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Take the path less travelled on THE VINELANDER, exploring Mildura, Murrayville, the Murray-Sunset and spectacular Outback VictoriaBe a part of history travelling on the first Standard Gauge passenger train to Murrayville and the Murray-Sunset as THE VINELANDER proudly returns to Sunset-country on this six-day not-to-be-missed Slow Rail Journey.
Journey from Melbourne through the green plains of southwestern Victoria, skirt the Grampians and explore the goldfields before striking north across the flat plains of the Mallee to the vast arid expanses of Outback Victoria. Spend a day immersing yourself in this spectacular region on our signature Outback Explorer tour featuring a number of bespoke activities. Sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views from the panoramic windows of our Standard Gauge fleet on a historic journey you will not soon forget.
THE VINELANDER will be operating as a Platinum Class Only Train.
Fully inclusive fares from just over $400 per person per day.
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Thursday 15-August:
Your Slow Rail Journey will commence with an early bon-voyage breakfast held at the historic Savoy Hotel (where we will check-in guests and provide seat and accommodation allocations for the weekend) before being escorted by our friendly volunteers to the train.
Entering Melbourne's busy Southern Cross Station you will immediately realise you are embarking on a journey like no other. Sitting on the platform - and greeting you like an old friend - is Slow Rail Journey's fleet of Standard Gauge passenger carriages that make up the Vinelander, our heritage train perfectly juxtaposing the modernity and hustle surrounding.
Today, we travel from Melbourne, Southern Cross to Maryborough on the Western Standard Gauge railway, passing through North Geelong, Ararat and Avoca.
Upon arrival in Maryborough, guests will be transferred by coach to the luxurious RACV Goldfields Resort, approximately 30 minutes from Maryborough Station to enjoy dinner and a luxurious evening in the resort.
Friday 16-August:
After a gourmet breakfast in the RACV Resort's dining room, guests are transferred back to THE VINELANDER, which will be awaiting departure from Maryborough's imposing platform. Departing Maryborough the Sunraysia passes the historic town of Dunolly before continuing north through St Arnaud (where the town's spectacular silo art may be visible) to Donald where a brief stop is made. Donald is a country town with a lively spirit- Situated on Lake Buloke and close to several famous granite outcrops the town is also known for the Lions' Train Park - a railfan heaven adjacent to the station.
Continuing north relax as the flat Mallee plains make way for the arid landscapes of the outback as the Vinelander continues north through towns the trains' famous namesake sped through in the middle of the night - Lascelles, Speed. Tempy and more.
Mid-afternoon THE VINELANDER will make a stop in Ouyen - a small country town located 441km from Melbourne by road, The Ouyen township is in the heart of the Victorian Mallee and surrounded by a beautiful array of national parks: Wyperfeld, Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray Sunset National Parks.
Continuing north along the Calder Highway, take in the spectacular views as we make our way through Red Cliffs to the historic city of Mildura - at the crossroads of Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.
After transferring to your accommodation for the next two nights and settling in, enjoy a gastronomic experience that features the best of Australia's food bowl before retiring for some well-earned rest.
Saturday 17-August:
Today, join the first standard gauge passenger train to operate along the remote outback branch line from Ouyen to Murrayville and explore the spectacular Murray-Sunset National Park.
The Murray-Sunset, home to the famous Pink Lakes, is a remote and unspoilt corner of northwestern Victoria that draws photographers worldwide.
As we explore this fascinating region, we will enjoy some of the finest sunsets in the world and look out for spectacular birdlife, such as Malleefowl, Regent Parrot, Red-lored Whistler, and Mallee emu-wren.
After retracing our steps from Mildura along the fringe of the Hattah-Kulkayne National Park to Ouyen, we take the path less travelled, venturing west where few trains operate along Victroia's most remote branch line - the 109km link between the outback town and Murrayville, located deep in the Murray Sunset close the South Australian border.
