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
a spacious apartment with marina view at Trinity Point, Lake Macquarie NSW 
Australia

Australia’s newest hotels worth planning a trip for

Check into Australia’s most exciting new hotel openings, from buzzy city stays to dreamy coastal escapes.

Read more
Curtains Jazz Club
Australia

The standout new restaurants to try across Australia

Australia’s dining scene never sits still – and these are the openings, revamps and buzz-worthy venues worth knowing about right now.

Read more
park hyatt sydney exterior
Australia

7 luxe Aussie hotels made the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards for the first time

Australian luxury hotels have been ranked as some of the best in the world.

Read more
coolest converted hotels
Australia

Australia’s coolest converted hotels revealed

From former banks and prisons to convents, silos and shearing sheds, Australia’s historic buildings are being reborn as boutique escapes. 

Read more
hero media

7 features of a quintessential Aussie road trip

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
    Continue
    No one does road trips like Australians. Make your journey perfect.

    The humble road trip is a way of life in Australia, and it’s not the same here as it is anywhere else. Sure, you could fly, but then you’re missing out on the bonding time and priceless memories that get made along the way (good or bad, you’ll be sharing them for years to come). Not to mention, some of Australia’s most worthwhile and untouched places can only be accessed by road .

    But how to ensure your road trip is quintessentially perfect? Why use this checklist, of course.

    1. Start with the perfect vehicle

    A woman sitting while reading inside Star RV Motorhomes spacious Polaris 6.
    Relax with stunning views in a spacious motorhome. (Image: Demi Gavin)

    I can tell you from experience, nothing will push even the most tight-knit group to devolve into chaos and fighting faster than a vehicle that isn’t up to the task of a proper road trip. Enter the premium options of Star RV Motorhomes.

    They have a range of sizes to suit any group, from solo travellers and couples to families. And they’re designed to be easy to drive.

    Take the Polaris 6 , for example. This light-filled sanctuary of comfort has plenty of space for bigger groups. Three double beds, a shower and toilet, and an extendable awning (with room to move between them all) make it perfect for exploring Australia.

    Couples might prefer the Polaris 2 with a fully self-contained bathroom, kitchen and a bed for two that transforms into comfortable seating during the day. Both models are pet-friendly.

    2. Pack the tastiest snacks

    A couple having a picnic beside Star RV Motorhomes.
    Make use of the spacious storage in your Star RV.

    Road trip snacks are an Australian art. Some, you’ll need to pick up along the way. We’re talking the iconic Chico Roll, choccie milk and maybe a sneaky potato scallop (or several).

    Others, you can pack ahead of time to save on time and, usually, money. Thankfully, Star RV Motorhomes all come with plenty of storage space, so your snacks can last as long as your road trip. Think fresh fruit and other supplies to cook lunch and dinner along the way. Plenty of lollies and maybe even some soft drinks and Red Bulls for the road.

    Not to mention, many Star RV motorhomes have a kitchen onboard, complete with a full-size kitchen, so you won’t need to lug an esky around.

    3. Bring your pet for the ride

    A child and its pet inside Star RV Motorhomes.
    Travel Australia with your four-legged co-pilot. (Image: Erin Bacchi)

    Man’s best friend is essential for a truly Aussie road trip. Pet-friendly Star RV Motorhomes not only mean your dog (or cat, if they enjoy the open road more than mine do) can experience Australia with you, but that you save a small fortune on pet sitters or dog hotels.

    4. Prepare the perfect soundtrack

    Two people having coffee with a view.
    Chase the journey and the destination.

    No ifs, ands or buts, the perfect soundtrack can make or break a road trip. It’s really up to you, but we recommend plenty of Australian classics. Cold Chisel never hits quite the same as when you’re listening to it with only gumtrees and kangaroos for company.

    Of course, this means you’ll also need a good sound system to listen to your carefully curated tunes on. Star RV motorhome sound systems allow you to connect your device and play your own music. Goodbye, spotty radio reception.

    5. A spacious tent and camping gear

    A woman sitting inside Star RV Motorhomes with a view of the lake in the background.
    Enjoy soft linens and space to stretch. (Image: Cariund Hannes)

    If there’s one thing that a road trip can guarantee, it’s a campsite or several. So you’d better source a good sturdy tent, sleeping back, and a camping mattress that probably won’t help much – but it’s better than the ground.

    Or, just hire a motorhome so your vehicle is also your bed, and comfort is a priority (goodbye foam camp mattresses) with linens provided. And you’ll have room to unpack and move around. Heaven.

    6. Plan your toilet breaks

    Typically, an Aussie road trip means pulling over at a good bushy area or finding a horrific pit toilet on the side of the road – the smell of which will stay with you forevermore. If you’re planning to camp, better pack that handy shovel and find a good, bug-free place to dig your own loo hole.

    To avoid that hassle (and smell), forgo the shovel and hire a motorhome with an onboard toilet. When the toilet comes with you, there are no emergency roadside stops. Plus, it’s a whole lot fresher.

    7. Pick the ultimate destination

    Aerial view of the Polaris 6 cruising along a coastal road with sweeping beach views.
    Hit the road, Aussie-style. (Image: Matt Finch)

    Of course, the journey is half the fun. But the other half is an incredible destination. With accommodation and transportation sorted out with one motorhome, you have the flexibility to choose a gorgeous view for the night (or several).

    There are endless views to choose from, like the rugged cliff faces of Queensland’s Carnarvon Gorge National Park. Carnarvon Gorge camping area (near the visitor area) and the Big Bend walkers’ camp both have bushy surrounds and a trail to the gorge itself.

    Or Lake Argyle, Western Australia‘s largest man-made freshwater reservoir. Find the only dedicated camping and caravan park at Lake Argyle Resort.

    Meanwhile, Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria is prolific for its wildlife. Wander through snow gum forests and keep an eye out for wombats, Australian kestrels and more. There are several camp options here.

    Start planning your Australian road trip adventure (and get 15 per cent off on any Star RV motorhome rental in Australia) at starrv.com/au .