Cruise Express has launched an exciting new rail and road tour which combines some of New South Wales’ and Victoria’s most iconic towns and sights with exclusive access to heritage trains to create the ultimate south-western adventure.
The new Spirit of the Southwest tour starts in Sydney and takes guests on an incredible two-week journey as far west as Mildura and Broken Hill, and south to Albury, Melbourne and Ballarat, with stops along the way in Mudgee, Bathurst, Parkes and Murrumbateman.
Catering to the increasing demand for rail adventures, the new Cruise Express tour features no less than four exclusive heritage train trips including the ‘Royal Train’, offering guests the chance to soak up sweeping views of Victoria’s countryside from the open-air balconies, take lunch in the dining car and gaze out the windows in the heritage compartments which once carried royalty.
Other highlights include dinner with matching wines at Mudgee’s picturesque Lowe Winery, sundowners at The Living Desert and Sculptures in the outback, and lunch at the Rockley Pub, with food by celebrated chef Matt Moran, after a drive around the famous Mount Panorama circuit at Bathurst.
Departing August 31, 2026, the new 14-day Spirit of the Southwest tour is priced from $9990* per person twin share, or $11,990* for solo travellers, and includes:
- Exclusive heritage train travel including on the 1960s rail motor 621/761 from Sydney to Broken Hill and from Yass to Sydney; on the ‘Royal Train’ from Sea Lake to Wycheproof, Ballarat and Melbourne; and on ‘Spirit of Progress’ carriages from Melbourne to Seymour and Albury
- 13 nights’ accommodation spread across Mudgee, Bathurst, Parkes, Broken Hill, Mildura, Ballarat, Melbourne, Albury and Murrumbateman
- Exclusive experiences such as a farm visit to Walla Park including a shearing demonstration and lunch of local produce and beverages; an exclusive full day tour to Mungo National Park with lunch at Mungo Lodge and a guided tour of the Walls of China; and an exclusive dinner aboard a Murray River paddle steamer
- Most meals including breakfast daily and some lunches, dinners and drinks including at the Saint & Rogue gastropub, Fowles Wine at Avenel with matched wines, Aunty Jacks brewpub, Trentham Estate Winery, Mudgee Brewing Co., and the Tipsy Camel
- Group transfers throughout
- Cruise Express tour manager and escorts
Cruise Express Managing Director Meg Hill said this new one-off rail and road exploration of country NSW and Victoria took guests off the beaten tourist track to enjoy exclusive experiences above and beyond average tour inclusions and away from the crowds and queues.
“Our in-depth exploration of south-western New South Wales and Victoria combines must-see sights such as Mungo National Park with exclusive experiences including a private trip aboard the ‘Royal Train’ through Victoria’s Wimmera and dinner aboard a Murray River paddle steamer. With virtually everything included, it’s jam-packed with value and with some extended stays, there’s less rushing and the chance to see more of these iconic Australian destinations,” Meg said.
