Southern Aurora
Preserved version of the Southern Aurora at Wagga Wagga station in April 2012 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Overnight sleeper train |
| Status | Ceased |
| First service | 13 April 1962 |
| Last service | 2 August 1986 |
| Successor | Sydney/Melbourne Express |
| Former operator(s) | State Rail Authority V/Line |
| Route | |
| Termini | Sydney Melbourne |
| Distance travelled | 956 kilometres |
| Service frequency | Nightly in each direction |
| Train number(s) | SL1/SL2 |
| Line(s) used | Main South, NSW North East, Victoria |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | Stainless steel carriages |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) |
The Southern Aurora was an overnight express passenger train that operated between Australia's two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne. First-class throughout, including the dining facilities, the Southern Aurora featured all-sleeper accommodation. The train first ran on 13 April 1962 after the opening of the North East standard gauge line from Melbourne to Albury, eliminating the break-of-gauge between the capital cities.