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Steam to Surf

Steam to Surf

Steam to Surf

Sydenham to Wollongong and return

17 & 18 October 2026

This October, take in the spectacular scenery of the Illawarra as A Legend of Steam Locomotive 3801 returns to the South Coast.

A spectacular coastal journey

Step back into the golden era of rail travel on a memorable day trip behind steam locomotive 3801 to Wollongong on the NSW South Coast.

Join the train at your choice of Sydenham, Tempe or Sutherland stations, before enjoying the scenic views through the Royal National Park, down the Illawarra Escarpment and along the spectacular coastline.

Alight at your choice of Thirroul or Wollongong, before reboarding the train for the return journey to Sydney.

Option 1: Thirroul

On arrival to Thirroul, you will have approximately three hours of free time to explore this relaxed coastal village.

Browse the boutique shops, cafés and local eateries in the town centre, or take a short walk to Thirroul Beach to enjoy the stunning ocean views.

Option 2: Wollongong

On arrival to Wollongong, you will have approximately two hours of free time to explore all Wollongong has to offer.

Visit the harbour and lighthouse for sweeping coastal views, or head to Crown Street to discover Wollongong’s shops, cafes and restaurants before your return journey to Sydney.

ONBOARD THE TRAIN

Step aboard a beautifully restored former NSW Government Railways carriage and experience the golden age of rail travel in your choice of the following classes. Light snacks and refreshments are available from the onboard buffet car as you take in the passing scenery.

Onlookers admire locomotive 3265 at Central Station. Credit Mark Coleman

Open Saloon

Travel in an open saloon car and be part of the action - perfect for individuals, couples or small groups.

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Compartment

Travel inside a private compartment for up to six people in our stylish Edwardian-era carriages featuring polished cedar interiors.

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Observation

Travel in our observation car and experience the romance of rail with open lounge seating and an exclusive observation deck.

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About

Locomotive 3801

A Legend of Steam

Locomotive 3801 and its classmates introduced a new era in train travel in New South Wales when they entered service from 1943.

With the 4-6-2 or ‘Pacific’ wheel arrangement, the 38 class were faster and more powerful than their predecessors, and were able to haul more carriages while reducing travel times on express services.

The 38 class were a particularly successful and reliable design. They were popular with railway management, with their drivers and with their firemen, whose work with the shovel was amply rewarded.

The first five were built by Clyde Engineering to a semi-streamlined design. The 25 post-war locomotives in the class, built by the NSWGR at Eveleigh and Cardiff workshops between 1945 and 1949, dispensed with streamlining.

The 38 class engines averaged more than 135,000 km per annum in the early 1950s when they were used exclusively on express services; they were mainly withdrawn and replaced by diesels in the late 1960s.

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