Steaming into the past!
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Branchliners to Botany and Moss Vale
Sydney to Bowral or Moss Vale via Port Botany (return)
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Saturday 14th June 2025
Step aboard a once-in-a-lifetime railway journey where history, scenery, and exclusive access collide! Branchliners to Botany and Moss Vale is a rare opportunity to travel by heritage diesel on a route normally reserved for rumbling freight – the Port Botany Line.
This unique adventure departs from Sydney Central Station, winding through seldom-seen industrial corridors to Port Botany where the locomotives will run around before powering off and onto the Southern Highlands in vintage style, hauled by our classic ex-government Branchliner diesel locomotives.
Gin Distillery Off-Train Experience – Alight at Bowral for an exclusive visit to the Millsheds local gin distillery & bar, including a welcome drink and discounts on bottles to take home, see below for pricing.
On arrival at Moss Vale you will have ample time to explore the town and get a bite to eat before we had back to Central Station, on the way back, enjoy a ride along the East Hills Line, with drop-off points along the route for those looking for a quick and easy return closer to home, or continue all the way back to Central Station.
This is a limited and unprecedented journey through rail corridors usually off-limits to passengers. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, a lover of hidden gems, or just after a unique day out – Branchliners to Botany and Moss Vale is your ticket to something truly special.
Fares
Please Note: All fares are for same-day return travel.
Private Compartment - $550 per group
Enjoy the benefit of an entire compartment to yourselves in a heritage 'FS' type non air-conditioned carriage - great for families and social groups! One booking is good for up to a maximum of eight (8) people, including children. Compartments are fitted with tables.
Four Seater Booth - $360 per group
Spacious four seat booth with table in a 'N' type classic non air-conditioned heritage saloon carriage. Booths are fitted with tables.
Single Ticket — $110 per person
Travel for a single person in a 'N' type classic non air-conditioned heritage saloon carriage, sharing a booth with up to 3 other passengers.
Single Ticket With Gin Distillery Tour — $140 per person
Travel for a single person in a 'N' type classic non air-conditioned heritage saloon carriage, sharing a booth with up to 3 other passengers, includes a tour of the Gin Distillery at Bowal, with drink on arrival and taste testing.
First Class High Tea ** - $320 per group of 2, $600 per group of 4
Travel in our Dining car including a Morning High Tea Serving on the way to Moss Vale, Includes Tea and Coffee all day.
** High Tea does not cater for any dietary requirements.
Port Botany Visit
The train will travel right into the heart of Port Botany on this journey, you will get to see one of Sydney's freight only lines up close and personal as we travel through Cooks River and past Sydney Airport before arriving at Port Botany where the locomotives will run around.
Indicative
Timetable
PLEASE NOTE: Passengers may disembark at Bowral or Moss Vale. Your ticket is for the round-trip journey aboard the train. This tour will be diesel hauled.
Saturday 14th June 2025
(Sydney Central Station to Bowral or Moss Vale return)
Indicative times, Final times will be sent out via email in advance
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Central Station - dep 10.00am
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Port Botany arr 11.15am | dep 11.55am
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Bowral - arr 2.55pm
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Moss Vale - arr 3.15pm | dep 6.15pm
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Bowral - dep 6.30pm
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Campbelltown- dep 7.40pm
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Glenfield- dep 7.55pm
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Revesby- dep 8.10pm
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Sydenham- dep 8.25pm
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Central Station - arr. 8.35pm
NOTE: The locomotive rostered for each service cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change due to operational reasons with or without notice. Your ticket is for the journey and is not dependent on the locomotive advertised.
*Indicative times only. Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to departure. An update email will be sent to the ticket booking a couple of days prior to the event with final details. Train departure and arrival times are subject to change at any time. Should anything change on the day the onboard crew will keep you informed.
Buffet Car:
Our buffet car will be available for light snacks and drinks. We encourage passengers to bring their own picnic hampers.
BYO alcohol is allowed and can also be purchased from the Buffet Car.
The Picnic Train is now a licensed venue. We have obligations under our Plan of Management to ensure the safety of passengers. Whilst the Plan of Management and the liquor license act are available should anyone wish to review, some important conditions are
* Alcohol will not be sold to persons under 18 and our team is trained to request proof of age.
* There are maximum limits in place, our team is trained to deny serving alcohol where appropriate.
* No Alcohol is to be taken or consumed off the train.
BYO alcohol is allowed, however, large eskys are not permitted.
Babies and Toddlers:
Babies in arms and small toddlers not requiring a booked seat may be brought along at no additional cost.
Prams, wheelchairs and walkers:
Due to space restrictions and for the safety of all aboard, large prams and mobility equipment cannot be taken aboard the train. You may bring a small collapsible pram that can be stored in overhead luggage racks. The pram must be collapsed and ready to bring aboard when the train arrives at the platform. If in doubt please call us for further information.
Toilets:
Toilets are available in most carriages. These will be locked while in metropolitan areas.
Mobile Phones:
There are no charging points on the heritage carriages. It is recommended that you bring an external battery charger for your mobile devices.