Explore the Great Southern 2024

Board the Great Southern for your memorable two-night journey to Brisbane. Enjoy morning tea and savour a relaxed lunch on board while watching the ever-changing landscape through the windows. In the afternoon, the train will arrive in regional Victoria for your first Off Train Experience. A million years in the making, the Grampians region is celebrated for its wild and spectacular scenery.

Explore The Grampians with a choice of four Off Train Experiences. Enjoy a guided coach tour through the scenic town of Halls Gap, including the incredible Boroka Lookout, or embrace Mother Nature and stretch your legs with a guided walk to the Venus Baths. Alternatively, spend the afternoon tasting regional wines at Pomonal Estate with a cellar door experience paired with artisanal chocolates, or Fallen Giants, where you’ll taste and learn about the winery’s 50-year history. You may choose to upgrade your Grampians’ experience with a helicopter flight that soars across the National Park.

Return to the train and continue travelling up the east coast, with a delectable dinner on board. (L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Great Southern

After breakfast on board, today is yours to explore Australia’s political capital, Canberra. Travel by coach to Canberra city centre to experience a memorable lunch at Old Parliament House before an afternoon of insightful guided tours at your pick of iconic institutions, whether it’s the National War Memorial, Parliament House or the National Portrait Gallery.

As afternoon turns to evening, return to the train in time for another gourmet dinner on board. After dinner, retire to the lounge for a nightcap with your fellow travellers as the Great Southern rolls north. (B,L,D)

Linger over breakfast on board before departing on your choice of Off Train Experience around Coffs Harbour. The Coffs Explorer travels up to Sealy Lookout, offering views for miles from the Forest Sky Pier, before heading to the spectacular North Coast Regional Botanical Garden.

Alternatively, take a stroll from the Urunga Boardwalk to the Beach with an Indigenous guide, who will help you spot native wildlife and teach about the history of the Gumbaynggirr people, with a demonstration of traditional tools and weaponry and the opportunity to see and taste bush tucker. If you’d prefer to take to the skies, treat yourself to an optional upgrade with a hinterland helicopter flight that soars over the Great Diving Range and Coffs Harbour coastline.

After your Coffs Harbour morning, indulge in a final lunch on board before arriving into Brisbane, completing your coastal train journey. Once settled into your accommodation, the evening is yours to start your exploration of this vibrant river city. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: 1 night Sofitel Brisbane Central

Today, you’ll set off from Brisbane covering Australia’s south-east. Settle into your cabin and prepare to savour lunch on board and spend a relaxing afternoon admiring the views before arriving in Coffs Harbour. As the sun dips beneath the horizon, enjoy drinks and canapes on the beach at Charlesworth Bay before a unique outdoor dinner, where you’ll feast on local produce and fresh seafood paired with fine wines. After a few leisurely hours, you’ll reboard the train and set off for your first night on board. (L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Great Southern

Start the day with breakfast on board before setting off on your choice of Off Train Experiences. You may choose to meander through the picturesque vineyards of the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine regions, or explore Port Stephens by land or sea. Alternatively, explore Newcastle and discover the vibrant mix of old and new in the beautiful coastal city.

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)

After enjoying a delicious breakfast on board and a relaxing start to the day travelling through Victoria’s high country, you’ll 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, a beautiful vineyard in the Moorabool Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a long lunch and sample cool-climate wines.

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) or visit the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). If you’re a history buff, head to the Old Melbourne Gaol. Lunch is at Eureka 89, where you’ll dine on a beautifully curated menu showcasing local and seasonal produce with spectacular views over the city.

After lunch, you’ll make your way back to the train to continue your journey south. (B,L,D)

Arrive in Adelaide and this is where your journey comes to an end. (B)