What to expect from the Kiama Picnic Train

Step back in time aboard the completely intoxicating vintage Kiama Picnic Train – a living museum on rails.

Forget Opal, Myki and Go cards, or apps showing delayed schedules. The golden era of rail travel – think mid-19th century glamour with lacy gloves and parasols – soared train rides to the height of sophistication. Did you know the New South Wales coastline captures that enchanting vintage energy today?

The Kiama Picnic Train is a steam locomotive ride that runs scattered return services during the cooler months. Departing Sydney, the adventure sends you back in time, inviting you to bring your own picnic hamper (or snap up their morning high tea service) to enjoy in glamorous dining carts while soaking up coastal views and dropping into Kiama. Here’s everything to know to catch the Kiama Picnic Train’s next onward journey.

When does the Kiama Picnic Train operate?

a photo of the traditional steam train, Kiama Picnic Train — Kiama’s traditional steam train sends you back in time. (Image: The Picnic Train)

You’re transported to an era where rapid technology didn’t exist so, fittingly, the Kiama Picnic Train’s timetable is just as leisurely. The team took a break during the 2025 summer months but returned in winter to schedule two Kiama journeys in July and August (at the time of publishing, there were still available seats on August 23 and August 24, with more dates available soon).

To get across future dates, stay across the team’s Instagram and Facebook pages, which are both regularly updated. You can also sign up to their mailing list via the website to be the first to know.

Where does the Kiama Picnic Train travel to?

the Kiama picnic train wagon winding through grassland — The steam locomotive ride runs through the Royal National Park. (Image: Supplied)

While the team runs various journeys throughout the state, including a return Sydney to Moss Vale expedition, the Kiama Picnic Train commences from either Sydney’s Central Station, Tempe, Sutherland or Wollongong. For specific departure times, check the website’s scheduling.

No matter where you hop on, the route winds through the Royal National Park, sweeping up expansive Pacific Ocean and escarpment views before hitting Kiama anywhere between 12:30pm and 1:10pm. Guests will spend about three to four hours exploring Kiama’s magnetism before jumping back on board to depart at 4:20pm. Guests will arrive back at their return stop just after 7pm.

What to bring on a Kiama Picnic Train journey

comfortable seating in the 'N' type carriage onboard Kiama picnic train — The ‘N’ type carriage has ample, comfortable seating. (Image: Supplied)

A picnic is highly advised, plus it’s a cost-effective way to bring the entire clan on board this magical experience. In even better news, you can BYO alcohol but keep it classy – large Eskys aren’t allowed.

Guests should note that the Kiama Picnic Train also features a buffet carriage selling light snacks and drinks, and a morning high tea service was introduced in mid-2025, but we’ll get to all that yumminess further below.

Keen to capture so many snaps you’ll likely drain your phone battery? Bringing an external battery charger is highly advised as there are no charging points in any of the train’s carriages.

What to expect on the Kiama Picnic Train

Pure magic, in the form of the heritage-listed locomotive 5917, which completed a one-year overhaul and restoration process in 2025. The ex-NSW Government Railways vehicle was built in Philadelphia and started running in 1953, and luckily, the restoration has only enhanced its original beauty.

As the driver sounds the steam whistle –  a highly anticipated and nothing-short-of-delightful moment for all ages – additional operators will physically shovel coal from the train’s tender into a firebox. It’s authentically old-school and worlds away from the train rides you’d typically undertake at home.

What is the vibe on board the Kiama Picnic Train?

the Red Lounge onboard Kiama Picnic Train — The Red Lounge is fitted with plush seats and bright blue carpeting. (Image: Supplied)

Before you even step foot inside one of its carriages, locomotive 5917 dazzles at sheer sight. Jet-black at the operational front end and fire-engine red at the back carriages, not a single stroke of graffiti is spied, leaving this bad boy well and truly in a bygone era.

Inside, the most impressive carriages are fitted with leather booths and polished timber panelling, setting you even further back in time. There are even timber shelves built above for belongings, and tables provide compact room for your family’s delicious spread if you pick the right carriage type.

Speaking of which, there are a few on offer. At the more basic end of the spectrum, the Open Seating Car is without tables and leather, offering cushioned chairs while still maintaining good air-conditioning. The Dining Car is also air-conditioned; however, tables are included between double seats either side (so four people per booth) – but the shiny timber panels and rich leather are omitted.

the Dining Car of Kiama Picnic Train — The air-conditioned Dining Car of the Kiama Picnic Train. (Image: Supplied)

Climbing up the ladder is the First Class Duo, fitted with romantic two-person configurations with tables, red leather seats and openable windows. Vintage prints and carpeting dial up the nostalgia. The mac daddy of the lot is the Four Seater Booth dining cart, offering air-conditioning windows that open, spacious tables and all that coveted polished decor we covered just before.

There’s also Private Compartments with tables that cater for up to eight adults (consider this the party zone) and include tables and openable windows, plus a Red Lounge (sans tables) that throw up a different vibe entirely thanks to an in-carriage bar, plush fabric seats and bright blue carpeting.

A second bar is found within the Blue Lounge and First Class Duo, an air-conditioned space with armchairs and soft lounges.

Facilities span toilets in most of the carriages, but guests should note that they’re not for use while stopping in Kiama. Additionally, small collapsible prams can be brought along but large prams and mobility equipment aren’t allowed, unfortunately.

What type of food is available on board the Kiama Picnic Train?

The most exciting offering is the morning high tea service that runs on the journey to Kiama. The service operates out of the Dining Car and the Four Seater Booth dining cart on most Kiama Picnic Train services and includes an afternoon cheese and fruit platter, plus all-day tea and coffee. It’s priced at $320 per group of two passengers, or $600 per group of four passengers.

There’s also a buffet carriage which sells hot and cold drinks, plus light bites like pies and sausage rolls. Alcoholic drinks can also be purchased.

How much does the Kiama Picnic Train cost?

the Kiama picnic train wagon — Step back in time aboard the vintage Kiama Picnic Train. (Image: Supplied)

A single ticket costs $110, which places you in the First Class Duo carriage where you’ll share a space with three other solo guests. Groups of four seats together in an air-conditioned carriage cost $360 per group, while a Private Compartment will set your group back $550 in total.

Babies and toddlers who don’t require a seat of their own ride for free.

Now discover Australia’s most luxurious train suite

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

This vintage steam train journey serves up coastal views and high tea