The Great Southern Journey

Experience the best of Brisbane’s natural beauty and wildlife with a Return River Cruise combined with admission to the renowned Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Begin your journey with a scenic river cruise along the Brisbane River, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline, the lush parklands, and iconic landmarks like the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs. The leisurely cruise is a perfect way to relax and soak in the sights while enjoying informative commentary about Brisbane’s history and river life.
Upon reaching the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, enjoy direct access to one of the world’s largest and most beloved koala conservation facilities. Wander through lush, expansive grounds and get close to a wide range of Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and more. Hold a koala for a memorable photo or hand-feed kangaroos in their natural habitat. The sanctuary also offers a variety of animal encounters and educational presentations, making it a fantastic experience for animal lovers of all ages. Enjoy 3 hours exploring Lone Pine, before re-joining the cruise for a relaxing return journey on the river back to the city.

Your driver will collect you for a private transfer. 

Summer deserves a celebration – and what better celebration than travelling the east coast of Australia by train? Departing Brisbane, the Great Southern takes you south into the rolling hills of New South Wales before stopping for a signature beachside dining experience in Coffs Harbour. You’ll have time to meander through the historic vineyards of the Hunter Valley or explore beautiful Port Stephens by land or sea, before heading towards regional Victoria and Melbourne. Enjoy a mixture of relaxing time on train and immersive Off Train Experiences, before concluding your journey in Adelaide.

Your East Coast adventure begins at the historic Hanworth House in East Brisbane, where you'll check in and be greeted with a celebratory welcome. Once aboard the Great Southern, enjoy a delightful lunch as you settle into your cabin, preparing for a relaxing journey ahead. By afternoon, you'll arrive at the coastal gem of Coffs Harbour. As the sun sets, unwind with drinks and canapés on the beach at Charlesworth Bay, followed by a unique outdoor dining experience (weather permitting). Indulge in a feast of fresh, locally sourced seafood and regional produce, perfectly paired with fine wines. With the soothing sound of waves and live music playing timeless classics, it’s the perfect way to end your first day. After a few leisurely hours, reboard the train and settle in for your first night aboard.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast on board before setting off on your choice of Off Train Experiences. Wine lovers can explore the picturesque Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. Known for Semillon and Shiraz, here you’ll spend the day amongst the vines, visiting Tulloch and Brokenwood Wines followed by a platter-style lunch featuring local produce at Twine Restaurant. If you’d prefer to take to the skies, treat yourself to an optional upgrade with a Hunter Valley helicopter flight that soars over the rolling green hills, showcasing the best of the wine region and beyond. Alternatively, discover Port Stephens by land or sea. Venture by 4WD across the vast Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, the largest mobile dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Stop to admire your surrounds and drive to the top of a dune to take in the sweeping views – you may even choose to sandboard down. On the water tour, be dazzled by turquoise seas as you soak up the coastline on a relaxed boat cruise, with the chance to spot dolphins along the way. Whether by land or sea, after your Port Stephens adventure you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch at Nelson Bay Golf Club before returning to the train in the afternoon. Closer to the city, explore Newcastle on a guided walking tour that reveals its coastal charm, capped with lunch at Scratchleys on the Wharf before returning to the train for a regionally inspired dinner.

Tailor your journey with these exciting off-train adventures: 
Hunter Valley Wine Region: Famous for its Semillon and Shiraz, the Hunter Valley is about 50 km inland from the New South Wales coast. Disembark and head to Australia’s oldest wine region. From Maitland Station, enjoy a scenic coach ride to the valley, home to 150 wineries, from renowned producers to boutique gems. You’ll visit some of the region’s best cellar doors, offering a mix of contemporary and historic charm. With generous tasting sessions and a delicious platter-style lunch, you’ll have plenty of time to savour the Hunter Valley’s finest wines.
Port Stephens By Land: Port Stephens' sun-soaked beaches, dunes, and waterways are must-see east coast highlights. After breakfast, the Great Southern arrives at Maitland Station, where you'll take a relaxing one-hour coach ride to Anna Bay, home to the towering Stockton Sand Dunes. Reaching up to 30m high and 1km wide, these dunes are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. A 4WD tour offers the best way to explore the dunes and beaches. After the adventure, you’ll enjoy a lunch featuring fresh local produce.
Port Stephens By Sea: Port Stephens is a natural gem, with beautiful beaches, stunning sand dunes, and clear waterways—an east coast highlight.  After breakfast, the Great Southern arrives at Maitland Station, where a relaxed one-hour coach ride takes you to Nelson Bay. Here, you’ll enjoy a peaceful cruise, spotting bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. After a morning on the 78ft catamaran, you’ll head to lunch to savour fresh local produce. 
Newcastle Explorer: Newcastle is a vibrant city where creative energy meets heritage architecture, surf beaches, and an industrial past. Spend the day uncovering the charm of Australia’s third-oldest city. After breakfast, the train arrives at Maitland Station, where you’ll take a coach to Queens Wharf on Newcastle’s waterfront. There’s plenty to explore, but a relaxed 90-minute walking tour will give you a great overview, ending with a scenic lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to visit the museum or explore the town at your own pace.
You can submit your preferences for the off-train experiences you will join on each day. Please indicate these to your sales agent as soon as possible.

After your off-train experience, you'll board the coach for a transfer to Broadmeadow Station to rejoin the Great Southern. 