Murrayville, the furthest Victorian town from Melbourne, has a population of 280 and is the hub of a vibrant agricultural industry, including cereal crops, sheep and cattle; other industries are potato farming and other small crops. Irrigation is only supplied to the potato farms by an underground basin of high-quality water.
After lunch in Murrayville, reboard the Sunraysia for a second run along the branch to Ouyen, enjoying the region's namesake Mallee sunset as the Sunraysia speeds east.
A highlight of the journey will be a stop in Walpeup, where guests will disembark to enjoy a glass of bubbly with Julian Clavijo & Camilo Delgardo's tribute to Harold Thomas Bell - perhaps the region's most celebrated war hero who lied about his age to enlist and went on to many feats of bravery - looming above.
Enjoy dinner in a quintessential Mallee pub in Ouyen before returning to Mildura for a night of well-deserved rest.
Sunday 18-August:
Guests will enjoy Slow Rail Journey's flagship Outback Explorer touring program today.
Mildura is a vibrant regional city full of contrast. From the Murray River to the outback, there is something for everyone. While we can only sample the tip of the iceberg of this fascinating region's attractions, we hope your brief stay whets the appetite for a longer journey to the region.
Mildura is famous for its rich river history - and there is no better way to experience it than onboard a privately chartered paddle steamer cruise aboard one of the region's most historic boats - once the lifeblood of the area surrounding the Murray.
Enjoy a second gastronomic experience in Mildura before retiring for the evening and the Sunraysia's journey south.
Monday 19-August:
Welcome back on board THE VINELANDER!
After being picked up and valeted back to Mildura Station, it is time to relax into the rhythm of slow rail travel as we retrace our steps south through Hattah and Ouyen toward Mallee and its many attractions. Settle in next to a panoramic window as we depart Mildura. Chat with newfound friends, read a good book or stare at the majesty of this spectacular state out the window as the Sunraysia speeds south.
Mid-morning, THE VINELANDER will stop in the small town of Lascelles, where guests will be invited to step from the train for an off-train experience marvelling at the spectacular silo artwork which looms above the town.
In Lascelles, Renowned Melbourne Street Artist “Rone” has painted the images of a local couple, Geoff and Merrilyn Horman, on the defunct wheat silos that tower above the town.
The town has a population of only 48 people on a good day, but Rone selected the Hormans above all others. They are a humble couple who are both wise and knowing and who have nurtured the town with their vast farming experience and longstanding connection to the area.
Back onboard the Vinelander, relax as we make our way south through Birchip, Donald, and St Arnaud toward Maryborough, our stopping point for the evening.
Arriving in Maryborough, board coaches for the short drive to the luxurious RACV resort - your luxury oasis for the evening. Relax in the resort's exquisite facilities after a long day on the road!
After settling into your overnight accommodation, join your fellow passengers and crew for a final dinner of the tour - a chance to solidify new friendships and relive some of the life-long memories you will have made over the past several days.
Tuesday 20-August:
All good things must come to an end, and today, our epic slow rail adventure onboard the Vinelander concludes with a scenic journey back through the Pyrenees, along the flanks of the Grampians and across the western plains toward Geelong and Melbourne.
The Standard Gauge railway line between Ararat and Maryborough is rarely used by passenger trains - ours is the first to operate along since standardisation. While high-speed Velocity trains operated on the Broad Gauge network speed between Maryborough and Melbourne in approximately two hours via Ballarat, our leisurely 7-hour slow rail experience sees us loop the west of the state. We spend the morning travelling 87km west to Ararat before setting the course south to Maroona and Cressy and finally east through Geelong to Melbourne!
THE VINELANDER will be operating as a Platinum Class Only Train.
Fully inclusive fares from just over $400 per person per day.
MORE INFORMATION: https://www.slowrailjourneys.com.au/post/15-20-august-take-the-path-less-travelled-on-the-sunraysia-exploring-mildura-murrayville-the-mur#viewer-8nbdd
BOOKINGS: https://bookings.slowrailjourneys.com.au/events/sevenosevenoperationsinc/1136673
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Southern Cross railway station, Gloria Jean's, 620 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia,Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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