Ride the Great Southern Rail from Brisbane-Adelaide

  • history
    DURATION
    7 days, 6 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
    7 days
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    6 nights
  • calendar_month
    DEPARTS
    11 December 2023
  • calendar_month
    RETURNS
    17 December 2023
  • Rail journey with stunning coastal scenery
  • O​ff train experiences in picturesque winery regions
  • T​ime to explore South Australian icons

Departing Brisbane, you’ll travel south into the rolling hills of New South Wales before indulging in an incredible beachside dining experience in Coffs Harbour. Meander through the historic vineyards of the Hunter Valley, visit the picturesque town of Newcastle or explore the beautiful Port Stephens area. Take a day to explore the buzzing city of Melbourne, enjoy a road trip to the Great Ocean Road to see unforgettable natural wonders such as the Twelve Apostles or enjoy wine tasting and time to wander Geelong's waterfront. Then journey through the charming Adelaide Hills before arriving into Adelaide.

Base yourself at the Stamford Plaza Adelaide for three nights in the heart of the Adelaide CBD. The hotel is ideally located only a few-minutes walk from the bars and restaurants in Leigh and Peels streets, and the fantastic shopping in Rundle Mall.

You'll be picked up from your hotel and taken for a day out in the Barossa, visiting three wineries Pindarie Wines, Provenance, and Lambert Estate Vineyards where you'll enjoy a delicious two-course lunch with wine tastings. Finish the day at the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company with a chocolate and wine pairing, before making your way around their artisan chocolate store.

D​iscover the highlights of Kangaroo Island, be transferred by coach to Cape Jervis to board the SeaLink ferry service for a 45-minute crossing to Kangaroo Island. Here you will board your luxury SeaLink coach and your local driver/guide will take you on a tour of South Australia’s premier nature-based tourism destination.

Photos

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Your journey at a glance

Inclusions/Exclusions

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  • 4 days / 3 nights aboard the Great Southern - Brisbane to Adelaide
  • Off Train Experiences at Coffs Harbour, the Hunter Region, regional Victoria and Melbourne (Brisbane to Adelaide)
  • All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages onboard the train
  • A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
  • Three nights' accommodation at the Stamford Plaza Adelaide in a Superior City View Room
  • Full day Barossa Food & Wine Experience tour operated by Adelaide Sightseeing with Lunch
  • Full day Kangaroo Island Experience Day Tour with Lunch
  • Return ferry and coach transfers to/from Kangaroo Island
  • Expert Commentary by a local Kangaroo Island driver/guide
Your fare excludes:
  • F​lights
  • T​ravel Insurance

Itinerary

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Day 1 - Depart Brisbane

After setting off from Brisbane, enjoy lunch on board and a relaxing afternoon settling in to your private cabin before arriving at the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. As the sun dips beneath the horizon, enjoy a unique beachside dinner where you’ll feast on local produce and fresh seafood matched with fine wines, while the waves lap at the shore nearby. After a few leisurely hours, you’ll reboard the train and set off for the night.

Day 2 - Hunter Valley, Port Stephens or Newcastle

Start the day with a hearty breakfast on board before setting off for a full day of Off Train Experiences. Today you get to choose your own adventure with your choice of the Hunter Valley, Newcastle or Port Stephens.

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).

Newcastle Explorer: Discover the vibrant mix of old and new in the beautiful coastal city of Newcastle with a fun and informative two-hour guided walking tour before lunch. In the afternoon enjoy an hour of free time by the beach or in town (moderate intensity)

In the evening, return to the train to enjoy a regionally-inspired meal prepared on board before retiring for the night.

Day 3 - Regional Victoria or Melbourne the choice is yours!

After enjoying breakfast on board as you travel through Victoria’s high country, you’ll have a choice of Off Train Experiences. Discover regional Victoria with options including wine touring and gourmet delights, visits to natural sights and charming towns. Or opt to visit cosmopolitan Melbourne and take in the soaring views from Melbourne Skydeck and a tour of the National Gallery of Victoria or free time to explore the city yourself.

Day 4 - Arrive in Adelaide

As the train rolls into Adelaide, enjoy your last breakfast on board the Great Southern. Make your own way to the Stamford Plaza Adelaide to check in for the next three nights. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own leisure.

