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This vintage train journey delivers you in style to the Parkes Elvis Festival

Credit: Destination NSW

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
We can’t help falling in love with this vintage rail journey to Parkes’ quirky Elvis-themed festival.

When one thinks of Elvis Presley, a lot of things come to mind: Memphis, blues, gyrating hips. What might be left off that list is the small town of Parkes in New South Wales. But doing so would be wrong. Every year, the Parkes Elvis Festival celebrates the life, music and legacy of Elvis Presley over five days. And this year, visitors can pop on their blue suede shoes and catch a not-so-mysterious train from Sydney to Parkes for the festivities.

Parkes Elvis Festival

elvis presley impersonator performing on stage at the Parkes Elvis Festival
See live music, wander markets and soak up the atmosphere. (Credit: Parkes Elvis Festival)

Next running from 6-10 January 2027, Parkes Elvis Festival started as a spontaneous little shindig put on by local restaurant owners Bob and Anne Steel in 1992. Their restaurant was named Gracelands, so an Elvis-themed party just made sense. And things just grew from there. These days, the whole town gets involved, with the festival attracting over 25,000 Elvis fans each year (more than doubling the local population).

Events run the gamut. From an Elvis tribute artist contest, where national and international artists compete for the title to advance to the next stage of the competition, held in Memphis. To street parades, live music and tribute shows, markets and a whole bunch of wacky, Elvis-themed happenings (think vow renewal ceremonies and a Miss Priscilla competition).

Elvis Festival Train

impersonators in front of a train at the Parkes Elvis Festival
Get your kicks as soon as you depart Sydney. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Departing Sydney on 7 January, Vintage Rail Journeys’ Elvis Festival Train departs for a five-day itinerary blending curated regional experiences and chef-prepared dining with a rock’n’roll flair. It’s a rolling celebration of Elvis, nostalgia and classic Australian hospitality.

“You can’t help but fall in love with the undeniable charm and nostalgia that envelops you on Vintage Rail Journeys," says David Donald, managing director rail & touring at Journey Beyond.

“Imagine the excitement as you join fellow festival-goers, with live entertainment and the beats of Elvis classics that will have your toes tapping from the moment you board."

The journey is all-inclusive, complete with breakfast, lunch, dinner and all beverages onboard. Spend your days getting all shook up in the atmosphere of Parkes and its funky festival, before returning to the train for dinner each evening. Guests also receive tickets to the main event, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Concert.

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The full itinerary

Day 1 – Sydney to Parkes

aerial shot of vintage rail journeys train
Travel through the NSW countryside to Parkes. (Credit: Chris Ersek)

Settle in with live entertainment, plus lunch and dinner onboard.

Day 2 – Arrival in Parkes

a meal in the dining carriage of vintage rail journeys train
Enjoy chef-prepared dinners every night.

Wake to sweeping views of the NSW Central Tablelands and a hearty breakfast before arriving in Parkes to spend the day at Parkes Elvis Festival. Return to the train for a chef-prepared dinner and a relaxed night onboard.

Day 3 – Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest

elvis presley impersonator performing at the Parkes Elvis Festival
Watch Elvis impersonators battle for the crown. (Credit: Parkes Elvis Festival)

It’s the day of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, and you have tickets. Watch performers from around the globe compete for the coveted crown. Afterwards, return to the train for dinner.

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Day 4 – Final Day at the Festival

impersonators sitting on a park bench at the Parkes Elvis Festival
Soak in your final day at the festival. (Credit: Parkes Elvis Festival)

Today is your final chance to enjoy the Elvis-themed fun of the festival, before dinner onboard. The train takes off while you sleep.

Day 5 – Return to Sydney

Wake to a final breakfast and the last views of country NSW before arriving back in Sydney.

The details

child elvis presley impersonators at the Parkes Elvis Festival
Elvis lovers can’t miss this quirky festival. (Credit: Parkes Elvis Festival)

Parkes Elvis Festival

Bookings: Plenty of the festival is free, but find booking details for individual events on the festival website.
Cost: Entry costs range from free admission up to $170 for premium seats at signature events.
Dates: 6-10 January 2027

The Elvis Festival Train

Bookings: For booking details and T&Cs, visit the Vintage Rail Journeys website.
Cost: From $4990 per person in a Heritage Twin or Single cabin.
Departure date: 7 January 2027
Departure location: Sydney’s Central Station.

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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How to spend a restorative weekend on the Central Coast

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
    Continue
    Leave the frenetic pace of city life behind for a weekend of relaxation and entertainment on the Central Coast.

    Home to more than 40 idyllic beaches, an eco-certified wilderness and a burgeoning hospitality scene, the Central Coast is a favoured holiday destination for good reason. Located just 90 minutes north of Sydney, you can easily enjoy a day trip here. But with so much to offer, this coastal haven deserves at least a weekend of your time – especially when a stay at Encore by Mingara makes lingering so effortless.

    Here’s how to spend a memorable weekend on the Central Coast discovering its best offerings.

