Capertee Valley Explorer: Saturday 25 April 2026

Capertee Valley Explorer

Saturday, 25 April 2026

Step aboard the Capertee Valley Explorer for a rare full-day heritage rail journey to the historic towns of Kandos or Rylstone, set on the edge of the spectacular Capertee Valley — the largest canyon in the Southern Hemisphere.

On arrival at Rylstone, a short ANZAC service will be held by local volunteers, providing a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and commemorate. This special ANZAC Day experience offers a fitting way to remember while exploring some of New South Wales’ most remarkable landscapes.

Operated by East Coast Heritage Rail and powered by vintage diesel locomotives, this classic journey captures the romance of rail travel from a bygone era. Travel in beautifully restored 1930s heritage carriages as the train climbs the Great Dividing Range, winds through the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains, and passes historic railway towns along one of Australia’s most scenic rail corridors.

Departing Redfern Station (Platform 10) due to scheduled trackwork between Central and Strathfield on the mainline, all other suburban services are  operating between Central and Strathfield.  The adventure begins in a truly unique way. Shortly after departure, our train will detour from the suburban mainline and take the rarely used Sydney Goods Line, passing through Enfield — a freight corridor not normally accessed by passenger trains. This special routing offers a fascinating glimpse into Sydney’s industrial rail network before we rejoin the main western line near Lidcombe.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the unfolding scenery. After Penrith, marvel as we begin our ascent into the Blue Mountains, where dramatic escarpments, misty ravines, and sweeping rural valleys reveal themselves outside your window. From the rugged grandeur of the mountains through Lithgow and Wallerawang, the journey culminates in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Capertee Valley.

Perfect for railway enthusiasts, history lovers, and those seeking a memorable day out, the Capertee Valley Explorer blends heritage, history, and natural beauty into a truly special ANZAC Day rail experience — a day of remembrance set against one of Australia’s most breathtaking backdrops.

Choose Your Destination

Option 1: Explore Historic Kandos (2.5 hours)

Travel through to the historic town of Kandos, where you’ll enjoy 2.5 hours free time to explore at your leisure.

Once a thriving cement town, Kandos is rich in industrial heritage and small-town charm. Visit the Kandos Museum, stroll through the historic streets, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful rural atmosphere.

Things to see and do in Kandos include:

• Kandos Museum – Discover the town’s fascinating industrial and social history

• Historic town walks – Explore heritage buildings and quiet streets

• Local shops & cafés – Enjoy lunch at a local café or bring a picnic to savour in the fresh country air

Option 2: Discover Rylstone (2 hours)

Alternatively, disembark at Rylstone, one of NSW’s most picturesque heritage villages, nestled beside the Cudgegong River.

Rylstone offers a relaxed country atmosphere, historic architecture, and stunning natural surroundings—ideal for a leisurely afternoon.

Things to see and do in Rylstone include:

• Rylstone Heritage Walk – Explore beautifully preserved historic buildings

• Local cafés & bakeries – Enjoy lunch or a sweet treat in town

• Riverside walks & parks – Unwind along the Cudgegong River

• Boutique shops & galleries – Browse local crafts and gifts

Carriages, Fares, and Tickets

We offer a range of seating options to suit your preferences, with fares available from Strathfield, Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, Katoomba and Lithgow. Explore our different carriage types below to find your perfect seat:

• Interurban (MFS): Comfortable sitting carriages with four facing seats and a table.
• Tourist (SFN): Relax in booths with four facing seats and a table for a more intimate experience.
• Premier (SBN & ABN): Spacious, elegant sitting carriages featuring four facing individual seats with a table.
• Premier (FRN): Spacious, elegant sitting carriages featuring four facing individual seats with a table situated in the buffet car.
• Lounge (CAM): A relaxed, social space with lounge seating, ideal for larger groups.
• Twinette (ABN): A cozy, private compartment for two.
• Private Berth (CAM): A private space for up to three adults, perfect for couples.
• Group Compartment (XFS): A roomy compartment for up to 8 people, ideal for 6, perfect for group gatherings.

Fare Categories:

• Adult
• Senior Senior’s card may be required at boarding
• Child Under 16. Infants who don’t occupy a seat are free but must be registered on the adult ticket
• Family Bundle Calculated on checkout (2A-2C)
• Group Bookings (Discounts available for groups of 20+ passengers)

Boarding Information

Please arrive at your departure station at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. As we share the track with other trains, we cannot wait for late passengers. If you're connecting with our service via Sydney Trains or NSW TrainLink, visit www.transportnsw.info or call 131 500 for planning details. Please note, our tickets do not cover travel on these services.

Seats on our trains are allocated. To ensure smooth boarding, please sit in your designated seat, unless otherwise instructed by your Passenger Attendant.

Buffet Service

Indulge in a variety of light refreshments, including hot and cold beverages, scones with cream, cakes, and a selection of snacks, all served on board. Please note, this is a licensed venue, so BYO is not permitted. For ease of payment, we recommend bringing small cash denominations or gold coins, as EFTPOS is often unavailable on the train due to limited reception.

Feel free to bring your own food along, and don’t forget to check out our collection of souvenirs available for purchase.

Estimated  Timetable(To Be Confirmed)

Confirmed timetable will be advised to all guests one week prior to travel

Redfern to Rylstone

• Redfern - 6:08am depart
• Lidcombe - 6:46am
• Parramatta - 6:57am
• Penrith - 7:27am
• Katoomba - 8:45am
• Lithgow - 9:42am
• Kandos - 11:52am 
• Rylstone - 12:15pm arrive

Rylstone to Redfern

• Rylstone - 2:29pm depart
• Kandos - 2:44pm
• Lithgow - 5:02pm
• Katoomba - 6:09pm
• Penrith - 7:46pm
• Parramatta - 8:21pm
• Lidcombe - 8:39pm
• Redfern - 9:22pm arrive

Please follow the instructions from your Passenger Attendant regarding precise departure times for the return journey.

Passengers with Disabilities, Prams, and Strollers

We aim to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Strollers and prams must be foldable and fit in the luggage racks above the seats.

For passengers with disabilities, please contact us prior to booking at trains@3801limited.com.au to discuss accommodation options. Our heritage carriages have narrow aisles and walkways, and are not equipped with designated wheelchair spaces. Passengers will need to be able to make their way to their seats, and walking frames must be stowed safely in available storage.

For more information, visit www.echr.com.au or contact us directly.

We can’t wait to welcome you aboard for an unforgettable day exploring the Shoalhaven! Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a first-time adventurer, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.