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

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

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