Journeying from Brisbane to Adelaide over four days and three nights the Great Southern will immerse you in some of Australia’s most spectacular coastal and inland scenery.
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.
Tour, Accommodation & Rail Add-ons
If you'd like to add stay a few nights and book a tour (or two) at the beginning or end of your journey or perhaps travel onwards to Perth via the Indian Pacific, there's a whole range of options we can offer.
Call us now to discuss your rail journey!
4 days / 3 nights aboard the Great Southern from Brisbane to Adelaide
Day 1 - BRISBANE AND COFFS HARBOUR
Your East Coast journey begins at Hanworth House in East Brisbane, where you’ll check in and be welcomed at a celebratory gathering. After setting off from Brisbane on the Great Southern, savour lunch on board and spend a relaxing afternoon settling into your cabin before arriving at the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. As the sun dips beneath the horizon, enjoy drinks and canapes on the beach at Charlesworth Bay before a unique outdoor dinner – as long as the weather allows – where you’ll feast on local produce and fresh seafood paired with fine wines. Listen to the waves lapping at the nearby shore as the backing track for a live band playing the classics. After a few leisurely hours, you’ll reboard the train and set off for your first night on board. (L, D)
Day 2 - HUNTER VALLEY, PORT STEPHENS OR NEWCASTLE
Start the day with a hearty breakfast on board before setting off on your choice of Off Train Experiences. You may choose to meander through the picturesque, historic vineyards of the 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. After your wine tastings, you’ll sit down for 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.
Other options include exploring Port Stephens by land or sea. On the land tour, you’ll drive along and into the largest mobile sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, in a 4WD vehicle. You’ll stop to admire your surrounds and drive to the top of a dune to take in the incredible views – you may even choose to sandboard down. On the water tour, you’ll be dazzled by the turquoise water as you soak up the stunning coastline from a relaxed boat cruise. You may be lucky enough to spot dolphins along the way. Whether by land or sea, after your Port Stephens adventure, you’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch at Nelson Bay Golf Club before returning to the train in the afternoon.
Alternatively, explore Newcastle and discover the vibrant mix of old and new in the beautiful coastal city with a fun and insightful guided walking tour. After lunch at Scratchleys on the Wharf, spend an hour at your leisure embracing everything Newcastle has to offer, and late afternoon, return to the train along with the rest of the guests to enjoy a regionally inspired meal and relaxing time on board before retiring for the night. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - REGIONAL VICTORIA OR MELBOURNE
After a leisurely breakfast on board as you travel through Victoria’s high country, you’ll again have a choice of Off Train Experiences.
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, opt to visit cosmopolitan Melbourne to find out why it’s considered the cultural and sporting capital of Australia. Explore the highlights of the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia, home of Australian art or opt to check out the “Cats & Dogs” exhibition featuring more than 250 works of art and design exploring humanity’s deep connection to these animals. Visit the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on an insightful tour with a Melbourne Cricket Club member, where you’ll be regaled with the highs and lows of sporting history. If you’re a history buff, head to the Old Melbourne Gaol, which, from 1842 until its closure in 1929, was the scene of 133 hangings, including Australia’s most infamous citizen, Bushranger Ned Kelly.
Having worked up an appetite, visit Melbourne Skydeck, taking in the soaring views 88 floors above sea level, and then ascend one more floor to Eureka 89, where you’ll dine on a beautifully curated menu showcasing local and seasonal produce. After lunch, you’ll make your way back to the train to continue your journey south. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Arrive in Adelaide
Catch the morning light over regional South Australia. Sit back and enjoy your final breakfast on board before arriving in Adelaide. (B)
Note that all Off Train Experiences are subject to change and minimum and maximum capacity limits apply.
BRISBANE TO ADELAIDE (3 nights)
Departs every Monday in Dec 2025 / Jan / Feb 2026
GOLD SINGLE CABIN
GOLD TWIN CABIN
GOLD PREMIUM CABIN
PLATINUM TWIN CABIN
Please note that prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change without notice. Advance Purchase fares are only available until sold out.
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.
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.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
Non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total fare per person is required within 7 days of booking. Balance will be due no later than 95 days prior to departure