Steaming into the past!
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Robertson Picnic Train
Sydenham to Robertson and return
(Via Main South and South Coast Lines)
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Saturday 4th October 2025
Step back in time and experience the golden age of rail travel on an unforgettable steam-powered journey behind historic steam locomotive 5917. Departing from Sydenham Station (Metro Accessible), this full-day adventure winds through scenic countryside of the Southern Highlands on the way to the charming town of Robertson where you will disembark with a few hours to enjoy the town and have lunch at your own leisure before the train departs and tackles the scenic Illawarra mountain and returns to Sydney via the South Coast line.
Perfect for families, friends, and group outings, this is more than just a train ride — it’s a day of nostalgia, exploration, and old-world charm. Watch in awe as plumes of steam billow into the sky, hear the whistle echo through the valleys, and feel the thrill of travelling as generations once did.
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.
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, and Afternoon Tea, Cheese and Fruit Platter on the way home. Includes Tea and Coffee all day.
NOTE: Bookings of 2 are at a shared table of 4
Group of 4 Seating - Air Conditioned Lounge Car*- $360 per group
Four Seats together in an Air Conditioned Lounge Car
** High Tea does not cater for any dietary requirements.
*This car does not include picnic tables.
Indicative
Timetable
PLEASE NOTE: Passengers may disembark at Robertson. Your ticket is for the round-trip journey aboard the train.
Saturday 4th October
(Sydenham pickup only)
Indicative times, Final times will be sent out via email in advance
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Sydenham Station - dep 8.30am
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Travel via Sydney Freight Lines and Main South Line
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Robertson - arr 12.30 pm | dep 3.30pm
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Travel via Illawarra Mountain and South Coast Line
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Sydenham Station- arr. 7.00pm
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.