    Day 1

    Afternoon

    Modern, comfortable room interiors at Encore by Mingara, designed for a restful stay on the Central Coast.
    Savour a slow morning before heading home.

    Holiday mode can be switched on as soon as you check into Encore by Mingara, a centrally located boutique hotel in Tumbi Umbi. Loved for its sleek rooms, diverse offerings and unbeatable location, in 2026 the property even received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. Taking cues from its coastal surrounds, the hotel’s design is luxurious yet welcoming. A sophisticated palette of ocean blues, ochre and sand tones is complemented by light joinery and punctuated by abstract artworks by the hotel’s artist in residence, Sarah Isbel Hill.

    As the hotel is conveniently found in the Mingara Destination Precinct, you can spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the property’s impressive offerings. Energise the body at Mingara Recreation Club – complete with a world-class gym and Olympic-sized swimming pool – or pop into one of many restaurants or bars. You can also grab a wine from the bottle shop to imbibe in the comfort of your luxurious Harmony or Bravo suite; these generously sized rooms feature plush king beds, separate lounge spaces and dedicated working areas.

    Evening

    couple dining inside restaurant at encore by mingara
    Treat yourself to an evening of great food and cocktails.

    There’s no need to venture out when your hotel gives you access to fantastic dining options. Allow plenty of time to savour the culinary dishes at modern Australian restaurant, Hadley’s. Helmed by chef Peter Streckfuss, the relaxed eatery’s menu spans rib-sticking bites such as wood-fired pizzas and chicken parmigiana through to premium meats and fresh seafood. Pair them with the solid line-up of Australian and international wines.

    Mosey over to Hadley’s Bar for a post-dinner nightcap. The stylish cocktail lounge’s mixologists shake up masterful tipples using the bar’s extensive spirit collection, as well as pouring local craft beers and fine wines.   

    Day 2

    Morning

    Waterfall along the Girrakool Loop Track, at the Brisbane Water National Park, on the Central Coast.
    Explore the Central Coast’s great outdoors. (Image: Destination NSW)

    With so much happening onsite, it’s tempting to stay put, but early birds can start their day by catching the sunrise at nearby Toowoon Bay, where a vivid display of warm tones is reflected in the calm waters.

    Back at Mingara Recreation Club, top up your caffeine levels and try treats including scrolls, cakes, scones and tarts at The Roasted Berry. Or settle in for smashed avo or a mushroom bruschetta.

    Fuelled and ready to go, spend some time exploring the Central Coast’s natural beauty. The region is a playground for outdoor lovers who can discover the Brisbane Water National Park, a haven for hiking, cycling and fishing. The 12,000-hectare reserve features stunning waterfalls, including the three-tiered Somersby Falls, and vantage points such as the Staples Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of Brisbane Water and Woy Woy Bay.

    Afternoon

    Friends enjoying a tour through Distillery Botanica, Erina.
    Sip the flavours of Distillery Botanica. (Image: Destination NSW)

    A well-deserved lunch in the garden at Distillery Botanica awaits just a 20-minute drive away. The brainchild of herbalist and master distiller Philip Moore, this innovative distillery is found in a lush landscape and produces a range of botanically infused craft spirits. Tuck into bruschetta, toasted sandwiches and charcuterie boards, paired with standout concoctions like the Framboise Martini with Botanica Vodka or Botanica Raspberry Liqueur, vanilla, lime and pineapple.

    Evening

    Head back to Encore by Mingara to freshen up for dinner at the onsite restaurant, Ming Dragon. The Chinese eatery offers a traditional yum cha experience with succulent favourites such as sweet and sour pork and steamed prawn dumplings.

    End the night on a high note with entertainment at Mingara Recreation Club. The jam-packed schedule includes live music, major touring acts and big-name tribute band performances, such as Live Baby Live: The INXS Tribute Show.

    Morning

    Breakfast at The Roasted Berry encore by mingara
    Enjoy breakfast at The Roasted Berry.

    The dreamy rooms at Encore by Mingara make sleeping in a little too easy, so take the morning at your own pace with a lie-in and a final swim or a yoga or pilates class. Amble down to The Roasted Berry for another delicious breakfast before your departure.

    Afternoon

    Guest examining a freshly farmed pearl on a tour of the Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Mooney Mooney.
    End your escape with a pearl farm visit. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Another highlight of the Central Coast is the Broken Bay Pearl Farm on the Lower Hawkesbury River, a must-visit on your way home. Head to their ‘shellar door’ and join a tour out on the water, where you’ll discover their working oyster leases and indulge in the freshest Australian Akoya, Angasi and Sydney rock oysters. You’ll also get to witness a live pearl harvest and learn the fine art of pearl grading. Those with an appetite can also enjoy a gourmet grazing lunch while soaking up scenic river views. Commemorate the weekend with an elegant pearl memento from the farm’s shop.

    Start planning a Central Coast weekend at your own pace at encorebymingara.com.au.