Posts in category: Announcements

Another great journey aboard the ‘Southern Highlands Explorer’ was had by our passengers on Saturday 19th September, as we powered our way from Central to Mittagong, Bowral and Robertson in the Southern Highlands.

Several passengers alighted at Mittagong for the Joadja Distellery tour, others at Bowral for the Tulips and a couple at Robertson for a few hours wandering the quaint little village. Robertson station precinct was alive with flowering waratahs and a nice selection of potted specimens were available on the platform.

A handful of passengers booked the ‘High Tea’ option for the trip and their tables were adorned with silver and glassware. On the journey south, they were served freshly made sandwiches, cakes and other sweet treats, including unlimited tea and coffee. A glass or two of wine of their choice was also served.

On the return journey, a cheese/bickies and fresh grapes plate was served, this time with a glass or two of bubbly !

A special Cockatoo Run on Sunday 30 August featured a High Tea option for passengers. Our guests were treated to a welcome glass of bubbly, special treats of delicious sweets and savories together with premium tea and coffee. On the homeward journey a cheese platter was served.

The High Tea proved popular on the day and will be available as an option on some future  Cockatoo Runs and other tours

A special thanks to the 190 wonderful guests who joined us yesterday for a truly historic journey aboard our very first Cockatoo Run by Night rail tour!

From the moment we rolled out of Sydney, guests were treated to golden-hour views along the Illawarra coastline before a special stop at Summit Tank Lookout just on dusk. The colours over Lake Illawarra and the escarpment were simply breathtaking.

The evening continued with just over two hours in the charming village of Robertson, where passengers enjoyed dinner at local restaurants before our magical return. As the train descended the Illawarra escarpment, the lights over Lake Illawarra sparkled into view at Dombarton — a dazzling sight to round off an unforgettable evening.

We’re proud to share these moments with you and can’t wait to welcome you back on board for more nostalgic rail adventures.

Our Australia Day Goods Line Tour was a huge success with both morning and afternoon trips well patronised. This year our train, hauled top and tail by X54 and 42103, travelled all the way to the Botany Freight Terminal.

Departing from Central Station guests enjoyed a unique 3-hour rail journey through Sydney’s hidden freight network with a behind-the-scenes look at the crucial rail lines that keep Sydney moving, traveling on tracks where passenger trains rarely go.

* Highlights of the day were;
* Sydney Freight Network
* Enfield Marshalling Yard & NSW Ports Intermodal Logistics Centre
* Port Botany
* XPT Service Centre
* Sydney SouthWest Metro

We hope to make this an annual event providing a limited opportunity to explore Sydney’s hidden railways.

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Exciting News: FRN 2186 Returns to Sydney!

We’re thrilled to announce the return of FRN 2186 to Sydney after a lengthy hiatus. The former New South Wales Government Railways N-Type buffet car has been undergoing extensive restoration work at the Goulburn Locomotive Roundhouse, including essential external and bogie repairs.

Now back in Sydney, FRN 2186 will undergo further interior improvements to ensure it’s ready to rejoin our operational fleet in the coming weeks.

A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to maintaining our fleet of heritage carriages. Your hard work keeps these pieces of rail history running.

We can’t wait to see FRN 2186 running on our trains again soon.

Sunday 17 December marked a historic day as we officially unveiled the Peter Abba Reserve at Summit Tank Lookout during our Christmas Cockatoo Run. Joined by Peter’s family, we honored the legacy of a beloved Illawarra community figure, Rotarian, and railway enthusiast

Peter Abba (1944-2023) was instrumental in transforming Summit Tank from a disused platform into a stunning lookout enjoyed by thousands aboard the Cockatoo Run since its launch in 1995. His vision and dedication, alongside Wollongong Rotary, made this special place what it is today—a breathtaking stop high on the Illawarra escarpment.

It was our privilege to dedicate this reserve to Peter’s memory, ensuring his contribution lives on for generations of rail enthusiasts and visitors alike.

The Peter Abba Reserve—a fitting tribute to an extraordinary friend of heritage rail.