Join the Murraylander on this historic journey returning passenger trains to Yarrawonga and Oaklands. Step from the train to view the awe inspreing artwork looming above painted on once defunct wheat silos in Goorambat, Devenish, St James and Tungamah. Experience the idyllic waterways lined by majestic and ghostly river red gums. Stay in luxurious accommodation and relax into the rythm of slow rail travel on this not to be missed two-day Slow Rail Journey.
Fares from $1000
Be a part of history travelling on the first Standard Gauge passenger train to Yarrawonga and Oaklands, exploring the spectacular Northeast Silo Art Trial by Private Train.
Join us as the Murraylander returns passenger trains to Yarrawonga for the first time in decades. Step from the train to admire awe-inspiring artworks looming above painted on once defunct wheat silos, explore Victoria's playground on the Mighty Murray River and relax as we travel along one of the least visited railways of the Northeast.
Tour Highlights
Itinerary
Saturday 1 June
Your Slow Rail Journey will commence with an early bon-voyage breakfast held at the historic Savoy Hotel (where we will check-in guests and provide seat and accommodation allocations for the weekend) before being escorted by our friendly volunteers to the train).
Entering Melbourne's busy Southern Cross Station, you will immediately realise you are embarking on a journey like no other. Sitting on the platform—and greeting you like an old friend—is Slow Rail Journey's fleet of Standard Gauge passenger carriages, which make up the Vinelander, our heritage train perfectly juxtaposing the modernity and hustle surrounding it.
Upon boarding, your Carriage Attendant or Platinum Host will greet you as you settle into your private train for our epic journey. From the moment you step onboard, you'll immediately relax into the Slow Rail Experience.
Departing from Melbourne, the Murraylander will slowly run through Melbourne's industrial inner west to Sunshine before veering toward Broadmeadows and north on the main Melbourne to Sydney Standard Gauge Line. The Standard Gauge line arrived in Melbourne in 1962, finally allowing passengers to travel from Sydney to Melbourne on the same train and ushering in the Southern Aurora and the Spirit of Progress age.
At Heathcote Junction, navigating grades of greater than 2%, the Murraylander crosses the Great Diving Range, entering the Goulburn Valley and the flat fertile plains of the Northeast.
Approximately an hour and a half after departing Melbourne, the Murraylander will cross the Goulburn Valley and pass through the historic township of Seymour.
The railway was extended from Seymour to Euroa and Benalla in 1873, providing a vital link between the riches of the inland plains and Melbourne. While today, our scenic journey north is fast and uneventful, in days past, we would be travelling through bushranger country, and train holdups were common.
After a brief stop at the regional centre of Benalla, we leave the passenger network and branch north off the main Melbourne—Sydney corridor toward Yarrawonga and Oaklands. The line from Benalla toward Yarrawonga was opened as far as St James in 1883 and onward to Yarrawonga in 1886; however, it was not extended over the border until an agreement was reached between Victoria and New South Wales in 1932.
Shortly after we depart from Benalla, the Murraylander commences its tour of the much-acclaimed Northeast Silo Art Trail, which stretches from Goorambat to Tungamah.
Arriving in Goorambat, guests will step off the train to view Jimmy Dvate's masterpiece that looms above the town. The centrepiece of the artwork is a photorealistic portrait of Millie, a majestic Barking Owl resident at Healesville Sanctuary, raising awareness for this endangered species.
Two smaller silos depict a rural scene and a tribute to the Clydesdale horses Clem, Sam, and Banjo, honouring their historic role as the backbone of Goorambat's farming community. These silo artworks, created in 2018 and 2019 as part of the Benalla Wall to Wall Festival, are a must-see for any road trip along the North East Victoria Silo Art Trail.
If time permits, visit the uniting church (a short walk from the silo) that was spectacularly transformed by Adnate when the artwork 'Sophia' was commissioned in 2017.
A short journey back onboard the Murraylander takes us to Devenish, where, standing tall, are three silos transformed into a powerful tribute to the town's military history.
Melbourne artist Cam Scale's work honours those who served. Two silos depict nurses – a World War I figure and a modern medic – showcasing the evolving role of women in the armed forces.
The third silo is a dedication to the Light Horse, mounted troops who served in WWI. It reflects the significant contribution of Devenish's community, with one in six residents enlisting at the time. Unveiled on Anzac Day, this silo art serves as a reminder of sacrifice.
Reboarding the Murraylander, relax on the short journey to St James, our third silo art stop on the journey north to Yarrawonga.
On arrival at St James, step from the train to view the silos that are bursting with local history, thanks to artist Tim Bowtell. Across four canvases, the story unfolds. One silo depicts a young Sir George Coles, founder of the Coles supermarket chain, standing proudly beside his father's St James General Store.
