steam train journeys nsw

Here's what to expect aboard the Kiama Picnic Train

Roxanne Andrews

Travel Journalist

04 July 2023

All aboard the heritage-famed Kiama Picnic Train, a living museum on rails.

Experience the signature steam-hauled return journey of Kiama Picnic Train . Departing Sydney, the route travels through the Royal National Park and along the coast to beautiful Kiama  where guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic hampers.

Once, you arrive in Kiama, there is ample time to explore its small-town charm, indulge in a spot of shopping, walk to the famous Kiama Blowhole, and while away the time by the seaside.

What to expect

The Kiama Picnic Train is a heritage-listed locomotive that first entered service in 1953 for NSW Government Railways. Nowadays it’s a wonderful way to escape the city and steam ahead to enjoy the laid-back pace of Kiama instead.

This is an ideal day trip for families, and we recommend taking the little ones, along with their grandparents. Watch their eyes light up as the sights and sounds of traditional steam rail travel inspire an automatic and enduring memory.

Nothing beats Kiama’s traditional steam train. (Image: The Picnic Train)

It’s no secret that the locomotion of rail travel often inspires romantic notions too. Book a return trip with your lover and figuratively see where the day takes you.

If you’re planning on dining at one of Kiama’s excellent cafes and restaurants, be sure to book a table in advance. Kiama is a small destination but a popular one, particularly on weekends.

Navigate the scenic train route. (Image: The Picnic Train)

This fantastic rail journey starts from Sydney and guests can board at either Tempe, Hurstville, or Sutherland stations in the mornings (check the timetable for up-to-date information) and pulls into Kiama at approx. 12:30 pm, is the perfect time for lunch.

The Kiama Picnic Train travels through the Royal National Park. (Image: The Picnic Train)

Keep your eyes glued to the window as the Royal National Park provides beautiful scenery along the way and the expansive Pacific Ocean snaps into show-off mode as the railway line hugs the coast and coves to Kiama.

The train departs and whistles homeward bound for Sydney at 4:20 pm, so you’ve got about four hours to check out some of the best things to do in Kiama  while you’re in town. Note: get to the station 20 minutes before the departure time.

The train crew will greet you with warm smiles. (Image: The Picnic Train)

The company’s tagline is ‘getting there is half the fun’, and we wholeheartedly agree. Highlights of the journey include the natural show-stealing scenery, the opportunity to snap retro-inspired pictures aboard the train, and ample time to explore the final destination.

Book your seats, get comfortable and keep your camera handy on this unique Australian rail journey.

All fares are for same-day return travel. Prices for the Kiama Picnic Train start from $260, per duo. This secures great seats in an airconditioned lounge carriage, priceless views of the coast and country, a yummy buffet cart selection, (don’t forget to pack your own picnic treats) and is also BYO alcohol.

Admire the majestic scenery with a glass in hand. (Image: The Picnic Train)

Got a few of your besties prepped and ready? Good, because you can book a retro booth seating four people for a total of $320 too. Have a bigger group? Upsize the compartment to fit eight people for $500.

Keen to up the ante and hire an entire carriage or the whole heritage train? Good news, you can go ahead and invite your nearest and dearest to join a private celebration on the Kiama Picnic Train. First in, best dressed. Pricing is available upon request.

Sign up your kids on a train ride of a lifetime. (Image: The Picnic Train)

Roxanne Andrews is a freelance travel writer and editor based in Yamba, Australia. Topics of expertise include; sports tourism, luxury travel, arts & culture, cuisine & dining, wellness, the adventure sector and all things marine. A professional scribe who occasionally goes gonzo to capture the moment.

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Steaming into the past!

One date only! ​

Sydney  or Strathfield to Moss Vale  (return) ​

Sunday, 16 April 2023

Join us for a fun day out to the Southern Highlands. Newly restored diesel 42107 will haul the train from either Sydney Terminal or Strathfield to Enfield Yard where our mighty steam locomotive will take over.

R766 will haul our train, unassisted by diesels, all the way to Moss Vale. Here you will have an hour and a ha to explore or head for the nearby pub. 

