HERITAGE TRAIN, BUS & BOAT RIDES
THE GREAT TRAIN RACE
The Great Train Race returns for one day only!​
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Be part of Sydney’s most spectacular railway experience as two historic steam locomotives depart Central Station and travel side-by-side through the city’s inner suburbs to Hurstville and return.
This rare event offers passengers and onlookers the unforgettable thrill of experiencing two heritage steam trains running in tandem along the T4 Illawarra Line. It’s a living celebration of railway history, showcasing the power, atmosphere and romance of steam travel at its finest.
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Don’t miss this spectacle of steam rarely seen anywhere in the world, and a fitting way to celebrate 170 years of the NSW Railways!
All passengers must be onboard and ready to depart by 3.00pm. The two trains will leave Central a few minutes apart, and will run side-by-side from Sydenham to Hurstville before returning to Central on separate schedules.
Departure times
Saturday 4 October only
Departs from Central Station:
Locomotive 3001: 2.55pm
Locomotive 3526: 3.00pm
Total duration
1 hour
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Fares
Adult $60
Child $40
Senior/Concession $40
THNSW Member $40
Observation Car
Per person $75
STEAM TRAIN RIDES
Step into the past on a journey aboard a meticulously restored steam train, featuring 1930s era carriages from the NSW Government Railways.
Immerse yourself in the golden age of travel behind your preferred locomotive. Choose either Locomotive 3526, affectionately known as The Nanny, or join former Sydney Suburban locomotive 3001 — making its much-anticipated main line return following restoration in 2024.
For your comfort, ride in your choice of open saloon, compartment or observation car.
All trips operate non-stop from Central Station to Hurstville and return.
Operated by Transport Heritage NSW
Departure
times (daily)
10.00am
10.30am
11.40am
12.00pm
1.10pm
1.40pm
2.30pm*
3.00pm*
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Locomotive
3001
3526 'Nanny'
3001
3526 'Nanny'
3001
3526 'Nanny'
3001
3526 'Nanny'
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*Sunday 5 and Monday 6 October only
Total duration
1 hour
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Fares
Adult $39
Child $20
Senior/Concession $35
THNSW Member $35
Observation Car
Per person $69
BOTANY FREIGHT LINE TOUR
Back in 2025 with more seats, thanks to popular demand!
Step aboard for a rare chance to travel deep into Sydney’s working rail network, journeying along freight lines to Botany, the beating heart of Australia’s container trade, where the world’s goods move from ship to train.
Settle into heritage carriages and enjoy the rumble of 1950s diesel locomotive 42105 leading the way. This journey takes you into areas almost never used by passenger trains, offering unique glimpses of Sydney Airport and one of Australia’s busiest shipping terminals.
It’s an insider’s view of the city’s rail and port operations and a rare railway adventure you won’t want to miss!
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Operated by East Coast Rail Heritage.
Departure times (daily)
Departs from Central Station:
9.40am, 1.55pm
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Total duration
2 hours
Fares
Adult $45
Child $30
Senior/Concession $30
THNSW Member $30
LAVENDER BAY ELECTRIC TRAIN RIDES
Returning in 2025 due to popular demand!
Step aboard a recently retired silver ‘S-Set’ for a special Sydney suburban rail experience to Lavender Bay — a hidden gem of the city’s rail network and a line few passenger trains ever visit.
Departing Central Station, the train heads through Sydney’s Inner West to Ashfield before making an express return through the city's underground, over the iconic Harbour Bridge, and into Lavender Bay — once the original terminus of the North Shore Line before the bridge was built. It’s an unmissable and rare experience for rail fans and sightseers alike!
Operated by Sydney Trains, with assistance from Historic Electric Traction volunteers.
​Departure times (daily)
Departs from Central Station:
10.00am, 12.30pm, 3.00pm
Total duration
1 hour 50 minutes​
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Fares
Adult $20
Child $10
Senior/Concession $18
THNSW Member $18
RAILMOTOR RIDES
New to the Transport Heritage Expo, step aboard a beautifully restored 1960s 620/720 class railmotor for an express journey from Central, through the Royal National Park to Waterfall and return along the scenic T4 Illawarra Line!
Built between 1961 and 1968 for the New South Wales Government Railways, these iconic two-car diesel railcars were an icon of the Hunter Valley region for more than 60 years. Renowned for their distinctive curved cab windows and comfortable interiors, they offered a modern travel experience in their day — and now you can enjoy it once again!
Operated by the Rail Motor Society.
Departure times (daily)
Departs from Central Station:
9.35am, 12.10pm, 2.40pm
Total duration
2 hours and 10 minutes
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Fares
Adult $35
Child $20
Senior/Concession $30
THNSW Member $30
VINTAGE BUS RIDES
Enjoy Sydney’s city sights aboard a vintage double-decker bus for a 20-minute round trip of the CBD.
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At Central Station's Western forecourt, step onboard an immaculately restored AEC, Leyland or Albion double-decker bus. See the Sydney CBD from a new angle as you travel from Central Station towards Hyde Park and return on vintage bus route 417. See route map here.
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Or, if you're headed on a Sydney Harbour Cruise, jump aboard Route 222 for a connection to Elizabeth Macarthur Pontoon and Pirrama Park Wharf. See route map here.
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Operated by the Sydney Bus Museum
Departure times
Departs from Central Station's Western Forecourt every 5—10 minutes from 10.00am to 4.00pm (daily).
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Total duration
20 minutes
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Fares
FREE - donations appreciated upon boarding
SYDNEY HARBOUR STEAM CRUISES
Embark on a 45-minute Sydney Harbour cruise aboard your choice of two steam vessels: the Waratah or Lady Hopetoun.
These exquisite steam-powered vessels boast a rich history spanning over 120 years, promising an unforgettable harbour experience.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of steam as you cruise the harbour. Gain insights into the workings of these magnificent vessels from Sydney Heritage Fleet volunteers. Amidst this unique experience, indulge in breathtaking panoramas in an opportunity not to be missed.
On Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 October – enjoy a cruise aboard Waratah, a coal-fired tug crafted on Cockatoo Island in Sydney’s harbour. Originally designed for towing dredges and barges along the NSW coast, the Waratah exudes a sense of strength and nostalgia that harks back to a bygone era of maritime prowess.
On Monday 6 October – step aboard Lady Hopetoun, an elegant Edwardian steam launch that began life at Berrys Bay shipyard. With a legacy intertwined with the NSW Government and a deep connection to the heart of Sydney Harbour, the Lady Hopetoun has hosted an array of VIP passengers, including Prince Philip, Neil Armstrong, and the King of Thailand.
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Operated by Sydney Heritage Fleet.
A connecting vintage bus service will depart Central Station and operate directly to Pyrmont (timetable to be published closer to event).
Departures
Waratah
Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 October
Pirrama Park Wharf, Pyrmont
12.00pm, 1.15pm, 2.30pm
Lady Hopetoun
Monday 6 October
Pirrama Park Wharf, Pyrmont
11.00am, 1.15pm, 2.30pm​
Total duration
45 minutes
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Fares
Per person $49
Please Note:
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Children must be a height of at least 90cm.
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Babies (not walking) are permitted on Waratah only and do not require a ticket.
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Any children walking require a ticket and must comply with the height requirement.
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Please wear flat, enclosed footwear.