The Repco Bathurst 1000 is one of Australia’s most celebrated motorsport events, drawing thousands of fans to Mount Panorama each October for a weekend of touring car racing. Getting there, however, is half the challenge. The New South Wales circuit sits roughly 200 kilometres west of Sydney, and race weekends bring heavy traffic and limited accommodation. Vintage Rail Journeys offers an alternative with its Race’N Rail package, which returns for 2026 with an expanded itinerary. Running from 8-12 October, the all-inclusive journey departs from Sydney Central Station aboard restored 1960s ex-Southern Aurora carriages, with an extra night onboard this year giving guests more time at the circuit.
About the Repco Bathurst 1000
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The Bathurst 1000 has been held at Mount Panorama since 1963. The 1,000-kilometre endurance race is a cornerstone of the Supercars Championship calendar and is widely considered one of Australia’s biggest annual sporting events, rivalled only by the Melbourne Cup in terms of national viewership. The 6.2-kilometre circuit doubles as a public road outside of race weekends, with a 174-metre elevation change between its highest and lowest points making it one of the more demanding tracks in motorsport. The 2026 edition runs from 8-11 October as part of the Ryco Enduro Cup, with 25 cars confirmed on the entry list so far.
What’s new for Vintage Rail Journeys
This year’s experience extends to four nights onboard, up from the previous format. The additional night means guests are based on the train from Thursday through to Sunday, with the carriages stabled overnight at the circuit. The extended schedule allows for three full days of race access, with reserved grandstand tickets, paddock passes and a private photo opportunity with the Repco Bathurst 1000 trophy all included.
What the package includes
The package begins on the Thursday evening with a welcome dinner cruise aboard Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney before boarding the train. Once onboard, guests receive four breakfasts, one lunch and dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, with wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages included throughout the rail journey.
Race access covers Friday, Saturday and Sunday with coach transfers provided between the train and Mount Panorama. The Vintage Rail Journeys Bathurst Race’N Rail heritage twin cabin starts from AUD $5,490 per person, while the heritage single cabin starts from AUD $5,390 per person, based on advance purchase fares. Advance purchase fares are subject to availability and must be booked at least six months prior to travel.
Deals on additional Vintage Rail Journeys rail tours
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Beyond the Bathurst departure, the operator has also announced special 2026 pricing on its North Coast and Golden West rail journeys. Both routes travel through regional New South Wales aboard the same restored vintage carriages, offering a similar all-inclusive format for those looking to explore the Australian countryside by rail without the motorsport element.
The Vintage Rail Journeys Bathurst Race’N Rail package is available to book now for the October 2026 departure.
Quick Summary – Vintage Rail Journeys
- 🚂 Experience: Heritage rail journey to the Repco Bathurst 1000
- 📍 Route: Sydney Central Station to Mount Panorama, Bathurst
- 📅 Dates: 8-12 October 2026
- 🎟 Includes: Reserved grandstand tickets, paddock passes, all-inclusive dining and drinks
- 🛏 Duration: 4 nights/5 days onboard restored 1960s ex-Southern Aurora carriages
- 💰 Price: From AUD $5,390 per person (advance purchase)
