East Coast Rail & Sail

Our North Coast Rail Tour is fast becoming one of our favourites. Every day there is a different view of the NSW coastline and you’ll see the North Coast like never before. Discover the beautiful Hastings River at Port Macquarie, the breathtaking hinterland rainforest and eclectic community of the Northern Rivers region, the crystal-clear creeks and uncrowded surf beaches of the Macleay Valley Coast.

No place like home.

We dedicate this itinerary to our incredible Great Barrier Reef – one of the seven wonders of the natural world.

With three ports from which you can explore the pristine reef, coral cays and tropical islands, take the opportunity to fall in love with Australia all over again. 

Your Fly, Rail & Cruise Package Includes:

• $500 flight credit per person
• 1 night 4-star accommodation in Sydney with breakfast
• 4 night North Coast Rail Tour in a Heritage Twin cabin, Sydney return
• Includes all dining, wines, beverages, tea & coffee plus off-train experiences
• 3 nights 4-star accommodation in Sydney with breakfast
• 10 night Barrier Reef Discovery cruise onboard Pacific Adventure, Sydney return (operated by Carnival)
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
• A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment
• Select private transfers

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 13-31 July 2025

Solo traveller pricing available

North Coast Rail Tour

Highlights & Inclusions:

• All-inclusive dining, wines, beverages, tea & coffee throughout your journey
• Explore Port Macquarie on a scenic lunch cruise
• Take in the sights & surrounds of the Byron Bay Lighthouse
• Discover some of Australia’s cultural icons at the Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey
• Enjoy some of Maitland’s historical and cultural icons with a day of touring

Rail Itinerary:

Day 1 | Central Station, Sydney – McLeay Valley

Your North Coast adventure starts at Sydney Central Station, aboard the Aurora Australis. Stepping onboard you may either choose to relax in the lounge carriage, or settle into your cabin while we travel north out of Sydney. Lunch will be served onboard the train today as we travel north headed for Kundabung. Enjoy an afternoon of onboard trivia and musicas you take in the spectacular views of the Hawkesbury River, alongside Mullet Creek and through the ‘Venice of Australia’ to Brisbane Water. We skirt around Newcastle and on to Maitland in the Hunter Valley, where we turn right to join the meandering North Coast Line. At Gloucester, the North Coast Line starts to follow the Gloucester River, continuing the enjoyment of travelling beside the water. Relax and meet your fellow train travellers over dinner onboard as we stable overnight at Kundabung.

Day 2 | Port Macquarie

Enjoy breakfast onboard the Aurora Australis before boarding coaches to explore Port Macquarie. We’ll take a scenic lunch cruise of the tranquil waters of Port Macquarie, with the possibility of seeing dolphins, turtles, osprey and sea eagles. Enjoy the peaceful rural landscapes and abundant wildlife on the Hastings River. Enjoy lunch onboard your cruise, before travelling via coach to Kempsey Station and rejoining the train. This afternoon you’ll experience more beautiful scenery, travelling inland before turning towards the coast again travelling along the water, past Sawtell and through Coffs Harbour. This evening the train stables at Nammoona.

Day 3 | Byron Bay

Enjoy breakfast onboard the Aurora Australis before choosing one of two off-train experiences for the day.

Option 1 – Byron Bay Lighthouse

Option 2 – Zentvelds Coffee Plantation

Tonight enjoy another delicious dinner onboard, as we begin our return journey south, and stable for the evening in Kundabung.

Day 4 | Kempsey

Enjoy breakfast onboard the train before boarding coaches to enjoy a scenic drive to the Trial Bay Gaol. The gaol opened in 1886 after 13 years of construction. It must have been a strange feeling building a prison in such a beautiful setting. Today, this picturesque historic ruin stands as a testament to those who lived and died here, with a museum and memorial for visitors to get a better idea of life in those days. It’s then onto the Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey. An innovative museum dedicated to Australia’s Cultural Icons, Slim Dusty and Joy McKean. The museum honours the positive impact on rural and regional Australia by these two stalwarts of the Australian country music scene. You will also enjoy lunch at the Slim Dusty Centre. Coaches will return you to our train where we will continue south along the North Coast Railway line to The Rail Motor Society, Paterson where we will be stabling for the night. The rolling hills of this prime dairy country are really shown to best effect as sunset approaches. Dinner will be served onboard the train this evening as we arrive and stable in Paterson.

Day 5 | Maitland – Sydney

Enjoy your last breakfast onboard the Aurora Australis at The Rail Motor Society, Paterson. Today we will discover Maitland where you’ll spend time at the 1870 built Grossmann House, restored by the National Trust in the 1960’s and the Maitland Regional Art Gallery. At Maitland you’ll board the train for the last time and enjoy lunch onboard. As you travel back past Brisbane Water and the Hawkesbury River, enjoy one more dinner onboard before concluding your rail journey at Central Station, Sydney.

Cruise Itinerary:

Prices listed are per person in AUD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 27-08-2024 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.