbourne (B,L)
DAY 5 Tuesday 9 September 2025
Walhalla
This morning, you’ll board your coach and travel
through scenic countryside to the sleepy town
of Walhalla. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy lunch on
the platform at the Walhalla Train Station before
enjoying a ride on the privately chartered
Walhalla Goldfields Railway. Return to the town
to wander the historical heart of town. Enjoy
dinner at your hotel in the company of their
engaging owner and your group.
Overnight: The Star Hotel, Walhalla (B,L,D)
DAY 6 Wednesday 10 September 2025
Yarra Valley
After breakfast, travel by coach through the scenic Yarra Valley to the award winning De Bortoli Wines Cellar Door and Restaurant for lunch and wine tasting. Travel to Healesville and board the privately chartered Yarra Valley Railway for a ride on a 1940s Walker Rail Motor. Travel through the countryside, returning to the heritage listed Healesville station for a railway workshop tour. Travel onto your winery hotel where the rest of your evening is free. Overnight: Château Yering, Yarra Valley (B,L)
DAY 7 Thursday 11 September 2025
Kerrisdale – Seymour
Enjoy a free morning, before transferring by coach to the Kerrisdale Mountain Railway for a workshop tour with the wonderfully eccentric hosts, followed by a ride on their narrow-gauge railway with fine views of the Goulburn Valley. Later, enjoy free time in central Seymour for lunch, and tour the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre to see their rollingstock, including royal and vice regal cars, before enjoying dinner in their iconic Spirit of Progress dining car. Overnight: New Crossing Place, Seymour (B,D)
DAY 8 Friday 12 September 2025
Silo Art – Bright
This morning, you will take a road of discovery on the North East Victoria Silo Art Trail, where you will experience art on a large scale at the silos at Goorambat, Devenish, and St James. Stop in Benalla for a takeaway lunch at a local bakery (at your own cost), and travel to Glenrowan where you will tour the Ned Kelly Museum and Homestead before arriving in Bright. Springtime in Bright is like watching the world reawaken. As the snow lingers on the alpine peaks, the valley below begins to bloom, with streets and fields bursting with flowers. Free evening.
Overnight: Bright Colonial Motel, Bright (B)
DAY 9 Saturday 13 September 2025
Myrtleford – Beechworth – Bright
This morning, you’ll tour the former Bright Railway Station, now a museum and visit Myrtleford to see antiques and artisan crafts from Japan, Morocco and India at Red Ramia Trading, before relaxing at Cafe Fez. Moving on, you’ll tour the historic town of Beechworth, including the famous Beechworth Bakery where you can try one of their famous pies and custard slices at lunch. Arrive in Bright where your afternoon is free to enjoy a stroll around the scenic centre. Why not enjoy dinner in one of the town’s stylish restaurants or tapas bars? Overnight: Bright Colonial Motel, Bright (B)
DAY 10 Sunday 14 September 2025
Goldfields Railway – Maldon – Castlemaine
Drive to Castlemaine and enjoy a ride on the Victorian Goldfields Railway to Maldon. On board, step back in time to an era of first-class elegance and decadence, enjoy the scenery from the heritage parlour car viewing platform, or perhaps purchase a drink from the bar. Enjoy free time in Maldon, notable for its 19th-century appearance, maintained since gold-rush days before returning on the railway to Castlemaine, which is known for its arts scene, gold rush history, and fine food and wine. Enjoy free time at dinner near the stylish Theatre Royal. Overnight: Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine (B)
DAY 11 Monday 15 September 2025
Bendigo – Daylesford – Castlemaine
This morning, travel to Bendigo and step aboard a Vintage Talking Tram and see the craftsmanship that has gone into restoring each railcar, appreciating why Bendigo’s trams are such an integral part of the city’s identity. Tour the Central Deborah Goldmine, wander the historical centre and enjoy free time at the 19th century Shamrock Hotel at lunch. Arrive at the trendy town of Daylesford to ride on the privately chartered 1920s Diesel Electric Rail Motor, explore the town, and return to Castlemaine where you can enjoy dinner at the The Mill – a lively artisan precinct.
Overnight: Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine (B)
DAY 12 Tuesday 16 September 2025
Puffing Billy – Melbourne
Depart early and travel to the outskirts of Melbourne for a ride on one of the most popular steam railways in the world, the legendary Puffing Billy. This heritage railway was one of the five narrow gauge lines of the Victorian Railways which opened at the beginning of the 20th century. Depart Belgrave in the late morning and travel through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, before enjoying free time for lunch at Lakeside before returning by train to Belgrave. Travel by coach to Melbourne, check into your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Overnight: Savoy Hotel, Melbourne (B,D)
DAY 13 Wednesday 17 September 2025
Melbourne – Depart
Our tour comes to an end this morning after breakfast and hotel check-out. (B).
| Twin Fare per person | Single Fare |
|---|---|
| $6,990 | $8,390 |
The 1950s built Standard Twin Cabin carriages are equipped with two comfortable bunk beds and a private ensuite which includes a shower and vanity (toilet facilities are located in adjacent carriages). The 1950s built Premium Single Cabins are equipped with a single bed and a vanity (toilet and shower facilities are available at the end of each carriage).
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd. A.C.N. 005 817 0781 (Travelrite International) is the tour operator.
Tour Costs: The tours costs are based on transport, accommodation costs and entrance costs at 11 April 2025. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to costings will be made within 60 days of departure.
Deposit and Payment: A non-refundable deposit of $900 per passenger is required at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 60 days before departure. A 1.5% administration charge will be added to payment by Visa, Mastercard and America Express.
Cancellations: Cancellations within 60 days prior to departure will result in the loss of all monies paid. Cancellations outside of 60 days prior to departure will result in the loss of the deposit paid per person. Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
Changes to The Tour Itinerary: Travelrite International reserves the right to make changes to the tour itinerary to fit in with operational requirements. Any changes to the itinerary will be replaced with similar arrangements with an equal or greater value.
Minimum Tour Numbers: The tour has been costed on the basis of a minimum number of passengers having booked 60 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost if the minimum number is not achieved.
Tour Organisation: Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements which do not allow for
any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other
services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Baggage: All passengers qualify for 1 piece free baggage allowance.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibility: Travelrite International Pty Ltd. is the tour organiser. Travelrite International acts only as agents in making of arrangements with carriers, hoteliers and others for the tour. As a result we cannot accept liability for any act or omission whatsoever, whether negligent or otherwise of those carriers, hoteliers or other persons providing services in connection with the tour over whom we have no direct or exclusive control. We do not accept responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, delay, change of schedule or any other events which are beyond our direct control, such as, but not limited to, war, flood, fire, civil disturbance, acts of God, acts of government, or any other authorities, terrorism, accidents to or failure of machinery or equipment, or industrial action. The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the transportation companies or firms and the purchasers of these tours and the passengers. Baggage is at own risk throughout the tour. The contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite International
to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite
International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts
between you and the various providers of accommodation, transporta
tion and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite International
may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as
your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you,
any good or service which Travelrite International reasonably believes is
necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you
or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in
which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint
Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite
International in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite
International advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including
in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a non-refundable deposit of $900 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email sales@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 40 years. It has a fully ATAS accredited (No. A10538) office at Balwyn. As such it directly represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Travel Industry Association –ATIA
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