Sun, Surf and Sand 2020/21

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: Adina Apartment Hotel 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 more than just legendary waves and that golden beach. Its restaurants and shopping attract visitors from around the world.

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Vibe Hotel Gold Coast

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. Head to the exquisite Byron Bay Hinterland, home to the much-loved Crystal Castle.

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 car hire.

OVERNIGHT: Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane

Time to begin the next chapter of your adventure aboard the Great Southern. As you depart Brisbane, settle in to your cabin and enjoy the fabulous food, wine, service and social atmosphere of this exceptional journey. The northern New South Wales coast stretches across 90 kilometres of incredible sandy beaches and some of the best surfing breaks in the world. Watch as the sun dips below the horizon as you enjoy dinner to the sound of waves lapping on the shore.

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Great Southern (L,D)

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 and a sumptuous lunch (low intensity).

Port Stephens by Land: Experience the impressive Stockton Bight Sand Dunes and beach by 4WD van, stopping to hunt for pipis and driving to the top of a sand dune to take in the incredible views. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading back to the train in the afternoon (low intensity).

Port Stephens by Sea:  Enjoy the stunning views of Port Stephens with a relaxed morning of sailing on the water and the chance to spot dolphins along the way. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading back to the train in the afternoon (low 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 and lunch on board, enjoy an afternoon of unique touring experiences in the outback New South Wales towns of Silverton or Broken Hill.

Silverton Explorer: Take time to explore the museum, quirky galleries and Mad Max Museum while wandering around the tiny, uniquely Outback town that is Silverton before enjoying a cool drink in the iconic Silverton Hotel (low to medium intensity).

Historic Day Dream Mine: Don a miner’s helmet and enjoy both a surface and underground mine tour at this unique, remote outback mine. While this tour is not for the faint-hearted, the adventure is worth the effort exploring 120m underground and getting a true insight into a miner’s life from yesteryear. Enjoy afternoon tea of scones with a cuppa before heading back to the train (med-high intensity).

The Hart of Broken Hill:  Venture up to the Line of Lode Miner’s Memorial to pay respects to the miners before heading to the home of Pro Hart. With a glass of wine in hand, have fun creating your own masterpiece in Pro’s original studio, in the company of his daughter or son, and enjoy time to explore the gallery to take in the art of one of Australia’s most loved artists (low intensity).

Today you will arrive in Adelaide, ending an epic coastal and outback adventure. (B)