The Overland Rail and Great Ocean Road - over-60s Social Getaway (Adelaide-Melbourne-Adelaide)

Your fare excludes:

Day 1: The Overland Rail Journey from Adelaide to Melbourne

Begin your adventure at Adelaide parkland terminal and board The Overland, a relaxing daytime rail experience through scenic countryside toward Melbourne. Departing at 7:45am, you'll travel in Premium class with comfortable reclining seats, more leg room, in-seat dining and trolley service. Upon arrival at Melbourne's Southern Cross Station at 6:50pm, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel to check-in for the next three nights. The remainder of the evening is yours to explore this vibrant city at your own pace - stroll through laneways, discover hidden cafes, or simply unwind after your travels.

Included Meals Onboard: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, coffee, soft drinks and juice.

Accommodation: Pullman Melbourne or similar

Day 2: Puffing Billy & Yarra Valley Gourmet Day Tour

Welcome to the Yarra Valley — a place where every stop delights the senses and every moment invites you to slow down and savour.

Our journey begins at Oakridge, a celebrated winery framed by sweeping valley views and steeped in history. As one of the pioneers behind the Yarra Valley’s revival as a premier wine region in the early 1980s, Oakridge has a story as rich as its wines. Originally focused on crafting a single wine each year, the estate evolved in 1986 to showcase two distinct expressions: a bold, complex cabernet sauvignon and a softer, more approachable cabernet–merlot blend.

Next, we step into a world of sparkle at Domaine Chandon Australia. Set among rolling vineyards, this iconic estate pairs breathtaking scenery with exceptional sparkling wines. A relaxed early lunch awaits at Hubert Estate, where you’ll enjoy thoughtfully prepared cuisine paired with a glass of their signature wine — the perfect way to soak up the valley’s laid-back charm.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery is pure bliss. Sample handcrafted chocolates, watch skilled chocolatiers at work, and treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of rich, house-made ice cream.

As the day gently draws to a close, climb aboard the historic Puffing Billy Railway for a magical sunset ride through the lush forests of the Dandenong Ranges. This heritage steam train journey is a nostalgic experience, filled with fresh mountain air, towering ferns, and the rhythmic charm of a bygone era — a truly memorable finale to your Yarra Valley escape.

After a day of indulgence and discovery, sit back and relax as we return to your hotel in Melbourne.

Inclusions:

• Puffing Billy Steam Train from Belgrave to Lakeside
• Wine tasting Oakridge
• Lunch with a glass of paired wine
• Visit to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Included Meals: Breakfast & lunch

Accommodation: Pullman Melbourne or similar

Day 3: Free Day in Melbourne

Relish a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a day at your own pace. Take advantage of the hotel's central location, surrounded by numerous shopping outlets.

I​ncluded Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Pullman Melbourne or similar

Day 4: Melbourne to Apollo Bay – The Great Ocean Road

Set off on a stunning day trip from Melbourne to Apollo Bay along the iconic Great Ocean Road. Feel the thrill as you wind along the coastline, stopping to soak in the famous surf at Bells Beach and the charming seaside vibes of Lorne. Stretch your legs with a visit to Erskine Falls or take in sweeping views from Teddy’s Lookout before venturing into the lush rainforest of the Great Otway National Park.

For lunch, we’ll pause at the charming Apollo Bay Brewhouse, where delicious food meets breathtaking coastal views. Savor classic pub favourites while sampling their range of beers, gins, wines, or whiskies—either by the cosy fireplace or in the lively beer garden overlooking the stunning Apollo Bay foreshore. (Drinks are at your own expense.)

After some more sightseeing following lunch, we’ll make our way to your accommodation for check-in. The evening is yours to relax, explore, or soak up the local atmosphere at your leisure.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation: Seaview Motel, Apollo Bay or similar

Day 5: Apollo Bay to Mount Gambier

Early morning rise and shine and depart after breakfast. Travel from Apollo Bay to Mount Gambier along one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal routes, the Great Ocean Road. Wind your way through the lush rainforests of Great Otway National Park, where towering trees and fern gullies create a magical canopy. Take a short detour to the enchanting Melba Gully rainforest walk — a tranquil spot often called the “Jewel of the Otways.

”Continue your journey to the iconic Twelve Apostles, standing tall against the Southern Ocean, and explore the dramatic beauty of Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch. As you near Warrnambool, soak in sweeping ocean vistas and keep an eye out for native wildlife. Depending on the season, you may even spot southern right whales along the Foreshore Promenade. Take a moment to uncover Warrnambool’s rich maritime history before we journey inland.

Arriving in Mount Gambier, discover the captivating Cave Gardens — a natural sinkhole in the heart of town and a perfect spot for photos. Afterwards, we’ll check in to our accommodation, and the evening is yours to relax or explore at your leisure. 

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mantra Mount Gambier (The Henty) or similar

Day 6: Mount Gambier to Adelaide

Early morning departure after breakfast to explore. Today we take on the famous nature hotspots of South Australia. Explore the rugged coastline of Mount Gambier, home to the striking Blue Lake and Umpherston Sinkhole.

The beauty of the Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul has to be seen to be believed. Appreciate its size and depth from the viewing platforms at the top of the sinkhole, then walk down into the sinkhole, along the terraces and behind the hanging vines.

Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul, also known as the sunken garden was once a cave formed through dissolution of the limestone. The sinkhole was created when the top of the chamber collapsed downwards. Now the topsoil down on the floor forms the perfect environment for the sunken garden.

The geological processes that have created the sinkholes in the region inspired the sculpture at Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul. As you journey onward, pass through the picturesque Coonawarra wine region, we explore some of the local wines and local history, before reaching the vibrant city of Adelaide, known for its festivals, food scene, and parklands. Wineries include:

● Wynns Coonawarra Estate - 77 Memorial Dr, Coonawarra SA 5263

● Digiorgio Family Wines - Riddoch Hwy, Coonawarra SA 5263

After enjoying some wine, we continue onto the Silo Art Trail, making a stop at the Coonalpyn Silo Art to experience the stunning murals up close. The award-winning Creating Coonalpyn initiative was a collaboration between the Coorong District Council, Country Arts SA, and Viterra. This project saw Viterra's 30-metre-high, still-operational grain silos transformed into a remarkable canvas, alongside other artworks throughout the township of Coonalpyn. The goal was simple: to foster rural renewal through the arts.

The silos were painted by internationally acclaimed muralist Guido van Helten, who was granted full creative freedom to craft designs that authentically reflect the community’s spirit, culture, and local identity. From Coonalpyn, the tour continues back to Adelaide.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Vibe Hotel, Adelaide or similar

Day 7: Adelaide

This morning enjoy your leisurely breakfast at the hotel and check out. Later, make you way to home with lots of new friend and memories to celebrate.

This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances, weather conditions, or other factors. We will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes.

Multiple Travel Date: 17-23 May 2026 | 5-11 July 2026 |13-19 September 2026 

• $3,599 per person twin share
• $4,699 per person solo travellers

Call us today and talk to our travel consultant on 1300 414 198!

Melbourne- Hotel Pullman, Melbourne - Superior rooms or similar

Apollo Bay- Seaview Motel or similar

Mount gambier- Mantra Mount Gambier (The Henty) or Similar

Adelaide- Vibe Hotel or similar

Please note standard h​otel check in time is from 2pm. If you arrive early and your room is not yet ready, your luggage can be stored at the hotel.