As we prepare to spoil our mothers on their special day, at Escape Travel we think that families should spend the day together doing something fun – and what can be more fun than a scenic railway trip.
Here are our top five home-grown Aussie rail trips perfect for this Mother’s Day.
Puffing Billy Railway – Victoria
Always a family favourite, the Puffing Billy Railway first chugged through the Dandenong Ranges in 1900. Today enthusiasts can relive a bygone era by boarding the train at Belgrave Station and enjoying the 15 kilometre, two-hour ride to Gembrook. To make the experience all the more special, consider enjoying lunch on the train.
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Kuranda Scenic Railway – Queensland
To provide a support network to miners, a rail line was first laid from Cairns to the hinterland town of Kuranda in 1882. Today the Kuranda Scenic Railway is one the region’s premiere attractions as visitors have the opportunity of travelling in the historic carriages while admiring the spectacular scenery. After enjoying lunch in Kuranda, consider taking the Cableway on the return journey for a contemporary experience.
Zig Zag Railway – New South Wales
The Zig Zag Railway was originally built during the 1860s as a service line from rural NSW to Sydney. As a great family experience, the steam trains now chug from Clarence near Lithgow to Bottom Points in the scenic Blue Mountains. The train descends through historic tunnels at a particularly steep gradient for the entertainment of all aboard.
Pichi Richi Railway – South Australia
Opened in 1878, the Pichi Richi Railway at Quorn operates rail trips on the oldest part of the famed Ghan Railway aboard the historic Barwell Bull railcar. The scenic journey takes two and a half hours and covers 32 kilometres – beginning at Quorn Station, passing through Woolshed Flat and finishing at Port Augusta.
Hotham Valley Railway – Western Australia
The Hotham Valley Rail line was first opened in 1910 to link Pinjarra and Holyoake. As an historic tourist journey, the preserved railway now operates from both the towns of Pinjarra and Dwellingup through the beautiful Darling Ranges and the Hotham Valley, and onto Etmilyn.
