Discover our Maritime History Situated in Darling Harbour the Australian National Maritime Museum opened in 1991. Its aim is to preserve and showcase Australia’s maritime heritage and our deep connection to the sea. It has a large indoor collection as well as a floating collection of vessels including the destroyer HMAS Vampire and a replica of Captains Cook’s Endeavour

We assemble at 10 am for a one hour Behind the Scenes guided tour commencing 10.30 am sharp. Tours are led by volunteers, maximum of 10 guest/tour. We have booked two tours i.e. 20 Probus members and guests.

Cost is $25. This includes entry to all exhibits, special exhibitions, all vessels as well as our private tour. Once we have final numbers a booking will be made for lunch at 12 noon in Ripples, the museum café.

The museum is open from 10am to 4pm. Some members and guests may wish to remain at the museum to board the vessels and see some of the special exhibitions.

The Museum is easily accessed by public transport. The Light Rail stop along the L1 line (Central-Dulwich Hill) is Pyrmont Bay and the ferry stop (from Circular Quay) is Pyrmont Bay, both a short walk from the museum.The nearest train station is Town Hall, from there the museum is a 15-minute walk across Pyrmont Bridge.

Contact person on the day Kim Oates

Rail Heritage Comes to Life

The NSW Rail Museum, located within the historic town of Thirlmere, is a fascinating and exciting step back in time for all ages with interactive displays, glimpses behind the scenes at Australia’s newest locomotive roundhouse and a priceless collection of historic locomotives, carriages, wagons and memorabilia.

​On this private tour we will follow the timeline of rail development from the invention of the very first steam engine to today an discover how NSW railways brought life to town and country. We will see inside the driver’s cab of an historic steam locomotive, explore a mail van, walk through a prison van and admire the Governor-General’s carriage in all its glory. Then visit the Great Train Hall to see an impressive collection of locomotives, carriages and wagons – each with a unique story. 

Next, as long as we have a minimum of 25 guests, we take a ride on a heritage train, followed by a light lunch in the museum cafeteria. 

Assemble at the entrance 10 Barbour Road Thirlmere at 10.30 am then walk (10 minutes) to the museum for a private tour commencing at 11 am followed by the train ride at 12 noon. 

Cost: Including entry, tour train ride and light lunch  (assorted wraps, sandwiches, fresh fruit, tea and coffee) $42.00. Transort Heritage Members $18.00

Getting there: Driving is the easiest way, approximately 90km from Sydney along the M5 (1 hour 15 minutes) with plenty of street parking in Barbour Rd

Rail travel is more difficult. The historic Thirlmere station is no longer in use. The nearest train stations are Picton and Tahmoor (both requiring a minimum of one change at Campbelltown) and neither are in walking distance of the museum. There is limited public transport so that an Uber or taxi may be required

Contact person on the day Kim Oates