Steamrail has been informed that the broad gauge to Albury is shortly to close and be gauge converted. This has come about sooner than originally anticipated thus the short notice for what will be the last broad gauge steam train to Albury. This will be the last chance for steam passengers to make the journey north over a line which has served Victoria for 125 years. Book now and help celebrate the end of an era in railway history.

This trip will also celebrate the 125th anniversary of the opening of the line between Albury and Wodonga. The railways from Sydney and Melbourne were built in stages in the late 1880s, reaching Wodonga on the 21st November 1873 and Albury, on the 3rd February 1881. There remained the 4 mile gap between these termini. The Murray River was the main obstacle, as well as the small matter of the gauge difference. The gap was bridged by a double track main line, one of each gauge, with a number of substantial bridges. Therefore the standard gauge now reached Wodonga and the broad gauge extended to Albury, opening on the 14th June 1883.

Departing from Southern Cross Station at 8.25am, we will be picking up passengers at Essendon, Broadmeadows and Seymour.

R761 climbs up and over the Great Divide near Broadford 2007. Les Coulton Photo

Evening Meal Option: An evening meal will be provided to you at Benalla. You will have the choice of either roast chicken or beef with dessert included.

Spirit Class: Travel in style aboard our original 'Spirit of Progress' style air-conditioned carriages that recall the halcyon days of long distance train travel. Included in your fare is a complimentary morning tea.

Opening Window Special: For those who like to be close to the action and hear super steam power at work our comfortable ex South Australian compartment carriages are ideal.

For the comfort and convenience of all, luxury club car 'Moorabool' is included on the train as well as an observation van.

On Train Service
Our on-train facilities include kiosks, which stock a wide range of light refreshments, sandwiches, souvenirs and hot and cold drinks. A licensed bar will also be open serving a range of wine, beers and spirits. Our courteous train officers will be on hand throughout the journey to provide any assistance to ensure an enjoyable and safe day.

The north eastern line is nearly 300km of broad and standard gauge tracks, side by side, the longest parallel different gauges in the world, but not for much longer. A train spotters paradise, how many Sydney or Brisbane super freighters of up to 1.5km in length will you be able to spot on the standard gauge?

Upon arrival at Euroa, our locomotive R761 will be serviced and you will have an opportunity to stretch your legs. After servicing, our train will continue on its journey towards the Murray River, New South Wales border town of Albury.

This impressive station, where millions of passengers and
tons of freight have changed trains and gauges over the
past 125 years is the last remaining of 5 'Break of Gauge' locations in NSW. But now may be your last chance to see the high speed XPT (if it's on time!) right along side a steam locomotive at this well known platform.

A number of photo opportunities will be available along the way to record this historical event.

Arrival into Albury will be at 2.10pm where you will have the options of lunch at the Ettamogah Pub, explore and dine in or maybe you would like to travel back on the train to Wodonga to see the mighty Hudson on the turntable one
last time?

Our departure from Albury at 5.30pm will see us returning to Melbourne, so settle back in your comfortable compartment as we head back across the Murray River on a southern course for home.

Lunch Option: A lunch meal will be available at the
Ettamogah Pub where a delicious two-course meal will be served. After lunch you will be able to walk around and explore what is on offer at the Ettamogah Pub.

Subject to change, please ring Steamrail (on 03 9397 1953) a few days before the tour to confirm timetable and platform departure number.

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