If you thought driving over the Sea Cliff Bridge was the most scenic way to reach the South Coast, there is another equally picturesque option worth considering — and it doesn’t involve keeping your eyes on the road. The Kiama Picnic Train, a heritage service using restored locomotives from the 1950s, is officially returning to the tracks this month. Swapping modern commuter carriages for vintage steel engines, the service follows a cliff-hugging rail route through the Royal National Park and along the coastline before arriving in Kiama. Perfectly timed for the first glimpse of autumn colour and crisp coastal air, the popular service is back for a series of new dates across April and May — here’s everything you need to know.
What to expect on the Kiama Picnic Train
On board, the journey offers a proper heritage experience, with a mix of restored carriages ranging from private compartments and booth seating to air-conditioned lounge and dining cars. Tables are included across most seating options, so it’s easy to settle in with a picnic or snacks for the ride. While there is a buffet car on board for coffee and snacks, the “Picnic Train” name is literal; most people bring a full hamper and settle in for the few hours it takes to rumble down the coast.
As the train departs from suburban Sydney, you’ll be treated to dense bushland scenery, before opening up into the famous coastal stretch where the line sits high above the glittering Pacific, offering clear views of turquoise bays and the rugged shoreline of the Illawarra.
What to do when you arrive in Kiama
The train pulls into Kiama around noon, leaving you with a few hours to explore the town and its famous natural wonders, coastal trails and beaches before the return journey. The main street is a short walk from the station, along with key highlights including the lighthouse and the world’s largest blowhole. You can spend the afternoon wandering the seaside markets (if they’re running), heading down to the surf beach, or grabbing a coffee at waterside spots like Penny Whistler’s or Saltwater Cafe. If you’ve got time to browse, there are also a handful of boutiques dotted along the main strip, including The Collective Beat and Deer Willow.
Key Details
Dates
April 25–26, May 16 and May 31, 2026
Boarding points
Tempe (9:30 am), Sutherland (10:10 am), and Wollongong (11:43 am) to Kiama (return). The May 31 service includes a Sydney Central departure.
Timings
Departs around 9.30am, arrives Kiama 12.35pm
Returns 4.20pm, back in Sydney around 7.10pm
Tickets
From $260 (duo seating) to $550 (private compartment). High Tea experiences available in the dining car
Tickets are now on sale, book yours here.