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Be a part of history travelling on the first Standard Gauge passenger train to Mildura as THE VINELANDER proudly returns to the Sunraysia 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.
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Thursday 6-June:
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 7-June:
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 Vinelander 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.
A short onward journey takes us to Woomelang, the hidden jewel of the Mallee which hosts not just the best pub for miles around but also 8 mini-silos painted by the same street artists whose work features on the famous Mallee Silo Art Trail.
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 and where the Vinelander will make its historic return.
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 8-June:
Today guests will enjoy Slow Rail Journey's flagship touring choice program.
Mildura is a vibrant regional city full of contrast. From the Murray River to the outback, there is something for everyone and while we can only sample the tip of the iceberg of the attractions this fascinating region offers, we hope your brief stay whets the appetite for a longer journey to the region.
Guests will have the opportunity to undertake two half-day off-train experiences, including:
-Travelling on our flagship half-day Outback Explorer Off-Train Experience which offers a bespoke, hand-picked tour of Mildura's greatest attractions
-Travelling aboard the Vinelander as it completes the final short journey to Yelta, the end of the line and the furthest you can travel from Melbourne in Victoria by rail; or
-Enjoying free time to explore Mildura.
Sunday 9 June:
Again, today guests will enjoy Slow Rail Journey's flagship touring choice program. Explore the spectacular Hattah National Park, ride on the unique Red Cliffs Railway and more on this day you won't soon forget.
Monday 10 June:
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 the 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 simply stare at the majesty of this spectacular state out the window as the Vinelander 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.
Continuing south the Vinelander makes a very short journey to Woomelang, where a lunch stop will once again be made. Woomelang is the best-kept secret of the Mallee. Not only home to one of Victoria's best pubs, Woomelang's Mini Silo Art Trail puts a spin on the iconic Big Silo Art Trail found across western Victoria. Within Woomelang you'll find eight Mini Silos (Field Bins) scattered around town creating a miniature trail for you to explore. Celebrating Endangered Species of the Mallee.
Back onboard the Vinelander relax as we make our way south through Birchip, Donald and St Arnaud toward Maryborough and our stopping point for the evening.
Arriving in Maryborough board coaches for the short drive back 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 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 11-June:
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 very rarely used by passenger trains - and ours is the first to operate along since standardisation. While high-speed Velocity trains operated on the Broad Gauge network speed between Maryborough in 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 course south to Maroona and Cressy and finally east through Geelong to Melbourne!
Fully inclusive fares from just over $400 per person per day.
MORE INFORMATION: https://www.slowrailjourneys.com.au/post/8-12-june-the-vinelander-returns-to-mildura-on-an-epic-slow-rail-journey-exploring-outback-victoria#viewer-9bgbg
BOOKINGS: https://bookings.slowrailjourneys.com.au/events/sevenosevenoperationsinc/1000974
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Southern Cross railway station, Melbourne,VIC,Australia
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