When the hustle and bustle of the city starts to wear you down, why not slow things down and see the world from a train window? A rail journey from Melbourne offers a romantic and immersive way to experience the landscapes of Victoria—passing through vineyards, rolling hills, lakes, and charming country towns. Unlike planes that fly past too fast, or road trips that can be tiring to drive, train travel moves at just the right pace, letting you soak in the view and savor the journey itself.
1. Yarra Valley Railway: A Symphony of Vineyards, Steam, and Slow Moments
- Starting Point: Melbourne (train to Lilydale, then transfer to scenic steam train or shuttle)
- Route: Lilydale – Healesville – Yarra Glen
- Trip Duration: ~1 day round trip (overnight stays optional)
- Best for: Wine lovers, families, vintage train fans, short-term travelers
Highlights:
This is a classic countryside wine train route near Melbourne that seamlessly blends nostalgia, nature, and indulgence. Begin your journey with a commuter train from Melbourne’s bustling city center to Lilydale Station. From there, switch to a heritage steam train or shuttle bus that winds its way into the heart of the picturesque Yarra Valley. The Healesville section is the crown jewel, where the century-old Yarra Valley Railway glides through rolling green hills, expansive vineyards, misty forest tunnels, rustic wooden bridges, and storybook pastures dotted with grazing animals. The slow chug of the train and the occasional whistle echoing through the hills add an enchanting rhythm to your journey. The moment the steam engine releases its shrill call and a plume of white smoke spirals above the eucalyptus trees, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a romantic novel set in the 1800s.
Recommended Stops:
- Yarra Valley Wineries: Don’t miss out on iconic estates like De Bortoli, Domaine Chandon, and Yering Station, each offering something unique—from sparkling wine tastings to three-course gourmet lunches with vineyard views. Some wineries even offer behind-the-scenes tours of their cellars and production areas. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious beginner, these stops offer an immersive taste of the region’s viticulture and culinary excellence.
- Healesville Sanctuary: A must-visit, especially for families or international visitors. This eco-focused wildlife park lets you walk among kangaroos, observe sleepy koalas in eucalyptus groves, and watch birds of prey soar during daily shows. It’s both educational and heartwarming, giving you a deeper connection to Australia’s unique fauna.
- TarraWarra Museum of Art: Tucked into the hills among rolling vines, this museum is a hidden gem. The building itself is a piece of modernist design, and it houses a thoughtful collection of contemporary Australian art. With rotating exhibitions, scenic views, and an on-site café serving local fare, it’s a perfect cultural pause between tastings.
- Healesville Town: This charming town is full of surprises—wander through antique stores packed with retro treasures, sip single-origin coffee at an artisan café, or treat yourself to sourdough baked fresh at a heritage bakery. It’s the kind of place where locals still smile and wave, and time seems to slow down just for you.
Tips:
- Steam trains run on limited schedules, usually on weekends or holidays. Be sure to check the official Yarra Valley Railway website and reserve your seats well in advance, especially during festivals or long weekends.
- Consider private or small group tours, which often include transport from Melbourne, a scenic train ride, and curated wine tastings. These packages take the stress out of planning and offer insider access to top-tier experiences.
- Wineries often require reservations, especially for guided tastings or seated dining. Calling ahead or booking online is strongly advised, particularly during harvest season (February–April) when tourism peaks.
- Bring a light jacket and sunscreen—the valley’s weather can shift between warm sun and cool breeze within hours.
Why we recommend it:
Even if you’re not a wine drinker, this journey offers so much more. Picture yourself gliding through hills lined with golden vines, sipping a latte while admiring vintage wooden interiors, or breathing in the earthy scent of the countryside. The Yarra Valley steam train experience is not just a mode of transport—it’s a sensory escape, a slice of old-world romance just an hour away from Melbourne. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, it’s a rewarding and memorable day trip that lets you reconnect with nature, history, and perhaps even yourself.
2. Great Southern Rail: Melbourne to Adelaide – Across Golden Hills and Rugged Coastlines
- Starting Point: Melbourne Southern Cross Station
- End Point: Adelaide Parklands Terminal (can be split into segments)
- Trip Duration: 2 days, 1 night (one-way journey available)
- Best for: Photographers, luxury travelers, long-distance train lovers, couples
Highlights:
The Great Southern is one of Australia’s premier luxury train journeys. Running in summer, it connects Melbourne and Adelaide via a cinematic landscape of golden fields, rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, inland forests, and farmlands.
This is not just a train ride—it’s a curated experience. Off-train excursions take you to landmarks like the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians National Park. On board, you’ll enjoy elegant cabins, panoramic windows, fine dining, and curated wine tastings.