D​ay 5 - Barossa Food & Wine

Enjoy a full day food & wine journey to South Australia’s premium wine region, the Barossa. Take time to sample some of the Barossa’s finest wines and gourmet food that makes this wine region so special. On this tour you will also visit the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company

D​ay 6 - Kangaroo Island Experience

Take a guided walk on the beach among a colony of rare and wild Australian sea lions with a National Parks Ranger at Seal Bay Conservation Park. Get up close and see these wild creatures frolic and laze about – a truly amazing and unforgettable experience.

After a delicious two-course lunch, spend the afternoon at the Flinders Chase National Park. As you travel through the park, keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, reptiles, and koalas. See the rugged coastline from walks around Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Remarkable Rocks provide great photographic opportunities, and the Admirals Arch boardwalk takes you down a rugged cliff face to reveal the spectacular rock archway, a natural nursery, and a haven for playful long-nosed fur seals.

Your last visit of the day is to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park to feed friendly kangaroos and get up close to the Kangaroo Island koalas while listening to the keeper talk about the cuddly mammals. There is also a possibility that you will see more kangaroos and wallabies on your return to Penneshaw for your return ferry and coach transfer back to Adelaide.

From Adelaide, this tour is a 16-hour day that includes travel to and from Kangaroo Island. You do get time to rest during your ferry transfers and coach travel between attractions. 

D​ay 7 - Depart Adelaide

Y​our holiday has come to an end. Check out of the hotel and make your way homeward bound.

Dates and Prices

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Brisbane to Adelaide 11 - 17 December 2023

  • from $4,197 per person twin share
  • from $4,729 Single Traveller

Call our friendly Australian travel team on 1300 414 198 to hold your place!

Accommodation

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Gold Twin Cabin, Great Southern

Great Southern:

Relax with everything taken care of while onboard including fine dining, premium wines and world-class hospitality, as you’re transported from buzzing cities to diverse landscapes and natural marvels.

Spend hours deep in conversation with a travelling partner or lose yourself in a lifetime of thoughts. And after a day of off-train activities, your cabin provides the perfect place to relax and recharge before heading for the lounge or dining carriage. With room to stretch out and all the comforts of home, Gold Service is the most popular level of service aboard The Ghan, Great Southern, and Indian Pacific. You’ll enjoy private cabin accommodation together with all-inclusive dining, beverages and a range of fascinating Off Train Excursions at key stops.

  • Gold Twin, a comfortable sleeper cabin featuring private en suite and upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day
  • Gold Single, a compact sleeper cabin featuring a bed that converts to a seat by day and shared shower/toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage

Stamford Plaza Adelaide is in the heart of the Adelaide CBD. The hotel is ideally located only a few-minutes walk from the bars and restaurants in Leigh and Peels streets, and the fantastic shopping in Rundle Mall. Located on the city side of the hotel, the Superior Rooms will ensure you experience the ultimate in comfort. Featuring the option of a king bed or twin share, these city hotel rooms provide a fresh and welcoming atmosphere.

FAQs

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Note that all Off Train Experiences are subject to change and minimum and maximum capacity limits apply.

Standard of dress onboard the train:
It is your holiday and we want you to be comfortable, so smart casual attire is recommended. Warm clothes are recommended for evenings onboard the train, as the air-conditioning can be cool. It is recommended that guests pack a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes for off-train touring. Sensible shoes are advisable for walking between carriages. 

Cabins onboard the train:
Single Gold Cabins - compact sleeper cabin featuring a bed that converts to a seat by day, private vanity, with shared shower/toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage.

Twin Gold Cabins - comfortable sleeper cabin featuring upper and lower sleeping berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day. Private compact en suite featuring a shower and toilet.

Luggage Allowance:
Guests should bring an overnight bag to their cabin containing everything needed for the journey
. Each guest travelling is entitled to checked in luggage, however checked in luggage cannot be accessed during the journey. In Gold Service, guests are allowed 2 bags x 30kg and guests travelling in Platinum Service are allowed 3 bags x 30kg.

T&Cs

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This holiday deal has expired.

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