The Grainlander to Manangatang either touring the Northern Mallee Silo Art Trail or attending the 2025 Manangatang Cup

Journey behind Slow Rail Journeys' fleet of heritage diesel locomotives aboard the Grainlander as it makes its way north to Manangatang – the stepping-off point for the northern portion of the spectacular Mallee Silo Art Trail and home to the 2024 Manangatang Cup. After a gourmet welcome aboard dinner at the Savoy Hotel, settle into your private sleeping cabin - your oasis for the weekend - as the Grainlander leaves the lights of Melbourne behind, winding through the Goldfields and out onto the flat plains of the Mallee.

On Saturday, awake to a Mallee sunrise and a different world with the horizon visible across the undulating plains. Enjoy breakfast onboard as the train makes its way to Manangatang. For the rest of the day, guests have the opportunity to participate in one of two signature Off-Train Experiences:

• Grainlander Silo Explorer: Explore the northern portion of the Mallee Silo Art Trail, visiting artworks we don't see on any other itinerary, including those in Walpeup, Patchewollock and Albacutya, along with the northern shore of spectacular Lake Tyrrell and more; or

• Attend the Slow Rail Journeys / 707 Operations Manangatang Cup: The Manangatang Cup is one of the pre-eminent events on the country racing calendar and is one of the most significant events in the Northern Mallee. Relax in the private Slow Rail Journeys marquee and enjoy the day's festivities.

Juxtaposing the busy schedule of touring on Saturday, Sunday is a day of slow rail travel, of relaxing into the rhythm of the train, as the flat plains of the Mallee are replaced by the ironbark-clad granite hills of the Goldfields and finally, the busy population centres of Ballarat and Melbourne. Enjoy three meals onboard in the dining car, a stop in Barraport to explore the spectacular Spanner Man Gallery and more.