East Coast Heritage Rail are proud to present the Hawkesbury River Express – enjoy a relaxing day tour with us from Sydney behind a restored vintage diesel locomotive, featuring restored carriages from the 1920s and ‘30s.
The Journey:
Departing Sydney Terminal at around around 9:50am*, the train heads north via Strathfield, Epping and Hornsby before traversing the spectacular Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park to the gateway of Sydney’s hidden scenic waterways – the Hawkesbury River and Brisbane Water. Here you are presented with the option to combine your train ride with a relaxing lunch cruise exploring the gorgeous bays and pristine inlets of the Hawkesbury River aboard the famous Riverboat Postman, board the MV Saratoga** for a shorter cruise around the islands of Brisbane Water followed by a leisurely lunch at Davistown RSL, or alight at Hawkesbury River, Woy Woy or Gosford to enjoy your own lunch or leisurely activities before returning to Sydney.
Our train is also equipped with a licensed buffet, serving tea, coffee, alcoholic refreshments and snacks during the trip. The train returns to Sydney Terminal around 5:50pm* – we hope you will join us for a relaxing day out!
* – listed times are approximate only and are subject to change
** – MV Saratoga option available on selected trips only
RIVERBOAT POSTMAN (approx. 3hrs on water)
The Riverboat Postman has delivered mail, groceries and essentials to the isolated population scattered throughout the gorgeous bays and pristine inlets upriver from Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River since 1910, and is the last river postal service still active in Australia. Operated since 2001 by Hawkesbury Cruises, its leisurely 40km journey now doubles as a tourist experience including a Ploughman’s lunch and a licensed bar serving alcoholic refreshments, complete with commentary about the local area and history from the skipper.
MV SARATOGA (approx. 1.5hrs on water and 1.5hr lunch)
Board the MV Saratoga from Woy Woy station and enjoy a cruise through the beautiful islands of Brisbane Water, operated by Central Coast Ferries. After a 1.5 hour scenic journey, enjoy a delicious lunch at the Broadwater Restaurant at Davistown RSL. Be sure to return to the wharf in time to get back on the boat for the return trip to rejoin the train!
How to Book:
Seats should be reserved prior to travel – bookings can be made via the links at the top of this page or by calling 1300 65 3801. Last minute, cash-only sales of tickets may be available on the train prior to departure at Sydney Terminal, however these are subject to availability.
Trains operate on selected days – Interurban, Tourist, Premier and Lounge Class tickets are available, and compartments are available for booking. Seniors, Group and Family discounts are offered, and carriage hire can be arranged by enquiry.
There is a licensed buffet service available on the train (serving hot and cold refreshments/ snacks and alcoholic beverages), however we ask that you please bring cash along in small denominations to help our buffet team, as EFTPOS facilities are very intermittent on most trips due to limited reception.
Estimated Timetable:
(INDICATIVE ONLY – SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Sydney to Gosford
Sydney Terminal (Central) – depart 9:58am
Strathfield – 10:15am
Epping – 10:45am
Hornsby – 11:05am
Hawkesbury River – arrive 11:32am
Woy Woy – arrive 11:52am
Gosford – arrive 12:05pm
Return Times:
(INDICATIVE ONLY – SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Gosford to Sydney
Gosford – depart 4:09pm
Woy Woy – depart 4:18pm
Hawkesbury River – depart 4:38pm
Hornsby – 5:01pm
Epping – 5:16pm
Strathfield – 5:33pm
Sydney Terminal – arrive 5:49pm
The above times are a guide only – please check your tickets for confirmed departure and arrival times.