Journey Beyond welcomes Vintage Rail Journeys to its portfolio

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
hero media
Vintage Rail Journeys is Journey Beyond’s newest addition.

Leading experiential tourism group, Journey Beyond, has announced that Vintage Rail Journeys has joined its portfolio of iconic Australian train experiences.

Alongside the likes of The Ghan, the Indian Pacific, the Great Southern and The Overland, Vintage Rail Journeys is in good company in Journey Beyond’s ‘Australia by Train’ portfolio.

Who are Vintage Rail Journeys?

The NSW-based Vintage Rail Journeys offers itineraries throughout the state, from the Golden West Rail Tour which passes through the Hunter Valley and Orange, the North Coast Rail Tour that traverses up the coast through Port Macquarie and the charming villages of the Coffs Coast, and the Riverina Rail Tour which takes you into Australia’s ‘food bowl’.

Exterior view of the historic Rylstone Train Station,Rylstone.
The Golden West Rail Tour stops at Rylstone Train Station. (Image: Amber Hooper)

What makes it an iconic Australian train experience?

Since its inception in 2020, Vintage Rail Journeys has quickly gained recognition for its unique approach to rail tourism.

Founders Simon Mitchell and Danielle Smith purchased 17 ex-Southern Aurora carriages and restored them to their original condition.

“We didn’t want to see these iconic carriages sitting unused in a rail yard. Our vision was to design exceptional tours of regional NSW, offering guests a truly immersive experience and connecting them with the communities and producers along the way," Mitchell said.

Young people with luggage catching a train at Katoombatrain station.
Stop at Katoomba on the Riverina Rail Tour. (Image: Destination NSW)

The vintage 1960s ex-Southern Aurora sleeper train provides guests with a unique journey through Australian rail history.

Journey Beyond chief executive officer Chris Tallent said he was thrilled to welcome guests aboard the restored trains.

“Vintage Rail Journeys perfectly complements our existing world-class rail operations, including The Ghan, Indian Pacific, Great Southern and The Overland," Tallent said.

“We will be thrilled to welcome guests aboard these restored carriages in 2025, on one of our immersive rail experiences across regional NSW."

Young people catching a train at Katoomba train station.
Jump onboard in Katoomba. (Image: Destination NSW)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

What do passengers need to know?

Revised itineraries, departure dates and pricing will be released in July for the 2025 season.

About Journey Beyond

In addition to its ‘Australia by Train’ portfolio, Journey Beyond also comprises small group tour operator Outback Spirit, luxury safari-style accommodation Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, the historic Telegraph Station (one of the best things to do in Alice Springs) and Cruise Whitsundays and its Reefsuites (have you ever gone to the loo underwater?).

an aerial shot of Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
Bask in barefoot luxury at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef. (Image: Justin Bumpstead)

They also look after the Rottnest Express to get you to Rottnest Island, the incredible Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, Darwin Harbour Cruises (one of Darwin’s top activities), Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney and the adrenaline-inducing Melbourne Skydeck and Eureka 89.

seaplane and jetboat with Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures
Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures is an unforgettable experience.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
View profile and articles
the pool at Alex Beach Cabins & Tourist Park, Mooloolaba
Australia

Something in the future.

Read more
Coffee being poured with latte art
Australia

Australia’s best coffee revealed – and it isn’t where you think it is

The judges have spoken, and the flavours taking top honours are ones you’ll want to try.

Read more
The converted bakery and off-grid cabin crowned in best Airbnb stays
Australia

This off-grid Blue Mountains cabin was just crowned Airbnb’s best nature escape

Airbnb just unveiled the winners of its 2025 Australian Host Awards, and the lineup will have you booking your next getaway.

Read more
Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations in South Australia
Australia

What’s on around Australia in October 2025

October is serving culture, colour and creativity.

