The 20th century saw the creation of some classic planes, trains and automobiles, many of which are still in great shape and occasionally rolled out for all to enjoy.
And a four-day escape to the Temora Aircraft Showcase and central and southern NSW is a wonderful way see some fantastic old birds and lots more besides.
Departing Sydney on March 4, Scott McGregor's Adventure Travels and guests will travel in style to Temora aboard their own heritage train complete with streamlined diesel locos and retro-restored carriages.
Before and after they will drop in on all manner of busy towns, sleepy villages, country pubs, gardens and museums, chalking up more than 1000 kilometres.
The tour begins with a welcome briefing at Central Station before departing around 9am.
It then heads south along the Illawarra line, hugging the escarpment to Wollongong before branching off at Unanderra to begin the spectacular climb up to the Southern Highlands, with sweeping views up and down the South Coast.
Passing through Robertson the train joins the Main Southern Line at Moss Vale and continues to Goulburn, where there is a brief stop before continuing down the line.
Lunch is served in the dining cars along the way after which guests can enjoy the afternoon reclining in the lounge or sitting cars while taking in the scenery..
The Blue Zephyr pulls into Cootamundra in the afternoon. There the group transfers to the Cootamundra Heritage Motel for some down time before regrouping for dinner at a local restaurant.
Leaving Coota after breakfast the next day, the train journeys west through the junction of Stockinbingal to Temora. Here guests transfer to the Temora Aviation Museum for an exploration of one of the largest collections of vintage aircraft in the country.
The Aircraft Showcase event will feature all serviceable aircraft from the RAAF 100SQN Temora Historic Flight Collection, with a variety of rare warbirds and historic aircraft taking part in fly-pasts.
Planes include Supermarine Spitfires, a CA-13 Boomerang, Lockheed Hudson, CA-16 Wirraway, DH-82A Tiger Moth, English Electric Canberra, A-37 Dragonfly, DH-115 Vampire T35 and Ryan STM S2.
Coaches will also be on hand to take guests on a shuttle to the CBD and the Rural Museum, which has a great collection of historic artefacts.
Then, in the mid-afternoon, it's back on the Blue Zephyr to Stockinbingal Junction, where the train is shunted on to the Inland Rail line for the trek north to Parkes.
Dinner will be enjoyed in the dining cars before arrival in Parkes in the early evening and a stay at either the Parkview Motel or North Parkes Motel.
Breakfast on day three will be served on board the train as the tour leaves Parkes, heading east and up the steep slopes to the tablelands.
The journey passes through Manildra and Orange, stopping at the heritage village of Millthorpe for time to graze and browse in its shops, galleries and cafes.
Then it's on to Bathurst and the new Bathurst Railway Museum. There guests will have a light lunch and take in the exhibits, including an extraordinary working model of the western line.
There is also the option to explore more of Bathurst and its world-class fossil, mineral and motor museums. Or guests might wish to tour Mayfield Garden, an extensive private high-country garden in the English style.
In the evening there will be a grand dinner in the old ballroom of Abercrombie House before turning in for the night at Rydges Bathurst.
On the fourth and final day, guests will have the morning at leisure before packing up and heading down to the railway station and the run back to Sydney.
Lunch will be served along the way, with arrival back in Sydney expected in the mid-afternoon.
ANOTHER OPTION
If you want to slip away before then, Scott McGregor is also offering a journey aboard the Mudgee Christmas Train from December 4-6
Once again aboard the lovely Blue Zephyr, this adventure includes a stop at the historic rural idyll of Rylstone before heading by coach to Mudgee for three-course lunch, with local wines to match. In the evening there will be retro music and fine food and wine at the Lowe Family Winery.
The next day is devoted to exploring the region with tours of Mudgee, the heritage Gold Rush town of Gulgong and tastings at the finest wineries of the Cudgegong Valley. The days is capped off the day with a mid-summer sunset cocktail reception at Scott's private rail-themed retreat, Ruwenzori.
Your return to Sydney by private train via the historic cement town of Kandosut
For the full itinerary, prices and inclusions for both tours, call 1300-800-977 or go to railwayadventures.travel
- READ MORE: One train, so many views
- READ MORE: Tours to Warbirds Over Wanaka a sure winner for aviation buffs