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The Vinelander returns to Mildura and the spectacular Sunraysia over the Melbourne Cup weekend with a Steam and Diesel Hauled Slow Rail Journey.1 to 5 NOVEMBER 2024
By popular demand, Seven - O - Seven Operations will operate a third VINELANDER Slow Rail Journey to Mildura and the spectacular Sunraysia over Melbourne Cup weekend. This time, it will feature steam-hauled travel between Melbourne and Ballarat (in both directions).
More information and an extended itinerary: www.slowrailjourneys.com.au/vinelander
Bookings: https://youli.io/c/slow-rail-journeys/vlinelander-1-5-nov
* Depart Melbourne onboard Slow Rail Journeys' private broad gauge sitting car train hauled by steam locomotive R707 as it makes a spirited run from Melbourne to the Goldfields.
* After enjoying a night at the luxurious RACV Goldfields Resort, transfer to Maryborough to board Slow Rail Journeys' standard gauge diesel-hauled sitting train to Mildura. Sit back and relax as the Goldfields melt into the vast plains of the Mallee and the arid landscapes of Outback Victoria before reaching the vines that travellers past woke up to signal the train's arrival into Mildura and the oasis of the Sunraysia.
* Enjoy two nights at the Grand Hotel, the Commodore Motel or equivalent in Mildura.
* After a restful morning with optional tours featuring exclusive access to Mildura’s best attractions, join the PB Mundoo to cruise upstream to the spectacular Trentham Estate. After sampling some of the best wine and cheese in the region, enjoy dinner onboard as the Mundoo cruises back to Mildura and our overnight accomodation.
All fares include:
* Return rail travel from Melbourne to Mildura and v.v (travelling by private steam-hauled broad gauge sitting car train between Melbourne and Ballarat and by private diesel-hauled Standard Gauge sitting train between Maryborough and Mildura (with a bus transfer between Ballarat, the RACV Goldfields Resort and Maryborough).
* Two nights at the luxurious RACV Goldfields Resort
* Two nights at the Grand Hotel, the Commodore Motel or equivalent in Mildura.
* All meals, tours, transfers and more
* The spectacular service by our volunteer team who deliver standards of excellence from beginning to end, making your holiday a journey to remember.�
The Vinelander Tour Highlights:
Summary Itinerary
Friday 1 November
With a sense of anticipation, meet your fellow travellers this morning to commence our epic exploration of one of the most spectacular corners of Victoria. Early afternoon, board our steam-hauled broad-gauge Vinelander as it bids farewell to the suburban sprawl of Melbourne and Geelong as R707 hauls the train up the ranges through Merridith and Lal Lal to Ballarat before arriving at the Goldfields and our luxury accommodation for the evening.
Saturday 2 November
Today, we leave the Ironbark forests and granite hills of the Goldfields behind, travelling north into the great vistas of Mallee Depression before finally arriving at the irrigated oasis of Sunraysia.
Express Arrival Option: Guests may board the V/Line service at 8:14 am from Melbourne's Southern Cross Station to Maryborough where you’ll connect with the standard gauge train to Mildura.
Sunday
Experience the best of the Sunraysia and some relaxation time in Mildura before boarding the PB Mundoo for a daylight cruise to Trentham Estate. After sampling some of Sunraysia's best wine, reboard the Mundoo for an evening dinner cruise back to Mildura.
Monday
Bid farewell to the Sunraysia as the Vinelander transports you to the heart of the Mallee. Admire awe-inspiring silo art, feast on locally sourced produce and finish the day in the granite peaks and ironbark-clad forests of the Goldfields.
Tuesday
All good things must come to an end, and today we transfer to Ballarat to join the steam-hauled broad gauge Vinelander as wide vistas of the Mallee and Sunraysia are replaced by the back fences of the houses in the populated Port Phillip basin, and finally the gleaming glass skyscrapers of Melbourne’s CBD.
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Enjoy a premium epic adventure while staying in the region's best hotels, travelling in spacious carriages, and attending premium events.
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On-Train:
Between Melbourne and Ballarat (and vice versa) enjoy our Broad Gauge open saloon and compartment sitting cars, and the BK Lounge as R707 pulls the train up and down the ranges.
From Maryborough to Mildura, travel in Slow Rail Journeys' standard gauge sitting carriages. Each guest is seated in a forward-facing seat or a spacious booth seat arranged perfectly around a picture window. Each group has a guaranteed window seat.
Off-Train:
Accommodation will be in the following hotels en route:
The Goldfields (Two nights): RACV Goldfields Resort
Sitting on 150 acres in Victorian Spa Country, RACV Goldfields Resort features various wellness facilities, rooms, and suites with luxurious spa baths. The resort has health and wellness facilities, ideal for guests seeking a relaxing break or business travellers who need to unwind. Swim in the pool, enjoy a post-journey game of tennis, or work out in the gym before spending a peaceful afternoon in the spa.
Mildura: (Two nights):
Grand Hotel Mildura, the Commodore Motel or Equivalent
Please note: While Slow Rail Journeys has done extensive work to source the best rooms in Mildura, Mildura is a regional town and hotel rooms are clean and functional rather than luxurious, and are not at the standard of our accommodation in Creswick.
Grand Hotel:
The Grand Hotel Mildura's sophisticated accommodation is in a historic building opposite the beautiful Murray River in the heart of Mildura. Mildura is a modern and vibrant town between Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Whether planning a holiday to Mildura itself or simply passing through, the Quality Hotel Mildura Grand offers a very convenient and relaxing place to stay. Note that some rooms at the Grand are small, with limited viewing windows.
Commodore Motel
Superbly located opposite Mildura's majestic Murray River and within walking distance to the shopping and dining precinct, the Commodore Motel's renovated rooms are some of Mildura's most comfortable and recently refurbished.
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Optional Upgrades
Enjoy the very best with the following optional upgrades available:
* Room+: Upgrade to a Fairway View or above room at the RACV Goldfields Resort and a Superior or above room in Mildura
* Space+: Upgrade to receive more space onboard the train, including a guaranteed No-Neighbour seating - enjoy a booth of four for single packages and six for twin packages on the standard gauge train between Maryborough and Mildura, and private saloon seating or a private compartment on the broad gauge Vinelander
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More information and an extended itinerary: www.slowrailjourneys.com.au/vinelander
Bookings: https://youli.io/c/slow-rail-journeys/vlinelander-1-5-nov
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Southern Cross Station, Melbourne, Australia
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