Travel Dates
Departing 9th Sep 2024
Package Provider: Great Southern Rail
Package Type: Package
Region: Australia/ New Zealand
Duration: 8 Nights
Journeying from Brisbane to Adelaide over four days and three nights, Great Southern guests are immersed in some of Australia’s most spectacular coastal and inland scenery while tucking in to creative menus showcasing premium local food and wine.
Departing Brisbane, you’ll travel south into the rolling hills of New South Wales before indulging in an incredible beachside dining experience in Coffs Harbour. Meander through the historic vineyards of the Hunter Valley, explore the beautiful Port Stephens area by land or by sea or take a walking tour around the town and coastline of Newcastle. The journey continues into regional Victoria, with time to explore the area or alternatively, venture into Melbourne for a day spent exploring the city and visiting icons such as the National Gallery of Victoria. Your journey then continues into South Australia before you reach your final destination of Adelaide.
This charming isle off South Australia’s mainland is where you can walk among endangered Australian sea lions, watch kangaroos feed at dusk or catch a glimpse of a shy platypus. Flinders Chase National Park offers beautiful, untamed bushland with fantastic photo opportunities at the wind-sculpted rock formations known as Remarkable Rocks. It’s also one of the last places on earth where you’ll find pure Ligurian honey, which you can sample from one of the island’s many producers.
Your Fly, Rail & Cruise Package Includes:
Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 09-17 December 2024
Solo traveller pricing available, speak with the team.
Great Southern | Brisbane - Adelaide
Highlights & Inclusions:
Rail Itinerary:
Day 01
BRISBANE AND COFFS HARBOUR
Your East Coast journey begins at Hanworth House in East Brisbane, where you’ll check in and be welcomed at a celebratory gathering. After setting off from Brisbane on the Great Southern, savour lunch on board and spend a relaxing afternoon settling into your cabin before arriving at the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. As the sun dips beneath the horizon, enjoy drinks and canapes on the beach at Charlesworth Bay before a unique outdoor dinner – as long as the weather allows – where you’ll feast on local produce and fresh seafood paired with fine wines. Listen to the waves lapping at the nearby shore as the backing track for a live band playing the classics. After a few leisurely hours, you’ll reboard the train and set off for your first night on board. (L,D)
Day 02
HUNTER VALLEY, NEWCASTLE OR PORT STEPHENS
Start the day with a hearty breakfast on board before setting off on your choice of Off Train Experiences. You may choose to meander through the picturesque, historic vineyards of the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. Known for Semillon and Shiraz, here you’ll spend the day amongst the vines, visiting some of the region’s finest wineries and enjoying generous tasting times, allowing you to savour the full range of Hunter Valley offerings. Between wine tastings, you’ll sit down for a platter-style lunch featuring local produce.
Other options include exploring Port Stephens by land or sea. On the land tour, you’ll drive along and into the largest mobile sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, in a 4WD vehicle. You’ll stop to admire your surrounds and drive to the top of a dune to take in the incredible views – you may even choose to sandboard down. On the water tour, you’ll be dazzled by the turquoise water as you soak up the stunning coastline from a relaxed boat cruise. You may be lucky enough to spot dolphins along the way. Whether by land or sea, after your Port Stephens adventure, you’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch before returning to the train in the afternoon.
Alternatively, explore Newcastle and discover the vibrant mix of old and new in the beautiful coastal city with a fun and insightful guided walking tour. After lunch, spend an hour at your leisure embracing everything Newcastle has to offer, and late afternoon, return to the train along with the rest of the guests to enjoy a regionally inspired meal and relaxing time on board before retiring for the night. (B,L,D)
Day 03
REGIONAL VICTORIA OR MELBOURNE
After a leisurely breakfast on board as you travel through Victoria’s high country, you’ll again have a choice of Off Train Experiences.
Victoria is well-known for its excellent food and wine scene, which is on show at Clyde Park in the Moorabool Valley. Clyde Park is a beautiful vineyard, cellar door and bistro set among rolling hills. Here, you’ll enjoy a long lunch and sample cool-climate wines while being entertained on the glorious lawns.
Alternatively, opt to visit cosmopolitan Melbourne to find out why it’s considered the cultural and sporting capital of Australia. Explore the oldest and most-visited art collection in Australia at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) on a self-guided tour, or visit the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on an insightful tour with an Melbourne Cricket Club member, where you’ll be regaled with the highs and lows of sporting history. If you’re a history buff, head to the Old Melbourne Gaol, which, from 1842 until its closure in 1929, was the scene of 133 hangings, including Australia’s most infamous citizen, Bushranger Ned Kelly.
Having worked up an appetite, visit Melbourne Skydeck, taking in the soaring views 88 floors above sea level, and then ascend one more floor to Eureka 89, where you’ll dine on a beautifully curated menu showcasing local and seasonal produce. After lunch, you’ll make your way back to the train to continue your journey south. (B,L,D)
Day 04
ARRIVE ADELAIDE
Catch the morning light over regional South Australia. Sit back and enjoy your final breakfast on board before arriving into Adelaide. (B)
Cruise Itinerary:
Date |
Itinerary |
Arrive |
Depart |
13 Dec 24 |
Adelaide, SA |
- |
5.00 pm |
14 Dec 24 |
At Sea |
- |
- |
15 Dec 24 |
Kangaroo Island, SA |
7.00 am |
6.00 pm |
16 Dec 24 |
At Sea |
- |
- |
17 Dec 24 |
Adelaide, SA |
6.00 am |
- |
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.