Please Note: All fares are for same-day return travel.

Private Compartment - $500 per group

Enjoy the benefit of an entire compartment to yourselves in a heritage 'FS' type non air-conditioned carriage - great for families and social groups! One booking is good for up to a maximum of eight (8) people, including children. Compartments are fitted with tables.

Four Seater Booth - $320 per group

Spacious four seat booth with table in a 'N' type classic non air-conditioned heritage saloon carriage. Booths are fitted with tables.

Classic Duo — $260 for two people

Window seating for two people within a 'N' type classic heritage carriage. Enjoy a large individual seat on either side of a table.

Full Carriage or Full Train Hire — Call for Quote

SPECIAL GUEST

42107 :   This privately owned locomotive, one of 10 built in Granville in 1965/66, has recently undergone a year-long restoration. Sporting the NSWGR 'reverse' livery, the double ended streamliner will haul our train from Sydney Terminal to Enfield yard (and vice versa).

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Please pay special attention to the number and type of seats you have selected before making your purchase.

Indicative  

Timetable 

PLEASE NOTE:   Passengers may  di sembark at Moss Vale . Your ticket is for the round-trip journey aboard the train only. This tour will be diesel hauled from Sydney Terminal to Enfield and return. The remainder of the journey will be steam hauled.

16 April 2023

(Sydney or Strathfield to Moss Vale return)

Hauled by 5917 & 42107

Sydney Terminal  - de p 11.3 0 am 

Strathfield -  dep 11.45am 

Moss Vale  - arr 2.55p m  | dep 4.30p m

Strathfield - arr. 7.10pm

Sydney Terminal - arr. 7.25pm

NOTE: The locomotive rostered for each service cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change due to operational reasons with or without notice. Your ticket is for the journey and is not dependent on the locomotive advertised.

*I ndicative times only. Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to departure. An update email will be sent to the ticket booking a couple of days prior to the event with final details. Train departure and arrival times are subject to change at any time. Should anything change on the day the onboard crew will keep you informed.

Buffet Car:

Our buffet car will not will be available on this train. In the spirit of The Picnic Train, we encourage passengers to bring their own picnic hampers.

BYO alcohol is allowed, however, large eskys are not permitted. 

Babies and Toddlers:

Babies in arms and small toddlers not requiring a booked seat may be brought along at no additional cost.

Prams, wheelchairs and walkers:

Due to space restrictions and for the safety of all aboard, large prams and mobility equipment cannot be taken aboard the train.  You may bring a small collapsible pram that can be stored in overhead luggage racks. The pram must be collapsed and ready to bring aboard when the train arrives at the platform. If in doubt please call us for further information.

Toilets are available in most carriages. These will be locked while in metropolitan areas.

Mobile Phones:

There are no charging points on the heritage carriages. It is recommended that you bring an external battery charger for your mobile devices.

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US

Restored locomotive 3801 begins regional NSW tour, thousands hop on for ride

Rail enthusiasts have had the chance to take a step back in time, with the iconic steam locomotive 3801 making its return to the train tracks in regional NSW.

Key points:

• The steam locomotive is renowned for its Art Deco streamlining
• It is the only steam locomotive to travel to all mainland Australian states and territories
• It will travel throughout regional NSW after undergoing a 12-year restoration

About 3,000 people boarded the train in Albury across the Easter long weekend as part of a state-wide tour following the train's 12-year-long restoration.

Passengers were treated to hour-long round trips across three days, with large crowds turning out to see the train departing and arriving.

The 3801 was launched in 1943 and operated as an express passenger locomotive and later as a freight locomotive.

It was formally withdrawn from service in 1962.

Known for its Art Deco streamlining and iconic style, it is the only steam locomotive to have travelled to all mainland Australian states and territories.

Driver Alex Claassens joined the railway more than 40 years ago but said the chance to drive it into Albury this weekend was a career highlight.

"It is amazing to be able to drive something that has been through a massive restoration effort," Mr Claassens said.

"It has taken about 10 years to get it back to the glory of what it is today. It's been going absolutely fantastic, better than it ever has."

And he should know.

