Riverina Express - Tourist Train for the Riverina Murray

02/04/2024

Support the rail tourism sector and take a look at the Riverina Warbirds train tour!

Please share the content if possible, sharing supports all of our efforts to see the sector thrive.

Thanks.

A unique heritage rail journey to the Riverina including the Temora Wardbirds Downunder Air Show and a visit to Hay in far west NSW.

17/07/2023

Once again Japan shows the way. This is what rail tourism should benchmark itself on.

30/01/2023

In March the Picnic Train will come to Junee and Wagga Wagga for steam hauled heritage train rides. Check out the website and support Rail Heritage in the Riverina!

Please share!

https://www.picnictrain.com.au/junee-picnic-train?fbclid=IwAR283b3nbwA8sfekYUBDGPreEwnqRZxL5_a0DiAp5OHUUVrgH95K8wIAvfw

From Junee, take an exciting return steam hauled journey to Cootamundra. Hauling The Kiama Picnic Train is usually steam locomotive 5917, built by Baldwin (USA) in the 1950s for the NSW Government Railways.

17/01/2023

Support the only consistent rail tour that passes through the Riverina multiple times a year. Please like and share (and jump onboard!)

We're excited to announce that our first trip to the Riverina for the year is a 'Guaranteed Departure'!

The tour leaves Central Station on Sunday the 5th of March 2023, and we'd love to welcome you on board our train!

Take a look at the full itinerary here: https://vintagerailjourneys.com.au/experiences/riverina-rail-tour/ or call Chris or Tammy on 1300 421 422.

28/12/2022

Some history on the name.

The Riverina Express was introduced on Sunday 27th September 1936, replacing the then Wagga Day Train. In 1949 the service was extended to Albury and Griffith and new locomotive hauled air conditioned RUB cars would be introduced onto the service.

In June 1964, 3802 had the task of hauling the last steam locomotive powered Riverina Express out of Central station.

Early in 1972, the locomotive hauled Riverina Express was replaced by the 1200 Class "Tulloch" diesel rail cars. The consist was designed to detach a car at junction locations allowing the single car to proceed under its own power to its branch line destination.

During this time the Riverina Express serviced towns along the routes to Cowra, Tumut, Lake Cargelligo and Hillston (as well as the main routes to Albury and Griffith).

The Tulloch's were plagued with electrical issues when amalgamating and were ultimately withdrawn from the Riverina Express, being replaced by 900 Class "DEB Sets" and Locomotive hauled services (that the Tulloch's were designed to replace).

By 1975 the Riverina Express operated to Griffith five times a week and Albury only once per week.

In August 1982, the service (which by now only went to Albury) was taken over by a XPT set and renamed the Riverina XPT.

In December 1994 an XPT daylight service to Melbourne was introduced by extending the Riverina XPT from Albury and effectively abolishing the "Riverina" name.

All photographs credited to the NSW state archives.

29/11/2022

It seems rail travel is making a comeback, be perfect to have a tourist train to just service the Riverina Murray.

Exclusive: Bookings for journeys between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have more than doubled

06/11/2022

If you could catch a train anywhere, where would you go and who would you take with you?

05/11/2022

Opened on the 1st September 1893, Temora railway station was opened for railway communication with Sydney and regional centres connected by the iron horse.

Today Temora is not serviced by regular passenger trains but is a hot spot for tourist trains to stop and enjoy the hospitality of Railway Temora.

We hope to make Temora a permanent destination for the Riverina Express timetable so tourists can enjoy the fantastic town and all it has to offer.

04/10/2022

Rail Motor connection in-between Junee and Wagga Wagga on Saturday 8th October for the Spirit of the Land Lockhart festival. Limited tickets!

SPIRIT OF THE LAND FESTIVAL - LOCKHART, SAT 8th OCTOBER

You are invited to join the Lachlan Valley Railway on a unique rail tour from Junee or Wagga Wagga to Lockhart to attend the Spirit of the Land Festival. Travelling aboard our newly refurbished 1960's "620" rail motor set "Neville & Joan" for a jaunt through the Riverina Countryside to one of the best festivals the region can offer.

With artistic sculptures, fine arts and photography, lively markets, boutique stalls, fabulous foods, vivid open gardens, amazing entertainment, stylish vintage vehicles, fireworks, the Festival is a fantastic experience for friends and family to enjoy.

Junee or Wagga Wagga - Lockhart & Return

Saturday 8th October

Depart Junee 2.00pm
Depart Wagga Wagga 2.30pm
Arrive Lockhart 4.15pm
Depart Lockhart 8.45pm (following the fireworks)
Arrive Wagga Wagga 10.15pm
Arrive Junee 10.50pm

$60 Adult $40 Children (under 15)

Seating is limited, so be quick!

https://www.123tix.com.au/events/35564/lockhart-spirit-of-the-land-daytrain

04/10/2022

Heritage Rail Motor Shuttles at Lockhart this Saturday

ATTENTION LOCKHART AND SURROUNDS - SAT, 8th OCTOBER

You are invited to join the Lachlan Valley Railway on a unique ride on our heritage Rail Motors from Lockhart to Boree Creek and return.

Bring the family and enjoy the golden age of branch line rail travel.

You will be aboard our newly refurbished 1960's "620" rail motor set "Neville & Joan" for a jaunt through the Riverina Countryside on this rare opportunity to experience the Boree Creek line!

Shuttle 1
Depart Lockhart 4:25pm Arrive Lockhart 5:25pm

Shuttle 2
Depart Lockhart 5:35pm Arrive Lockhart 6:35pm

Fares Adult $30 I Child $20 (under 15)

Train times may change slightly due to Network Requirements

Children that do not require a seat (on a guardians lap) travel for free

Ticket site also charges a small processing fee.

Tickets are available from the link below:

https://www.123tix.com.au/events/35565/spirit-of-the-land-boree-creek-shuttles