Sun, Surf and Great Southern 2019/20

Pick up your hire car in Brisbane to begin your beach-loving adventure. Today is yours to get to know this sultry subtropical capital at your own pace.

Overnight: Hilton Brisbane

Legendary waves are just the start at Surfers Paradise. Make your way to this renowned Gold Coast location with an hour-long drive from Brisbane. Once there, you’ll discover that Surfers is about more than just legendary waves and that golden beach, it’s a 24-hour city of buzzing nightlife, restaurants and shopping, attracting visitors from around the world.

Overnight: 3 nights Hilton Surfers Paradise

Today you’ll cross the border into New South Wales by coach on a guided all-day tour, passing through sugar cane country and coastal rainforest to beautiful Byron Bay. Fringed by lush green hinterland, the town is a magical combination of stunning natural assets and a creative, laid back local population. You’ll explore Cape Byron Lighthouse, built in 1901 – the lookout is the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. Perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch (own expense), swim at the beach, exercise some retail therapy or just relax and watch the interesting locals! Afternoon tea stop at Tropical Fruit World (entrance fee is not included).

Located in the heart of South East Queensland, Surfers Paradise is the perfect gateway to explore the best of what this beautiful region has to offer, and today is your chance to get behind the wheel and take it in at your own pace. Drive to the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast or beyond, the choice is yours.

Take in any last minute sights at Surfers Paradise today, then it’s time to start the self-drive back to Brisbane where you’ll return your hire car.

Overnight: Hilton Brisbane

Time to begin the next chapter of your adventure aboard the Great Southern. As you depart Brisbane, settle into your cabin and enjoy the fabulous food, wine, service and social atmosphere of this exceptional journey.

After setting off from Brisbane, enjoy lunch on board and a relaxing afternoon settling into your private cabin before arriving at the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. As the sun dips beneath the horizon, enjoy a unique beachside dinner where you’ll feast on local produce and fresh seafood matched with fine wines, while the waves lap at the shore nearby. After a few leisurely hours, you’ll reboard the train and set off for the night.

Overnight: 3 nights Great Southern (L,D)

Start the day with a hearty breakfast on board before setting off for a full day of Off Train Excursions. Today you get to choose your own adventure with your choice of the Hunter Valley, Newcastle or Port Stephens.

Hunter Valley Wine Region: Meander through the picturesque and historic vineyards of the Hunter Valley, where you can sample wines from both world-renowned brands and boutique cellar doors. Your day will include cellar door experiences, winery tours and a sumptuous lunch (low intensity).

Port Stephens by Land and Sea: Experience the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes and beach by 4WD van, stopping to hunt for pippies and driving to the top of a sand dune before travelling to Nelson Bay for a relaxing afternoon cruise and lunch (medium intensity).

Newcastle Explorer: Take in spectacular coastal views and discover Newcastle’s unique blend of old and new with a guided walking tour and historical site visit. After lunch, visit Strzelecki Lookout and a stroll along the Newcastle Memorial Walk (medium intensity).

In the evening, return to the train to enjoy a regionally inspired meal prepared onboard before retiring for the night. (B,L,D)

After enjoying breakfast onboard, you can choose to discover either the bustling city of Melbourne or to take a road trip to explore the unforgettable Twelve Apostles.

Melbourne Explorer*: Take in the breathtaking views of Melbourne from Eureka Skydeck, the highest public observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere, and lunch at Eureka 89. Then get to know Melbourne city with your choice of a laneway walking tour, a tour of the National Gallery of Victoria or free time to shop and enjoy the city sights. As the day ends, the coach will transport you towards the awaiting train at Inverleigh Station stopping along the way for a sumptuous dinner (low/medium intensity).

Twelve Apostles: After lunch on board, set off on a road trip by coach through regional Victoria to the unforgettable Twelve Apostles, a majestic collection of crumbling pillars rising from the Southern Ocean, and spectacular Loch Ard Gorge. On the return journey to Inverleigh Station, enjoy dinner and drinks in regional Victoria (low/medium intensity).

Optional upgrade available: Twelve Apostles Scenic Flight. Note: Travel time to the Twelve Apostles is between 1.5 to 2hrs each way.
*Christmas Day and New Years Day tours will differ.

Once you’re back on board, head to the lounge car to enjoy a nightcap and chat with friends or simply return to your cabin to unwind before heading to bed. (B,L,D)

As the train journeys through the charming Adelaide Hills, enjoy your last breakfast on board before arriving into Adelaide and the end of your Great Southern train journey. (B)