Voyage on Port Phillip Bay in stylish ‘Art Deco’ ambience on our chartered ship, the luxurious ‘Victoria Star’. Weigh anchor and set sail from Victoria Harbour, located at the edge of the City. Cruising down the Yarra River, watch while our Captain skillfuly guides our passage under Bolte and Westgate Bridge. See the fascinating activity of Melbourne’s docks before we pass Williamstown’s historic shipyards and timeball tower at Point Gellibrand. At a sedate 10 knots, Melbourne’s skyline gradually recedes from our elegant waterborne vantage point as we glide close by shipping from around the globe; anchored awaiting entry to the Port of Melbourne.

We Sail past Point Cook, the Point Wilson explosives berth and Portarlington. Enjoy the gentle caress of the sea breeze, and perhaps a drink or light snack from the licensed bar, and ask yourself if this isn’t the most relaxing journey you’ve ever experienced. ‘Victoria Star’ docks at Steampacket Quay on Corio Bay, in the heart of Geelong’s delightful waterfront.

The ‘Geelong Flyer', Australia’s fastest train of the 1920’s, steams out from Melbourne's Southern Cross Station. Our fully restored, 90 years young carriages reflect style and elegance of times past, before the days of vandalism and ‘user pays’, and will amaze you with their comfort, varnished timber and fine compartments. Victoria’s oldest country rail line is that to Geelong, built in 1857.

K153 hauling a suburban shuttle near Box Hill in 2007. Les Coulton photo

On Train Service
Our on-train facilities include kiosks, which stock a wide range of light refreshments, sandwiches, souvenirs and hot and cold drinks. A licensed bar will also be open serving a range of wine, beers and spirits. Our courteous train officers will be on hand throughout the journey to provide
any assistance to ensure an enjoyable and safe day.

Today, travel is at a leisurely pace and you may open the windows and relive nostalgia of the past. We pass the historic bluestone station of Little River, one of the oldest in Australia with the distinctive You Yangs as backdrop, and as we approach Geelong, glimpse the water on which we cruise later (or on the way down).

Historic Geelong railway station is a 15 minute stroll from Steampacket Gardens and is close to City attractions. Geelong, City by the Bay, is a truly wonderful place to visit. The beautiful foreshore around the magnificent Steampacket gardens features Eastern Beach and the Botanic Gardens. Enjoy fine dining at one of the many restaurants, cafes and pubs nearby. The renowned National Wool Museum recalls the era of Australia riding on the sheep’s back, while the Ford Discovery Centre is a fascinating interactive display. The adjacent Geelong City area also features lots of great Shopping! All guests receive a guide and map to Geelong and attractions.

‘Victoria Star’ in a previous life was Sydney ferry ‘Lady McKell’. In this guise she transported millions around the harbour and was a three times winner of the Great Sydney Ferry race. With no expense spared she has been transformed to a luxury pleasure cruiser to sail on Port Phillip Bay. She features large upper and lower decks, with areas of both indoor and outdoor seating, plus fully licensed bar with light refreshments.

Subject to change, please ring Steamrail a few days before the tour to confirm timetable and platform departure number.

*If you would like to explore Geelong, or do not want to travel by ship, you may wish to consider the Rail Only Option.

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