Another silo showcases the backbreaking task of transporting wheat by horse and wagon, a method used before the arrival of the railway. The remaining silos honour the agricultural heritage of St James, a town that played a vital role in grain storage and transportation. Next time you're on the Victorian Silo Art Trail, be sure to stop by St James for a unique glimpse into its colourful past.
If time permits, it is a short walk to the site of the original Coles store.
A further short journey onboard the train takes us to Tungamah - home to our final silo art stop of the afternoon.
Tungamah's silos were the first in Victoria's Northeast to be transformed into their spectacular current form. Western Australian artist Sobrane Simcock, the first female silo artist in Australia at the time, transformed them into a celebration of local birdlife.
The star of the show is a trio of graceful Brolgas dancing across the concrete silos. A cheeky Kookaburra perched on a smaller silo keeps watch. In 2019, Simcock returned to add more feathered friends. Now, nestled amongst vibrant gum leaves, you'll find kookaburras, galahs, cockatoos, and wrens, creating a colourful spectacle for visitors exploring the North East Victoria Silo Art Trail.
The final leg of the afternoon's journey takes us to Yarrawonga, where guests will transfer to one of the region's luxury hotels for the evening.
Yarrawonga, known as Victoria's riverside playground, is situated on the southern bank of Lake Mulwala (part of the Murray River) on the border between Victoria and New South Wales.
Located in the middle of "Sun Country," Yarrawonga and its New South Wales sister town of Mulwala are popular holiday destinations known for their warm climate and beautiful setting on Lake Mulwala.
The lake was formed by damming the Murray River in the 1930s and is a popular spot for water activities like boating, fishing, and swimming.
Sunday 2-June
Our journey commences with a gourmet breakfast before guests are offered a choice of touring options, including:
Touring the Yarrawonga region on our signature Murray Explorer Off-Train Experience or
Reboarding the Murraylander to the end of the line in Oaklands.
Guests opting to part-take in the Murray Explorer experience, board coaches to explore this fascinating region. From enjoying a private cruise on Lake Mulawa to tasting some of the gourmet produce the area is famous for and exploring its many attractions, it is a morning you won't soon forget.
For those who travel north to the end of the line in Oaklands, the Murraylander will make an early departure before crossing the bridge into New South Wales.
The 61km line north from Yarrawonga to Oaklands opened in 1932 and was initially built to Victorian Broad Gauge. The construction of a New South Wales Standard Gauge spur from The Rock created several changes in gauge stations in the remote town. When the Northeast line was fully standardised in 2008, long after the closure of the NSW line, the Benalla - Oaklands branch was converted to avoid creating an orphaned and thus useless Broad Gauge line.
Both groups will be re-united in Yarrawonga around lunchtime to commence retracing our steps (this time running express) along the Northeast Silo Art Trail to Benalla. In Benalla, the Murraylander again enters the passenger network to run fast across the ranges. All too soon, the open spaces of the Northeast melt into suburbia, and the Murraylander arrives back at Melborne's Southern Cross Station.
Route Map
Platinum Class onboard the Murraylander
Enjoy a premium epic adventure while staying in the best hotels in the region, travelling in spacious carriages, and attending premium events.
Inclusions:
Enjoy the absolute best experience the regions we visit can offer—an unparalleled level of comfort travelling in dedicated carriages with spacious seating and staying in the highest-quality upgraded accommodation available.
Travel in exclusive carriages with each guest seated in a forward-facing seat or a spacious booth seat arranged perfectly around a picture window. Each group has a guaranteed window seat.
Accommodation will be in the following hotels en route:
RACV Cobram Resort
Nestled by the Murray River, RACV Cobram Resort offers a tranquil escape for families and friends. Spacious apartments and self-contained cabins provide a comfortable home base for exploring the region. Whether you crave relaxation or adventure, the resort caters to all.
Unwind by the indoor or outdoor pools, or cast a line from the riverbank. Kids will love the playground and jumping pillow. Explore the nearby wineries, historic towns, or renowned golf courses. RACV Cobram Resort allows you to experience the best of the Murray River Murray region – fresh produce, local delights, and stunning scenery – all within easy reach.
Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods
The Sebel Yarrawonga is a luxurious escape on the picturesque shores of Lake Mulwala. This 4.5-star boutique hotel offers stunning lake views from its stylish studios and apartments. Indulge in local, seasonal cuisine at Stock & Barrel restaurant, or enjoy a relaxed meal with a view on the terrace.
Unwind at the infinity pool overlooking the lake, or pamper yourself at the Sol Wellness Day Spa. The Sebel caters to relaxation and adventure, with a championship golf course nearby and water sports on the lake.
Locomotives
Our train will feature two locomotives from our heritage diesel fleet.
