Ffestiniog Travel

In conjunction with The Travel Bureau

This holiday is operated by The Travel Bureau ATOL 3368

Wednesday 18 April to 3 May 2012

Enjoy eight days of steam, including exclusive charters, plus some memorable rail journeys on the XPT, Tilt train and the renowned “India-Pacific”. Our fifth tour to Australia will cover new territory, as well as the regular visit to the incredible Maitland Steam Festival – the 2012 event hopefully featuring the famous semi-streamlined 3801.

Days 1 and 2   Flight to Adelaide

Evening flight from London Heathrow via Singapore to Adelaide.

Day 3   Arrive Adelaide

Morning arrival into Adelaide, stay four nights at the Mercure Hotel situated near the rail station. Take a relaxing afternoon excursion by tram to the beach at Glenelg.

Day 4   Port Augusta and the “Ghan”

Depart by private coach from the hotel travelling north to Port Augusta for a ride over a remaining portion of the old 3’6” gauge “Ghan” railway. Hauled by one of the original “Ghan” steam locomotives our 39km trip takes us to the outback town of Quorn where there is time for lunch in a typical “pub” and a visit to the workshop. After photographing the train heading back to Port Augusta we depart by private coach to Adelaide.

Day 5   Steamer and Steam

By private coach to Goolwa for a morning two-hour exclusive charter along the mighty Murray River on board the 1908 wooden paddle steamer “Oscar W” followed by a steam train ride over the broad gauge (5’3”) line to Victor Harbour plus a horse drawn tram ride over the causeway and bridge.

Day 6   Museum Day in Port Adelaide

Travel by local rail service to National Railway Museum, Port Adelaide, where you can see engines from thee gauges. We also have a special charter train using 3’6” gauge steam locomotive “Peronne” of 1919. Enjoy some free time in Port Adelaide – perhaps visit the adjacent Aviation Museum, the Maritime Museum, take a cruise on the river or relax over a drink at one of the historic hotels.

Day 7   “Indian-Pacific” to Sydney

Transfer to Adelaide Parklands rail station and board mid morning departure of the classic and famous “Indian-Pacific” train bound for Sydney. Travelling in Gold Class includes two-course lunch and three-course dinner in the stylish Queen Adelaide Restaurant and access to the Outback Explorer Lounge. Twin cabins feature en-suite toilet, shower and wash-basin (single cabins have a washbasin but toilet and showers are at the end of each car).

Day 8   Arrive Sydney

After full cooked breakfast in the restaurant car we arrive into Sydney mid morning. Our hotel is just across the square from the station. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Sydney – Circular Quay and the Bridge, Darling Harbour and much more.

Day 9   Steam Charter

Morning Countrylink diesel railcar from Sydney to Canberra for a special standard gauge steam charter train to Queanbeyan and return using 4-6-0 No. 3016 of 1914. Return by diesel railcar later in day to Sydney.

Day 10   Blue Mountains

By local electric train service into the Blue Mountains to Valley Heights for another excusive charter of the superb 1891 steam tram engine and the Stephenson 0-6-0T. There is a “ladies” option to visit Katoomba for the Sky-Rail cable way offering incredible views over the Blue Mountains (Sky-rail payable locally). Later in the day return to Sydney for our luggage and continue over another scenic rail route to Wickham near Newcastle for three nights stay.

Days 11 and 12   Maitland Steamfest

Two full days at the Maitland Steamfest with at least three engines in steam with regular runs over the main lines to Branxton and Paterson. We will also board one of the steam trains on the amazing chase on Sunday morning over the four-track mainline to Maitland. It is hoped (subject to the boiler problems being solved) that the magnificent semi-streamlined 3801 will be in attendance. We have included a return steam ride and the chase in the tour cost. In addition there will be a vintage railmotor providing trips, traction engines in action, stands, exhibits and excursions to the Richmond Vale steam line and much more over the two day event.

Day 13   Onwards to Brisbane

Morning departure by XPT train from Broadmeadow north through New South Wales to Casino, then coach connection to Brisbane in Queensland. Overnight at the Holiday Inn, right at the station.

Day 14   Tilt Train to North Gympie

Travel by local train to Ipswich for a visit to the steam restoration workshop and museum before taking the afternoon 3’6” gauge Tilt train to North Gympie – a three and a half hour run. Stay two nights at the Royal Hotel.

Day 15   Steam through the Outback

A full day 80km ride behind steam on the “Mary Valley Rattler” travelling via  outback towns and villages (opportunity to sample the local cheeses and wines or a look in at the Wednesday markets) until we reach Imbil where the engine is turned. We arrive back at Gympie later in the afternoon.

Day 16   Return to Brisbane for evening Flight Home

Early morning Tilt train from North Gympie to Brisbane connecting onwards by rail to the airport for our flight home arriving the following morning.

Days 17   Homeward Flight and Arrival at Heathrow