Designed exclusively for Great Southern guests, this tour showcases the best of the Hunter Valley. Start with a wine tasting at the renowned Brokenwood Wines before heading to Twine Restaurant, where you’ll enjoy stunning valley views. While waiting for your helicopter flight, indulge in boutique Hunter Valley wines paired with locally made chocolate. Your 15-minute helicopter ride offers breathtaking views of the vineyards, rolling hills, and unique landscape of the Hunter Valley. 
To avoid disappointment, we highly recommend guests pre-book this tour.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as the Great Southern travels through Victoria’s high country before choosing your next Off Train Experience. 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, spend the day in cosmopolitan Melbourne to discover why it’s considered the cultural and sporting capital of Australia. Highlights include the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia, with its remarkable collection of Australian art, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, guided by a club member. History buffs may prefer the Old Melbourne Gaol, where stories of the past, including those of Ned Kelly, come to life. To complete your Melbourne experience, take in the sweeping views from Melbourne Skydeck before ascending to Eureka 89 for a curated lunch showcasing seasonal local produce.  Afterwards, return to the train to continue your journey south.

Tailor your journey with these exciting off-train adventures: 
National Gallery of Victoria: Take your time exploring the highlights of the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia, the heart of Australian art. This gallery showcases a stunning range of works from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, spanning from historical pieces to contemporary creations. As you wander through the diverse collections, you’ll also have the option to enhance your visit with the "Cats & Dogs" exhibition. Featuring over 250 works of art and design, this exhibit delves into humanity's deep connection with these beloved animals, from loyal cattle dogs to regal felines and even the mysterious black cats of superstition.
MCG Tour: The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is not just an iconic sporting venue but a standout landmark that defines Melbourne's skyline. On this Off-Train Experience, you’ll embark on a guided tour of the MCG, led by a knowledgeable Melbourne Cricket Club member. Relive the highs and lows of Australia’s sporting history, and gather some fascinating trivia to impress at your next quiz night.
Old Melbourne Gaol: Visit the historic Old Melbourne Gaol on a private guided tour, exploring the cells that once held Ned Kelly and other prisoners, and learning how criminals, petty offenders, the homeless and the mentally ill were housed between 1842 and 1929. Afterward, head to Eureka 89 in Eureka Tower for lunch, where you’ll enjoy a crafted menu showcasing local and seasonal produce. Take in breathtaking panoramic views across Melbourne and beyond, stretching up to 75 kilometres on a clear day.
Moorabool Valley: Victoria’s renowned food and wine scene truly shines at Clyde Park in the picturesque Moorabool Valley. Just over an hour from Melbourne, Clyde Park is a stunning vineyard, cellar door, and bistro nestled among rolling hills. Here, you’ll indulge in a sumptuous lunch paired with cool-climate wines while enjoying the serene atmosphere on the beautiful lawns. Afterward, a brief 15-minute coach ride will bring you back to Inverleigh Station, where you’ll rejoin fellow guests and board the train just in time for a delectable dinner as you continue your journey towards Adelaide.
You can submit your preferences for the off-train experiences you will join on each day. Please indicate these to your sales agent as soon as possible.

Catch the morning light over regional South Australia, a final reminder of the landscapes you’ve travelled through. Sit back and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board, savouring the last moments of life on train. Soon, the Great Southern glides into Adelaide, where your journey concludes – leaving you with memories of extraordinary landscapes, shared stories, and experiences that linger long after the train has stopped.

Welcome to Adelaide, a charming city known for its relaxed pace, elegant architecture, and thriving food and wine scene. Whether you're exploring the Adelaide Central Market, sipping coffee in hidden cafés, or catching a sunset by the beach, Adelaide offers the perfect mix of culture, flavour, and relaxation.

With a growing small-bar scene, world-class art and music, and a festival calendar to rival that of any other Australian city, Adelaide is a destination worth discovering. Take time to explore its vibrant laneways, visit the iconic Adelaide Central Market, and go shopping in Rundle Mall. Slow things down and relax at the Botanic Gardens, jump on the iconic Popeye Cruise along the River Torrens, or take the tram out to Glenelg to explore the popular metropolitan beach, dine in one of the many foreshore restaurants, or even enjoy the beach cabanas in summer months. Adelaide is also lucky enough to be surrounded by some of Australia's most famous wine regions, and a stop into one of the wineries or the National Wine Centre is highly recommended.

Enjoy a delightful sightseeing cruise down the River Torrens on a stunning heritage boat. Boarding at Elder Park, you will float down the beautiful river in best seat in the house. The Popeye cruises through the heart of the city and passes by famed attractions like the Festival Centre, the Entertainment Centre and the SAHMRI. Admire the ever-changing landscapes that line the waterways as you listen to live commentary by a local guide about the history of the area. Soak up the relaxing atmosphere of this picturesque city.

This unique experience takes place in the Southern Hemisphere's largest open wine cellar, featuring wines from all around the country. In this tour, you will have the opportunity to browse the fine wine collection at the National Wine Centre, followed by a bespoke private dining experience with a four-course lunch or dinner, prepared and carefully curated by an Executive Chef. An expert Sommelier will match each dish to a wine, taking you on a memorable culinary journey catered to your preferences.

Discover the stunning beauty of Kangaroo Island on a full-day adventure with Sealink’s Kangaroo Island Experience Tour. Begin your journey from Adelaide and head for Cape Jervis, where you will board the ferry for Kangaroo Island. After your 45-minute journey across the Backstairs Passage, you will be taken up to Seal Bay where you will get to see the local Australian sea lion colony lazing about on their stunning beach. Explore Flinders Chase National Park, home to the iconic Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, and enjoy encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and seals in their natural environment. This tour provides the perfect opportunity to witness Kangaroo Island’s rich wildlife and diverse ecosystems.
Throughout the day, savour a delicious two-course lunch, featuring the island’s finest local produce. The meal is served in a relaxing spot, allowing you to enjoy the incredible views and take in the surrounding beauty. With breathtaking landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and a chance to truly connect with nature, this tour offers a memorable experience. 

A private driver will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Adelaide Airport in time for your departing flight.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!