Departing Southern Cross Station, the train will steam north from the heart of Melbourne. Sit back in your comfortable compartment and enjoy the scenery as our classic steam locomotive powers through the countryside. Nearly 50 miles of climbing is to be expected from Melbourne to the peak near Woodend, 1902ft above sea level. Spectacular views can be had as we steam through Sunbury, crossing Jacksons Creek and up towards the Macedon Ranges. Pass over the 1862 built Malmsbury and Taradale Viaducts and through Elphinstone Tunnel before arriving at Castlemaine. After an hour break to transfer the train to the Victorian Goldfields Railway, we will re-board and begin our journey on the branch line.

MALDON
The Castlemaine to Maldon line is now operated by the Victorian Goldfields Railway (VGR). Over many years, the scenic route was lovingly rebuilt, once again linking the historic gold towns of Castlemaine and Maldon, through the beautiful Box-Ironbark forest in a region that once saw some of the richest gold mining in Australia. In Maldon, you can admire the quaint shop fronts and cottage gardens and pause for lunch in the historic main street of Australia's First Notable Town. Plenty of cafes, hotels and bakeries are available in the main street to purchase lunch. It is encouraged to call and book ahead for lunch.

Reboard the train for departure from Maldon, with a 90 minute stop at Castlemaine for a short wander into town. The engine will work hard to climb towards Elphinstone Tunnel before picking up speed and topping over the Great Divide against the setting sun. Arrive back at Southern Cross after a memorable day out onboard The Vintage Train!

OPTIONAL PHOTOSTOP
We are offering a limited number of passengers an opportunity to take part in a photostop. Disembark the train at our pre-prepared location and watch as the train sets back to allow the photoline of passengers a chance to snap their train in motion.
This opportunity is strictly limited to 150 people. In the interests of safety, Steamrail reserves the right to deny access to the optional photostop at Steamrail’s discretion.

FIRST CLASS 
Go first class! Relax in your comfortable air-conditioned and heated 1930s-vintage compartment. All seating is reserved.

EXCURSION CLASS
Experience our 'E Type' Carriages dating back to 1906 with beautiful timber work and pressed-tin ceilings, walk-through corridors and comfortable compartment-style seating. Featuring 'old-school air-con', with the windows wide open to listen to the engine working hard up the hills. All seating is reserved.

PREMIUM COMPARTMENT
Upgrade to one of our Premium Private Compartments! Travel in style in one of our 1920's opening window Sleeping Carriages. With the compartment in day configuration, it will comfortably seat 1 - 3 passengers for a more intimate heritage train travel experience.

PRIVATE CARRIAGE HIRE
We can provide private carriage hire for groups of up to 88 passengers. We have a range of carriages to choose from including compartment, saloon (open), club cars, sleeping cars and vans.
More information on carriage hire can be found on our website. Please contact the Steamrail Office to discuss hire options for this tour.

THE VINTAGE TRAIN
Ride with us onboard 'The Vintage Train’, fully restored by Steamrail as an important part of Victoria’s rail heritage.  Our steam locomotives are coal or oil fired and date from 1889 to 1952, while the carriages range from as early as 1906.  The train features beautiful timber work & pressed-tin ceilings, walk-through corridors, comfortable compartment style seating, a licensed bar and kiosk, and toilets with washrooms.  All rail seating is reserved.

ON-TRAIN SERVICES
Our on-train facilities include a kiosk which stocks a wide range of light refreshments, snacks and hot & cold drinks. A licensed bar will also be operating, serving a range of beers, wines and spirits. A range of souvenirs will also be able for purchase on board.
 

• - TIMETABLE -
  << SUBJECT TO CHANGE >>  PLEASE CHECK THE FINAL TIMES AS SHOWN ON YOUR SEATING ALLOCATION WHICH WILL BE EMAILED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO THE TOUR OPERATING.

SATURDAY 22nd AUGUST 2026

7:06am dep. SOUTHERN CROSS
10:13am arr. CASTLEMAINE
11:30am dep. CASTLEMAINE
12:30pm arr. MALDON

3:00pm dep. MALDON
4:00pm arr. CASTLEMAINE
5:32pm dep. CASTLEMAINE
8:15pm arr. SOUTHERN CROSS

Please ensure you are on the platform no later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

 

- FARES -

Excursion Class (Non-Air Conditioned Seating)
Adult $154
SRV Member $121 - Become a Steamrail Member to save - www.steamrail.com.au/membership
Under 17 $92
Under 3 $0
(Children under 3 years travel free, they must still hold a valid ticket, however they are not provided with a seat)

First Class (Air Conditioned Seating)
Adult $164
SRV Member $131 - Become a Steamrail Member to save - www.steamrail.com.au/membership
Under 17 $102
Under 3 $0
(Children under 3 years travel free, they must still hold a valid ticket, however they are not provided with a seat)

Premium Private Compartment (Opening Windows)
Private Compartment for up to three $616

Photostop
Photostop Ticket $10

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TryBooking Terms and Conditions.
Steamrail's Conditions of Travel are located on the Steamrail Website.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.    Can you join/leave this Tour at a location other than Southern Cross Station?

A.    No, Southern Cross Station is the only location where you may join/leave this tour.

Q.    What is the price for Seniors?

A.    Steamrail Victoria does not currently provide seniors discounts on all tours. As Steamrail is a volunteer run, not-for-profit organisation, all funds are returned to the maintenance and restoration of our heritage train fleet. We encourage anyone who travels regularly to apply for Steamrail membership, which provides discounts on most day tours. - www.steamrail.com.au/membership

Q.    Do you accept companion cards?

A.    Steamrail Victoria is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation. All proceeds from tours, go into the restoration and maintenance of our rollingstock and other associated costs. As such Steamrail Victoria is not subscribed to the Companion Card program. However, we do provide Companion Card bookings on our Shuttle trips in accordance with our Conditions of Travel, which can be booked via www.steamrail.com.au/tours 

Location

Southern Cross Station
Corner Collins & Spencer Streets, Melbourne VIC 3000

Contact Details

Contact Event Organiser