GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL JOURNEY – ADELAIDE TO BRISBANE

Wind your way through the picturesque Adelaide Hills and visit Beerenberg Farm Shop where you can read about the story of how Beerenberg began and the history of area. You will also have time to discover the entire range of products in the Farm Shop, and purchase from their selection of produce, souvenirs and gifts.

After your Beerenberg visit, the coach will drop you on the main street of Hahndorf, and you will have free time to explore the many shops and galleries full of local arts, crafts and produce, or perhaps visit one of the historic pubs where you can sample some German Beers.

From there we make our way to the world-renowned Barossa wine region. Enjoy the change of scenery as you make your way into the vineyards of South Australia’s premium wine district. We stop at Mengler Hill Lookout for sweeping views over the valley, and then it’s onto Lambert Estate in Angaston for wine tasting and a delicious two-course lunch.

Return to Adelaide for an evening at your leisure.

Your journey of exploration along the east coast begins as the Great Southern’s bright orange locomotive leaves Adelaide on its epicurean adventure. Settle into life on the train and get familiar with your cabin and the lounge, the social hub. 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.

Explore The Grampians at your own pace. Enjoy a guided coach tour through the scenic town of Halls Gap, taking in the spectacular views, 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.

Rail: Great Southern for 2 nights

After breakfast on board, today is yours to explore Australia’s political capital, Canberra. After breakfast on board, enjoy a coach ride 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.

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 a local Indigenous guide, who will help you spot native wildlife throughout the walk 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 our rail journey. Transfer to your centrally located hotel where the remainder of the evening will be at leisure.

Hotel: Stamford Plaza Brisbane for 2 nights

Embark on a tour of Brisbane that combines natural beauty, cultural exploration, and a relaxing river cruise including morning tea. We continue to Mt Coot-tha Lookout, where you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of Brisbane city and purchase lunch. After a drive through the botanic gardens, we return to the hotel to enjoy some free time. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast this morning it is time to venture home as we complete checkout procedures and head to Brisbane airport for our flight home to Perth. On arrival in Perth your driver will be waiting to transfer you home.