The Great Southern, Southern Summer, Brisbane to Melbourne

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 your last breakfast on board as the Great Southern travels through Victoria’s high country before choosing your next Off Train Experience. Today you’ll disembark in cosmopolitan Melbourne and get to explore why it’s considered the cultural and sporting capital of Australia. Discover the artistic treasures of the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia, home to an outstanding collection of Australian art. Alternatively, enjoy 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.

After lunch, your journey concludes on the Great Southern. 

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.

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!