"I was privileged enough to work on it during the many years of my career. I joined the railway in 1978, so I've had a few stints on this train and on this engine," Mr Claassens said.

"But it's going better now than it ever has, and it's really exciting to see the people out here enjoying it because that's why we all do this work."

He said the best part of the job was bringing smiles to the passengers' faces, especially at Easter time after what had been a tough year for many.

"There is something about the romance of steam, certainly from my point of view. I was lucky enough to learn on the Zig Zag Railway many years ago," he said.

"But there is just something about it.

"It just seems to excite everybody. It doesn't matter if you're a little toddler [or] if you're a 70 or 80-year-old person — everybody loves steam. It's good to be part of it."

Lovingly restored

After 12 years of painstaking restoration work, the steam train is finally back in service.

Transport Heritage NSW rail operations manager Daniel Page said the locomotive was fully stripped down and rebuilt.

"Every nut and bolt was removed. Every piece of it was laid out and restored, and reassembled. The boiler in the locomotive, the main pressure vessel had a rebuild," Mr Page said.

"Everything was pulled apart and put back together again with the love and care of our staff and volunteers, and it's got this gleaming new green and yellow paint job that has finished it off beautifully."

After recently being relaunched in Sydney, steam locomotive 3801 will now travel throughout NSW on a regional tour.

Mr Page said the decision to start in Albury was an easy one.

"One of its first big journeys we chose for it to do was to bring it to Albury and the Riverina," he said.

"It's a place where 3801 frequently operated in the 1940s and 1950s, hauling the crack express trains and moving people around NSW, so it's really special to be back here in its homeland, so to speak."

The train will now spend the next week at the Junee Rail Museum.

"In June, we are heading out to the Central West, and then in September we are heading to northern NSW, so we are really excited to be taking steam trains to country NSW where there is a huge affection for them," Mr Page said.

"It has knocked us over just how many people have a story or a connection to this train.

"So many times we've had residents come and greet us over the weekend and say, 'My grandfather used to drive this train. My parents used to travel on this train to Sydney for work or for holidays'."

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BATHURST STEAM WEEKEND

Saturday 8 — monday 10 june 2024, proudly supported by.

Transport Heritage NSW returns to Bathurst in June with Beyer-Garratt 6029, the largest operating steam locomotive in the Southern Hemisphere! Enjoy a 1.5-hour steam train ride from Bathurst to Wimbledon and return, or a longer half-day experience to Millthorpe or Orange and return. Travel in your choice of open saloon seating or a compartment for up to 6 people. Alternatively, enjoy access to an open viewing platform inside our observation carriage.  Plus, all ticket holders can enjoy 20% off admission to the Bathurst Rail Museum!

Bathurst Steam Train Rides

Saturday 8 & sunday 9 june 2024, departure times departs from bathurst station to wimbledon and return (non-stop):  8.00am, 10.00am, 11.50am, 1.25pm, 2.45pm, ​ times are indicative and to be confirmed by email one week prior to departure. total journey duration 1.5 hours (non-stop) fares , open saloon car single - $35 per person, compartment (for up to 6 people) - $168 per compartment, observation car single - $45 per person, thnsw m embers enjoy discounted fares - become a member today .

Orange Day Train 

Monday 10 june 2024, timetable bathurst (dep.) 8.20am, millthorpe (arr.) 10.10am orange (arr.) 10.40am orange (dep.) 12.30pm, millthorpe (dep.) 1.00pm, bathurst (arr.) 2.35pm times are indicative and to be confirmed by email one week prior to dep arture., fares , open saloon car single - $90 per person, compartment (for up to 6 people) - $345 per compar tment, observation car single - $110 per pers o n, classes of travel.

From the moment you step aboard, you'll be transported into the past. Choose from THREE different seating and on-board service options as follows:

Open saloon seating  Enjoy spacious seating in one of our restored open saloon heritage carriages.

Private compartment Travel inside a private compartment for up to six (6) people aboard one of our immaculately restored comparment carriages.

Lounge class seating  Travel in Lounge Class and experience the golden era of rail travel with spacious open lounge seating and access to a private observation deck.

About locomotive 6029.

