The Cockatoo Run 2024

East Coast Heritage Rail invites you to join us on the Cockatoo Run, hauled by heritage diesel locomotives and featuring our beautifully restored and maintained carriages. This heritage train operates a return tour from Sydney through to Robertson and Moss Vale* via Wollongong. 

** DUE TO TRACK WORK AT CENTRAL, THIS COCKATOO RUN WILL COMMENCE OUT OF HURSTVILLE AT ITS NORMAL TIME ON 18TH FEBRUARY ONLY!!!**

The Cockatoo Run commences its journey in Sydney and travels along the spectacular Illawarra route to Wollongong. The journey from Sydney offers amazing coastal scenery prior to the ascent of the Illawarra Escarpment.

The line climbs 600 metres through rainforests, past waterfalls, and over impressive viaducts. The continuous climb eases as the train passes Summit Tank and the scenery changes atop the Illawarra Range, as the Hawkesbury Sandstone fades and earthy red soil signals entry into the beautiful Southern Highlands.

* – Moss Vale option available on selected journeys

CARRIAGES, FARES AND TICKETS

Fares are available ex Sydney (departing Sydney, Sutherland and Hurstville) or ex Illawarra (departing Thirroul, Wollongong or Unanderra). Illawarra discounts are only applicable to some fare types.

Fare Types:

• Compare the different seating options for each carriage on our Seating Page
• Interurban: sitting carriages with mostly four facing seats and a table
• Tourist: sitting carriages with booths containing four facing seats and a table
• Premier: spacious sitting carriage with four facing individual seats and a table
• Lounge: a shared social space with lounge seats facing into the aisle, suitable for a large group
• Private Berth: a private space suitable for up to 3 standard adults, perfect for two people
• Group Compartment: a large compartment for up to 8 people to enjoy a private group atmosphere, spacious for 6

Carriages: (Note: not all carriages will be on every train)

• SBN2195 – Premier and FRN2186
• SFN2182  – Tourist
• XFS2015 – Group Compartments
• CAM502 – Lounge and Private Berths
• MBR2078, MFS2096 and MFS2145 – Interurban

Fare Categories:

• Adult
• Senior (Seniors card may be presentable on request at boarding)
• Child (under 16). Infants who do not occupy a seat (and travel on their parent’s lap) do not require a ticket, however you must call us to ensure their name is recorded on the adult ticket.
• Group bookings welcome (minimum 20 passengers).  Discounts available in Tourist and Interurban

BOARDING INFORMATION

Our trains usually depart from Platform 1 at Sydney Central Station and pick up as shown on our timetable. Please check departure indicators at your joining station in case of platform changes.

If you are using a Sydney Trains or NSW TrainLink service to connect with our train, visit www.transportnsw.info or call 131 500 to plan your journey. Our tickets DO NOT include travel on Sydney Trains or NSW TrainLink services. Seating on our trains is allocated – as a courtesy to passengers joining the train at other stations, please occupy only the seats allocated on your booking unless advised by your Passenger Attendant.

Please ensure you arrive at your boarding station AT LEAST 15 MINUTES before our scheduled departure time. As we share the lines with many other trains, we cannot wait for late passengers. 

BUFFET SERVICE

There is a licensed buffet service available on the train, serving hot and cold refreshments/ snacks and alcoholic beverages. Our train is a licensed venue, and NO BYO is permitted.

We ask that you please bring cash along in small denominations to help our buffet team, as EFTPOS facilities are very intermittent on most trips due to limited reception.

You are of course welcome to bring your own food on the train!

INDICATIVE TIMETABLE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Hurstville to Robertson

• Hurstville 9:29am
• Sutherland 9:46am
• Thirroul 10:36am
• Wollongong 10:53am
• Unanderra 11:06am
• Robertson arrive 12:31pm (approximately 3 hours in town)

Robertson to Hurstville

On the day, please follow instruction from your Passenger Attendant for precise departure timings at Robertson and/or Moss Vale for the return journey. Timetabled arrival times for the return journey:

• Unanderra 5:01pm
• Wollongong 5:10pm
• Thirroul 5:22pm
• Sutherland 6:12pm
• Hurstville 6:25pm