Read more

6 reasons why Townsville is the new events capital of Queensland

    Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
    hero media
    Continue
    Beyond the sand, sea and food scene, Townsville is shaping up to be the new events capital of the Sunshine State.

    Townsville is quickly making a name for itself as an events capital of Queensland. From worldwide sporting events to celebrations of the arts, there’s never been a better time to align your next tropical getaway with the unbeatable vibes of an event in Townsville.

    The yearly calendar is full, meaning there’s an event for everyone. But these are shaping up to be some of the biggest events in 2025.

    1. North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)

    24 Sep – 12 Oct 2025

    While sun, sea and sand might be the first images conjured up at a mention of Townsville, the tropical city is fast making a name for itself as a cultural hub. Experience it at its best during the North Australian Festival of Arts.

    Over several weeks, the famous Strand in Townsville will be bursting with colour, sound and energy as it celebrates the arts, culture and community. Catch theatre, cabaret, dance, circus acts and so much more. Stop to listen to world-class live music and even get involved with interactive workshops.

    In previous years, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed a free outdoor concert and Brisbane Author, Trent Dalton, was there to share his latest book.

    performers at North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)
    Catch live music and more.

    2. Supercars NTI Townsville 500

    11-13 July, 2025

    Sports fans will be pleased to know that Townsville boasts more than just the NRL Cowboy’s. Those facing the comedown of this year’s Formula 1 can bounce back with the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Each year, the event draws motorsport enthusiasts from around the country as Supercar racing takes over the streets of Townsville.

    Off the race track, the weekend also promises plenty of car tricks and displays – think drifting, car builds and the MotorEx automotive expo  – plus live music, ADF displays, freestyle motocross and more.

    crowd watching Supercars NTI Townsville 500, townsville events
    See supercars take over Townsville.

    3. Australian Festival of Chamber Music

    25 July – 2 Aug 2025

    Clear your ears of the sounds of revving engines with one of the city’s longest-running events,  The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM). Here, some of the world’s most celebrated musicians head to Townsville to perform an impressive 30 concerts over nine days.

    The best part? AFCM features exclusive shows that can only be experienced at the festival, like AFCM Concert Conversations, where visiting festival musicians share their personal and professional lives.

    lead image for Australian Festival of Chamber Music, townsville events
    Experience exclusive events at the AFCM. (Image: Andrew Rankin)

    4. SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week

    28 Aug – 2 Sep 2025

    Just 20 minutes from the city, koala-filled Magnetic Island is a must-do at any time of year. Time the trip for the annual SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week to not only enjoy paradise, but also five days of tropical racing fun with a twist.

    Every August to September, enjoy live bands, parties, beach festivals, markets, long lunches and even mud crab races. All while taking in tropical island views.

    SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week
    Enhance Magnetic Island trips with five days of tropical racing. (Image: TEQ)

    5. Wedgwood: Artists and Industry exhibition

    23 Apr – 24 Aug 2025

    Hailing from England, Wedgwood has been a household name almost since the brand started in 1759 (by Charles Darwin’s grandfather). With over 260 years under the company’s belt since then, its ceramics and designs are popular all over the world.

    And now, Wedgwood: Artists and Industry will showcase highlights of the brand’s history – straight from the UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum – at Townsville’s Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.

    Wedgwood teacup
    See the best of Wedgwood. (Image: Getty/ Photonewman)

    6. Wallabies v Argentina

    6 September

    Rugby fans should time their Townsville getaway for September to add watching the Wallabies clash against Argentina from Queensland Country Bank Stadium to their itineraries.

    The home ground of the NRL North Queensland Cowboys, this vibrant and stylish $185 million sporting venue in South Townsville is the perfect setting to enjoy sports.

    aerial of Queensland Country Bank Stadium in townsville
    See the rugby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. (Image: TEQ)

    Start planning your event-filled getaway at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.

    Journey Beyond Welcomes Vintage Rail Journeys To Its Portfolio - Australian Traveller