The Beyer-Garratt

With a length of 33 metres, 32 wheels and weighing 264 tonnes, 6029 is the largest operating locomotive in the southern hemisphere.   

The 60 class engines adopted a concept developed by H. W. Garratt, whereby the boiler and driver’s cab is in the centre of the locomotive and there are two separate sets of wheels and motion, one at each end. The front engine unit carries a water tank, and a rear engine unit carries the coal bunker and another water tank. The weight of the locomotive is thus spread over many axles. For New South Wales, this meant that these engines could haul longer and heavy trains on lightly-built country lines.  

The last steam locomotives introduced into NSW, the 60 class were manufactured by Beyer, Peacock and Co. in Manchester UK.  The first of the class did not enter service until 1952. The original order for 25 locomotives was later increased to 50; but a change of mind as the advantages of diesels were recognised, meant that only 42 locomotives were delivered with a further 5 supplied unassembled, for use as spares.  

The lack of turning facilities in country areas – the 60 class needed longer turntables, or triangles – meant that by far the greatest use of these locomotives was on main lines. Even then the few turntables on the system with the capacity to turn them, meant that they often ran in reverse. From 1958, a number of them, including 6029, were fitted with a second set of controls to allow the driver to face the direction of travel when travelling ‘bunker first’, denoted by DC -  for dual controls - painted on the buffer beam. These locomotives also had their axle load increased to improve their tractive effort.   

In their main line, heavy haulage roles the 60 class were a considerable success. They were the very last steam locomotives to run in regular operation on the NSW Government Railways; the last of the 60 class ended their service in the Newcastle area early in 1973. They had outlived the first of their successors, the 40 class diesels.   

Locomotive 6029 entered service in April 1954, and received its dual controls in February 1959. It was withdrawn in 1972 having travelled just under a million kilometres during its working life. It was returned to service by the Australian Railway Historical Society (ACT Division) in 2015 and first appeared at the Thirlmere Festival of Steam to a record-breaking crowd in that year. In 2022 it was acquired for the state collection, the first purchase of a steam engine by the NSW Government for more than 60 years.

Celebrating 50 years 1974-2024

Welcome to Lachlan Valle y Railway (LVR), a revered rail preservation society nestled in the heart of Cowra in the New South Wales Central West. Since our establishment in 1974, LVR has been passionately committed to preserving and operating former New South Wales Government Railways locomotives and rolling stock.   Relive the golden era of rail travel with us as we proudly celebrate 50 years of delivering heritage rail experiences. Our impressive fleet of heritage steam and diesel locomotives, railmotors and carriages based at Orange will take you on an unforgettable day out across the picturesque landscapes of regional New South Wales.   Join us, and let our dedicated team of volunteers make your journey a celebration of history and nostalgia.

National Trust Heritage Awards 2024

Cowra Heritage Asset Action Plan

Read our submission for this prestigious award.

Upcoming Tours

For a full list of upcoming events, including mainline heritage train journeys across New South Wales - click below

3 Campbell Street,

Cowra, NSW, 2794

[email protected]

Tel: (02) 6342 4999

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Fun, family days out on traditional trains

Whether you're a group of 4 or 400, these trips are the ideal Fine Day Out!

Take the whole family on a fun day out! Heritage Express invites you on a memorable journey into the past on a genuine heritage train hauled by a grand and gleaming loco from the steam age.

Since 1962, Heritage Express has thrilled and entertained guests with experiences from the Golden Age of Train Travel.

Heritage Express operates a range of rail journeys featuring NSW's most beloved heritage trains, from Sydney and suburbs, to far-reaching areas of NSW and interstate.

Explore the Hunter and Central Coast; Southern Highlands and South Coast; the Blue Mountains, or visit community events and the Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre. Step off at Katoomba for the excitement of the Winter Magic Festival - every year on festival day, 40,000 people throng Katoomba's main street to celebrate the Winter Solstice.

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VISIT THE NSW RAIL MUSEUM

Explore Australia's largest collection of heritage rolling stock

Whether it's the stunning Governor General's Carriage or the Rail Pay Bus – used for transporting employees’ wages all over the state's rail system, we have something interesting to see at every corner. 

