Journey Beyond welcomes Vintage Rail Journeys to its portfolio

Emily MurphyBy 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)

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.
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.
See all articles
hero of gift guide
Australia

A Christmas gift guide for the travellers in your life

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping this year with our curated selection of memorable gifts.

Read more
A woman sits with her dog at her campsite by a campfire at Misty Mountain in NSW
Australia

The best-rated spots for a scenic hiking and camping trip in one

AllTrails and HipCamp teamed up to reveal the top 10 ‘tent-to-trail’ list; the best hiking and camping spots to visit in one holiday for plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature.

Read more
Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf in Elf
Australia

The ultimate 2025 Christmas movie watchlist

The holiday season is here, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with a solid movie marathon?  

Read more
An Aurora Australis display at night along the coastline
Australia

The aurora australis could light up Australian skies tonight

A major solar storm could bring one of the best aurora australis chances of the year.

Read more
hero media

Harbour views and seasonal luxuries: this Sydney hotel is elevating Christmas

    Aaron GillBy Aaron Gill
    Continue
    Luxury meets hyper-local hospitality with an exclusive Christmas stay package and menu you’ll want to be present for.

    An Aussie Christmas is like no other. December signals the start of summer, celebrations and festive cheer. While Mariah Carey might not have defrosted just yet, we’ve got less than 100 days left of the year. So it’s time to start planning. Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney is reimagined with a luxurious festive stay package. Celebrate with a curated summer tote, a special seasonal menu that captures the flavours of a Sydney summer and cocktails crafted to capture the spirit of a harbourside Christmas.

    This is your sign to skip the end-of-year chaos and let Christmas be taken care of for you.

    A stay at Park Hyatt

    couple with champagne on the balcony of their park hyatt sydney room
    Gaze out from your balcony to see Sydney’s icons.

    If you love a room with a view, imagine waking up on Christmas Day to the sound of waves and a sunrise over the iconic Sydney Opera House. Step out to your private balcony to soak in the sun, and you’ll find you’re on the doorstep to the coastal cobblestone charm of Sydney’s very own Christmas boulevard, The Rocks.

    Enter Park Hyatt Sydney, a 155-room harbour-side hotel, centered in the beating heart of a historic neighbourhood, seamlessly blending life’s little luxuries with living like a local. Spend long, summer days lounging by the rooftop pool with 360-degree views of this harbour city or indulge in tailored treatments at The Spa.

    aerial of park hyatt sydney rooftop pool
    Spend summer days by the rooftop pool.

    Be seated in The Dining Room, overlooking sparkling waters, to taste the vibrancy of an Australian summer. Led by Executive Chef Tyson Gee, discover a lunch and dinner menu that heroes coastal ingredients.

    The festive stay package

    Park Hyatt Sydney has introduced a festive stay package to up the Christmas spirit. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in a guest room or suite with uninterrupted views, valet parking and a full breakfast for two in The Dining Room.

    The Summer Kit

    branded tote bag of park hyatt sydney with the sydney opera house in background
    Take home a branded tote bag.

    Because it’s an Aussie Christmas, guests booking the package will also receive a curated, limited-edition Summer Christmas kit stocked with seasonal luxuries, including the hotel’s first-ever branded merch.

    Think a signature Park Hyatt Sydney sun cap and Aesop sunscreen valued at $300, all in a branded luxury tote bag. This kit will also be available for purchase throughout December, if you’re in need of any gift ideas.

    The details

    The festive stay package applies to stays from 1 – 27 December, with a limited number of suites available. Guests can book using the exclusive offer code XMAS25 on parkhyattsydney.com . They can also call +61 2 9256 1234 or email sydney.park.accommodation@hyatt.com.

    Christmas dining

    christmas menu at the dining room restaurant in park hyatt sydney
    Taste a special Christmas menu at The Dining Room.

    For the gourmands who want to participate in the festivities but are unable to stay as an overnight guest, Park Hyatt Sydney can still be your Christmas go-to. Taste Chef Tyson Gee’s themed culinary creations throughout December .

    From 1 – 24 December, diners can book a Christmas Afternoon Tea from $95 pp. Prepare for Christmas flavours like braised turkey pie with cranberry gel, plus gingerbread and salted vanilla bûche de Noël and a chocolate hazelnut bauble for dessert.

    On Christmas Day, The Dining Room and The Living Room will both offer a five-course menu from $425 per person. Start with a glass of NV Taittinger Champagne on arrival – accompanied by Sydney’s finest seafood – and end with a reimagined mango pavlova, with rice pudding and pink peppercorn.

    “Our vision was to capture the flavours of a harbourside Australian Christmas,” says Gee. “Guests will enjoy seafood at its best, from fresh oysters to cured ocean trout, paired with tropical fruit accents and festive touches like glazed Berkshire ham and roast duck. Every dish has been imagined for a harbourside Christmas celebration.”

    Guests can also enjoy a range of seasonal cocktails crafted by Head Mixologist Kevin Botte, including the Christmas Negroni, Christmas Mulled Wine and a Christmas Cocktail/Mocktail.

    Exploring Sydney

    woman drinking festive cocktail in the dining room restaurant of park hyatt sydney
    The best of Sydney is right on your doorstep.

    For those planning a visit, Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney means you’re perfectly situated to explore the best of Sydney.

    The hotel is mere steps away from the icons, from Sydney Opera House to the Harbour Bridge, along with the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Add open-air galleries full of murals and explore the nearby cobblestone streets.

    Head to the charming Rocks Markets, where the streets transform with seasonal Christmas creations, of the artisan and foodie variety. Then head over to Dawes Point Park for a picnic under the bridge.

    Find more 360-degree rooftop views at the Glenmore, or listen to live music at Brewhouse at Squire’s Landing from Wednesday to Sunday (times vary). There’s something for everyone.

    For more details on Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney, visit parkhyattsydney.com or call +61 2 9256 1234.