You had me at vintage train travel

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Is there anything more romantic in the world than a leisurely trip on a train where your one purpose is to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery?

Come aboard and step back in time with Vintage Rail Journeys for the most soothing travel balm imaginable.

The former Southern Aurora, which operated between Sydney and Melbourne from 1962 to 1896, has returned to the tracks as Vintage Rail Journeys, running carefully curated rail tours throughout regional NSW.

For this reiteration, the locomotive and carriages have been painstakingly restored to give travellers the experience of comfort and charm this mode of transport of yesteryear is renowned for.

Cabin decor, style, and condition are straight out of the 1960s, adding to the illusion.

As you take in some of NSW's best scenery, enjoy hearty chef-prepared meals designed to use the most delicious local produce of the areas you pass through, washed down with a complementary wine or refreshing beer.

Itineraries are designed so travel is done during daylight hours, with the train being stabled at night.

So wind down and be lulled into a restful sleep on a stationary train after your delightful day of travel.

Choose from three five-day tours that take you into the NSW heartland or along the state's spectacular coastline.

Off-train experiences have been woven into each leg of the rail journey for the ultimate travel experience.

Riverina Rail Tour

Departing from Sydney, the Riverina Rail Tour heads into the heart of NSW, taking in an extensive loop including Bowral, Junee, Leeton, Griffith, Orange, the Blue Mountains and back to the Emerald City.

Australia's food bowl never looked or tasted better as the tour takes in the regions' passionate producers and agricultural heritage highlighted in several off-train experiences.

Make licorice in Junee, taste olive oil at Morella Grove, ride the historic Zig Zag Railway and marvel at the Three Sisters, high in the Blue Mountains.

Golden West Rail Tour

The storied interior of NSW's west is on show in the Golden West Rail Tour.

Watch the elegant skyline of Sydney slip by as you head to the mighty Hawkesbury River and arguably some of the best river views in the land.

Taste the Hunter Valley at Twine restaurant, or enjoy a cheeky tipple or two at Margan Wines.

Step back in time at Werris Creek before heading to Orange to spend the night. The next day, head on to Bathurst to check out Mt Panorama and Abercrombie House.

North Coast Rail Tour

If seashore views are more your vibe, why not ride the rail from Sydney to Casino, just outside Byron Bay, on the North Coast Rail Tour? From your vantage point, watch the coastal tapestry of Australia pass by.

Marvel at the Hawkesbury region and river, sparkling coastline and lush rainforested hinterlands of NSW's North Coast.

The tour follows the Gloucester River along the North Coast Line heading towards Port Macquarie.

Byron Bay is reached on day three by coach from Nammoona.

A highlight here is experiencing the Byron Bay Lighthouse on the most easterly point of Australia, followed by lunch later at the 'chill' North Byron Hotel.

On the trek back to Sydney, make a couple of whistle stops at Kempsey and Maitland on the way.

For dates and prices, go to www.vintagerailjourneys.com.au/.