Recommended Stops:
- Grampians National Park: Hike or explore Aboriginal rock art—nature and culture in one stop. The Grampians are home to dramatic sandstone peaks, cascading waterfalls, and some of the most accessible ancient Indigenous rock art in southeastern Australia. Trails range from easy walks to challenging summit climbs like Mount William. Wildlife is abundant—expect to spot kangaroos, emus, and colorful parrots amid the eucalyptus. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.
- Great Ocean Road (partial): Iconic photo ops at the 12 Apostles and Bay of Islands. This stretch of coastline is world-famous for a reason: rugged limestone stacks rise majestically from the turquoise sea, constantly reshaped by wind and waves. Even a short segment offers cinematic beauty—ideal for golden hour photos. Guided off-train tours often include dramatic lookouts, historical lighthouses, and short coastal walks, making this a must-see highlight of the Great Southern journey.
- Victorian Countryside: Rolling farmlands and sheep pastures glow golden under the sun—perfect for drone or landscape photography. The scenery unfolds like a living postcard: windmills slowly turning, hay bales dotting the fields, and quaint farmhouses nestled in gentle hills. In spring and summer, wildflowers bloom along the tracks, adding a splash of color. Keep your camera ready—these landscapes change with the light and are irresistibly photogenic from the panoramic train windows.
Tips:
- Book the Gold Service for a private cabin, meals, and inclusive excursions.
- Reserve months in advance, especially for summer departures.
- Combine with a wine road trip from Adelaide through the Barossa or McLaren Vale.
Why we recommend it:
More than a means of travel, this is a mobile piece of art. Ideal for anniversaries, honeymoons, or anyone wanting a once-in-a-lifetime train experience.
3. Daylesford Spa Country Railway: Steam, Scenery & Soaking in Slow Life
- Starting Point: Melbourne – train to Woodend, then shuttle or steam train to Daylesford
- Route: Woodend – Macedon Ranges – Daylesford
- Trip Duration: 1–2 days
- Best for: Couples, spa lovers, foodies, weekend getaways
Highlights:
A lesser-known but utterly charming train route. From Melbourne, take a train to Woodend and transfer to a small steam train that passes through the misty Macedon Ranges and finally arrives at Daylesford—a spa town famous for natural springs and creative energy.
This route is slow and scenic, winding past mist-covered hills, forested farms, and quaint countryside chapels. The slow pace encourages you to watch the colors shift and sunlight flicker between the trees.
Recommended Stops:
- Hanging Rock: A unique geological site perfect for hikes and picnics. Shrouded in local legends—especially after inspiring the haunting tale Picnic at Hanging Rock—this volcanic outcrop offers a short but rewarding hike to the summit, where sweeping views of the Macedon Ranges await. With its mysterious rock formations, eucalyptus groves, and picnic areas, it’s both an eerie and enchanting stop. Bring a thermos, a blanket, and soak in the otherworldly vibe.
- Daylesford Lake & Wombat Hill: Have a lakeside picnic or climb the tower for panoramic views. The lake’s serene waters reflect surrounding gardens and seasonal colors, making it an idyllic spot to relax or row a boat. Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, perched on an extinct volcano, offer panoramic views of the region and a charming café tucked among the greenery. It’s a peaceful pause that invites you to slow down and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
- Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa: One of Australia’s premier natural mineral spas. Indulge in a therapeutic soak as mineral-rich spring water soothes muscles and calms the mind. The spa offers a range of modern and traditional treatments—hydrotherapy, private bathing rooms, and full-body massages using local botanicals. Built in the 1890s, the bathhouse has a timeless charm that blends beautifully with the healing energy of the region.
- Artisan Markets & Villages: On weekends, explore local craft markets, indie shops, and cafés full of character. Daylesford and its neighboring villages are known for their bohemian vibe and strong creative community. Browse handmade ceramics, vintage wares, or locally roasted coffee while chatting with friendly stallholders. Many artisans open their studios to visitors, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their craft—making each encounter as personal as it is memorable.
Tips:
- Stay overnight at a countryside B&B in Daylesford for the full slow-living experience.
- Steam trains run on select weekends—check event calendars when planning.
- Mountain weather changes fast—pack rain gear and warm layers.
Why we recommend it:
When you see steam curling over a spa town at sunset, it feels like a Miyazaki painting come to life. This route is perfect for relaxing escapes into the hills and reconnecting with yourself.
One Train Ticket, a Whole New Way of Life
Trains are the most soulful way to travel. They turn the journey itself into a destination—not about how fast you get there, but how deeply you feel every moment along the way.
These three routes from Melbourne will take you through vineyards, hills, rural towns, and artful escapes, offering a chance to slow down and see life from a different perspective.
You might raise a glass to the scenery in Yarra Valley, sleep beneath the stars aboard the Great Southern, or watch twilight descend on a spa town in Daylesford.
Choose a rail journey, step outside the city frame, and step into the scenery, the slow life—and perhaps, into a quieter part of yourself.
