Discover Sydney's best kept secret...

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!