Read more about our exhibits >

Steam train rides

Bring your museum experience to life with a heritage t rain ride!  Our heritage steam train rides  run on the historic Loop Line EVERY WEEKEND from 2 March.

Food and drink options

On weekends, a small range of drinks, tea, coffee, pre-made sandwiches, salads and snacks are available from the NSW Rail Museum Kiosk.

On weekdays, we encourage visitors to stop by one of the many local cafes, pubs or restaurants — either before or after your visit to the NSW Rail Museum. For more information on local eateries visit the Visit Wollondilly website .

Picnic areas 

With over 10,000 square metres of lawns and sheltered picnic tables, the grounds are the perfect place to have a picnic – don’t forget a rug!

TICKET  TYPE

Child (aged 2-17)

Infant (under 2)

Member / Annual Pass holder

MUSEUM ONLY

MUSEUM + TRAIN RIDE

Visiting more than once? Why not become an Annual Pass holder .

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Regular Steam Trains On The NSW Central Coast Of Australia

My First Trip North

As it turns out, I spent a great many of my teenage years in the area. I lived in Sydney at Roseville, and was smitten with the steam bug from an early age. By age 14, I had saved up my pocket money and with the aid of a Kodak Retinette 1A I inherited from my grandfather, I would travel to Gosford and beyond every chance I got.

My first trip was in June 1966, not long after I recovered from a bout of Rheumatic Fever which had kept me bedridden for the early months of that year. I arose very early in the morning, and caught the first train to Gosford, arriving around 7 am. On this occasion it was as far as I managed to get!

I witness something very unusual as it turned out, a P 32 class on its way to Sydney. In my time it was very rare to see these engines on the Short North, and I was very lucky to come across one on my first outing.

Two Steam Trains On Cowan Bank In One Day

Pretty soon a 46 class attached itself to the front of the train, and I hitched a ride in the cab of the “Banking Engine”. We headed down the track to Cowan at the top of the famous Cowan Bank, a scene where later there was a nasty accident when a signal failure cause a collision with 3801, and another occasion where double 38s ripped out the coupling gear and left some carriages behind, such was the power of our great Pacifics!

After farewelling the P the 46 headed back down the hill to Hawkesbury River to help another train climb the bank. As it turned out, it was another steam train, a 60 class. 6013 is one of the original Garratts without a dual cab, meaning it should only be operated funnel first. This engine was probably en route from Werris Creek and was normally assigned to the Western division.

The Longest Train Journey In NSW

One of the more interesting trains hauled by 60 class for most of its journey was the lead train from Broken Hill. Designated W44 for the western journey it was often hauled by double 60 class from Dubbo to Lithgow, where a 46 class took over for the run to Gosford. The last section of the journey to Sulphide Jct near Cockle Creek would involve a 38 double heading with a 60 class.

 Northern Exposures – Full Cover Coverage Of The Last Days Of Steam In The North OF NSW

Collectors item.

This great new book featuring hundreds of full cover photos of NSW steam in the 1960s and 70s on lines north of Sydney, compacts the work of dozens of rail photographers including yours truly. None of the photos shown here were good enough for selection for the book!

Get your copy at http://northernexposures.com.au

Anyway, enough of the reminisces for now. I have put together a slide show of some of the pictures I took in the Gosford area way back then. The background are tape recordings I made on the Short North, and are all my original material.

I hope you enjoy a trip back in time to when steam was King on the NSW Central Coast.

Related Posts

In his youth, John rode and photographed NSW steam from the age of 14. He has photos featured in numerous books, but perhaps his best work is in the two volumes of "Where There's Smoke". With a passion for steam, he hopes readers gain pleasure from some of his stories from long ago.

John. Thoroughly enjoyed your film of all the different steam trains that made their way in and out of Gosford. I love hearing the horns. of the Weekend Picnic Train as it makes its way from Gosford to Brooklyn. People gather at the level crossing just before Woy Woy Station to wave to the passengers. Charming exercise from a bygone era. Thank you for your wonderful video.

Thanks Peg, Appreciate it. They were good times.

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