Here's what to expect aboard the Kiama Picnic Train

All aboard the heritage-famed Kiama Picnic Train, a living museum on rails.

Experience the signature steam-hauled return journey of Kiama Picnic Train. Departing Sydney, the route travels through the Royal National Park and along the coast to beautiful Kiama where guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic hampers.

Once, you arrive in Kiama, there is ample time to explore its small-town charm, indulge in a spot of shopping, walk to the famous Kiama Blowhole, and while away the time by the seaside.

What to expect

The Kiama Picnic Train is a heritage-listed locomotive that first entered service in 1953 for NSW Government Railways. Nowadays it’s a wonderful way to escape the city and steam ahead to enjoy the laid-back pace of Kiama instead.

This is an ideal day trip for families, and we recommend taking the little ones, along with their grandparents. Watch their eyes light up as the sights and sounds of traditional steam rail travel inspire an automatic and enduring memory.

Nothing beats Kiama’s traditional steam train. (Image: The Picnic Train)

It’s no secret that the locomotion of rail travel often inspires romantic notions too. Book a return trip with your lover and figuratively see where the day takes you.

If you’re planning on dining at one of Kiama’s excellent cafes and restaurants, be sure to book a table in advance. Kiama is a small destination but a popular one, particularly on weekends.

Navigate the scenic train route. (Image: The Picnic Train)

The route

This fantastic rail journey starts from Sydney and guests can board at either Tempe, Hurstville, or Sutherland stations in the mornings (check the timetable for up-to-date information) and pulls into Kiama at approx. 12:30 pm, is the perfect time for lunch.

The Kiama Picnic Train travels through the Royal National Park. (Image: The Picnic Train)

Keep your eyes glued to the window as the Royal National Park provides beautiful scenery along the way and the expansive Pacific Ocean snaps into show-off mode as the railway line hugs the coast and coves to Kiama.

The train departs and whistles homeward bound for Sydney at 4:20 pm, so you’ve got about four hours to check out some of the best things to do in Kiama while you’re in town. Note: get to the station 20 minutes before the departure time.

The train crew will greet you with warm smiles. (Image: The Picnic Train)

Highlights

The company’s tagline is ‘getting there is half the fun’, and we wholeheartedly agree. Highlights of the journey include the natural show-stealing scenery, the opportunity to snap retro-inspired pictures aboard the train, and ample time to explore the final destination.

Book your seats, get comfortable and keep your camera handy on this unique Australian rail journey.

Cost

All fares are for same-day return travel. Prices for the Kiama Picnic Train start from $260, per duo. This secures great seats in an airconditioned lounge carriage, priceless views of the coast and country, a yummy buffet cart selection, (don’t forget to pack your own picnic treats) and is also BYO alcohol.

Admire the majestic scenery with a glass in hand. (Image: The Picnic Train)

Got a few of your besties prepped and ready? Good, because you can book a retro booth seating four people for a total of $320 too. Have a bigger group? Upsize the compartment to fit eight people for $500.

Keen to up the ante and hire an entire carriage or the whole heritage train? Good news, you can go ahead and invite your nearest and dearest to join a private celebration on the Kiama Picnic Train. First in, best dressed. Pricing is available upon request.

Sign up your kids on a train ride of a lifetime. (Image: The Picnic Train)