Journey Beyond welcomes Vintage Rail Journeys to its portfolio

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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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.

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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.

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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? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig Tansley Craig Tansley
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell, is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh. Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel, the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake, or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.