When the first train arrived at Rydal in 1870 the Sydney Morning Herald described the station as “a small building in the Gothic Style, very sightly in appearance and compactly arranged”. In the Station Master’s Residence, which is the major part of the station building, little has changed in 135 years except for modern facilities. In winter you are warmed by the open coal fire which has served generations of station masters and railway children.

Of course you can drive to Rydal, but to make it a complete railway experience we recommend that you consider coming by train. (phone Countrylink on 132 232 to make reservations)

The Stationmaster’s Residence is ideal for one or two couples or a small family. Only one booking is taken for the residence at any one time - so you have the place to yourself.

Facilities
The residence has 3 bedrooms. One has a queen sized bed, another a double bed and the third has twin beds - but can also be used as a sitting room. All beds have doonas and electric blankets.

There is a living/dining room (with the open coal fire), a kitchen and bathroom.

The residence is fully equipped, including linen. The beds are made up for your arrival and in cold weather the fire is lit for you. You need to make your own beds each day and keep the fire burning (coal is provided).

There is an adequately equipped kitchen where you can prepare your own meals. A breakfast basket can be provided if required. Meals are available locally. With notice we can arrange for a casserole type meal to be brought to you ready to serve for dinner, and there are other arrangements for having meals delivered.

Things to do
Some of your time in Rydal can be spent exploring around the station and village and walking the country roads. There is a collection of books, videos, table games and music in the station, many of these with a railway theme. (Please note that there is no TV reception in the station.)

For a day out by train you can travel to Bathurst or Orange and return in the evening. It is also possible to walk to Tarana and return by the XPT in the evening.

If you have a car we suggest a day at Jenolan Caves (40 minutes) or Kanangra Walls (80 minutes). A good day can be spent in Lithgow and Hartley visiting heritage sites and the Trout Farm. A visit to the Zig Zag Railway (25 minutes) can be included in that or on a separate excursion. There is information in the station about places to visit.

A real station
Rydal is still an active station on the Main Western Line, but it is not staffed. The XPT trains from Sydney and Dubbo stop for booked seat passengers. The Indian Pacific and goods trains pass through the station regularly. People staying in the residence report that if they are awake they hear the trains, but that trains don’t waken them during the night.

Prices

Weekends (check-in and check-out times suit XPT)

From 10 am Friday to 6 pm Sunday	$280 for two people, plus $55 each extra person
From 10 am Saturday to 6 pm Sunday	$240 for two people, plus $45 each extra person.

 

Midweek (early check-in and late check-out)

1 night (10 am to 6 pm the following day)	$180 for two people, plus $35 each extra person.
2 nights (10 am on day of arrival to 6 pm on day of departure)	$240 for two people, plus $55 each extra person.
3 nights (10 am on day of arrival to 6 pm on day of departure)	$300 for two people, plus $75 each extra person.

 

Longer Bookings
Any 7 days $580 for two people, plus $110 for each extra person

If your plans do not fit any of the above packages please phone Anne on
6355 6368 for a special price.

Breakfast basket
$7 per person per day; $10 with bacon and fresh farm eggs.

We have a policy of no pets and no smoking at the railway station

Bookings
Phone Anne on 6355 6368 to make a reservation or obtain more information. You can email rydalmount@bigpond.com.au