Great Southern

Overview

The Great Southern journeys between Adelaide and Brisbane, showcasing spectacular coastal and inland scenery and stopping along the way for guests to embark on memorable Off Train Experiences. This is a true summer journey of discovery, from the rugged eastern coastline to buzzing cities and everything in-between.

Departs Fridays in Dec 2023 & Jan, Feb & Dec 2024

Adelaide to Brisbane

Adelaide to Brisbane | 3 days / 2 nights

Gold Twin From $2,725pp twin share
Gold Premium From $2,945pp twin share
Platinum From $4,720pp twin share
Gold Single From $2,340pp 

*pricing based on 27 December 2024 departure

Highlights and Inclusions

• 2 nights aboard the Great Southern, travelling from Adelaide to Brisbane
• All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages
• A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
• Off Train Experiences in the Grampians, Canberra and Coffs Harbour

Leaving Adelaide behind, you can relax, unwind and enjoy world-class service as the stunning landscapes glide by. On your three day journey, enjoy a mixture of time on train and the opportunity to immerse yourself in Off Train Experiences as you journey towards Brisbane. Lap up the spectacular scenery passing by your window, beginning in the magical Adelaide Hills and onto the ancient Grampians region in Victoria. Delve into the art, history and culinary culture of Canberra, and discover the nation’s capital. Feel the sand between your toes in the picturesque coastal town of Coffs Harbour. Then enjoy stunning views of northern New South Wales as you roll into the final destination of Brisbane.

Day 1: Adelaide & The Great Southern

As the train leaves Adelaide, take your time to settle in and get familiar with your cabin. Enjoy morning tea and then savour a relaxed lunch on board while watching the ever-changing landscape glide by. In the afternoon, the train will arrive in regional Victoria where you’ll have a chance to experience the spectacular wilderness of the Grampians region. Choose from a range of Off Train Experiences.

Day 2: Canberra

Today is yours to spend in Australia’s political and cultural capital, Canberra. After breakfast on board, enjoy a scenic coach ride to Canberra to experience a truly memorable lunch and immersive touring at your pick of cultural institutions, including the National War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House, before returning to the train in time for dinner. Enjoy another sumptuous dinner on board before retiring to the lounge for a nightcap.

Day 3: Coffs Harbour & surrounds

Choose your own adventure today with a variety of options to suit your fitness level and interests. The Urunga Boardwalk excursions starts from the small station of Urunga, where a local Indigenous guide will meet you. Stroll the boardwalk, look for stingrays and herons as your guide interprets this unique ecosystem, highlighting local wildlife and bush tucker. After the boardwalk, immerse yourself in the rich cultural history of the Gumbaynggirr people, with a demonstration of traditional tools and weaponry, and the opportunity to see and taste bush tucker.

The Coffs Explorer experience travels up to Sealy Lookout offering views for miles from the Forest Sky Pier. After drinking in the sights, travel to the North Coast Regional Botanical Garden to explore this green oasis in the heart of Coffs Harbour. The botanic garden features a range of self-guided discovery walks amongst natural forests, planted garden areas including Australian plants, rainforests, sensory garden, international plants from seven regions, a tropical glasshouse and shadehouse, ponds and lakes.

After your Coffs Harbour morning, enjoy a final lunch on board with your fellow travellers before arriving into Brisbane.

Brisbane to Adelaide

Brisbane to Adelaide | 4 days / 3 nights 

Gold Twin From $3,560pp twin share
Gold Premium From $4,265pp twin share
Platinum From $6,140pp twin share
Gold Single From $3,285pp 

*pricing based on 23 & 30 December 2024 departures

Highlights and Inclusions

• 3 nights aboard the Great Southern, travelling from Brisbane to Adelaide
• All-inclusive meals, fine wines and beverages
• A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
• Off Train Experiences at Coffs Harbour, the Hunter Valley Region, regional Victoria and Melbourne

Australians know their unique summer deserves to be celebrated – and that’s just what a Great Southern journey is all about. 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 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, as you journey toward your final destination of Adelaide.

Day 1: Brisbane and Coffs Harbour

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, Newcastle or Port Stephens

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

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 or enjoy free time to explore the city yourself.

Day 4: Arrive Adelaide

As the train rolls into Adelaide, enjoy your last breakfast on board and the end of your Great Southern train journey.

Cabin Types

Gold Twin Cabin

The most popular choice of accommodation on The Ghan and Indian Pacific, Gold Twin cabins have everything you need to make you feel right at home for the amazing experience that lies ahead. This is your private oasis, a superbly comfortable overnight room to recline and let the rhythm of the tracks sway you to sleep ahead of your next adventure. During the day, relax on the three-seater lounge that converts to your upper and lower sleeping berth at night. Enjoy the high quality linen, pillows, doonas and complimentary Australian-made toiletries. Gold Twin cabins have a compact en suite with toilet, washbasin and shower giving you all the comfort, privacy and amenities you require.

• All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, Off Train Excursions and Outback Experiences
• Access to the Outback Explorer Lounge for beverages and socialising
• All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
• A 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
• In-cabin safe
• In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
• Complimentary Australian bathroom amenities
• Complimentary shuttle bus transfers available between Darwin Terminal and the city centre
• 60 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (2 x 30 kg each).

Gold Premium

Gold Premium is a new style of travel, with contemporary cabins that take inspiration from the colours and contours of the Australian outback. Think walnut timber and polished brass details, along with Indigenous prints on the upholstery. The cabins are designed to cocoon guests in comfort and come with exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Dining carriages. Whether you want to share the highlights of your day with fellow guests over an aperitif in the Lounge or relax in your cabin as you admire the colours and contours of the passing landscape, you’ll enjoy special moments throughout the journey and a range of enhanced benefits, such as all-inclusive dining, premium beverages and fascinating Off Train Experiences.

• Newly designed, contemporary cabins
• Premium amenities, luxuriously soft linen and silk eye masks
• Exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining carriage
• Two-course, regionally inspired lunches and four-course dinners
• All-inclusive premium Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
• All-inclusive Off Train Experiences and preferences on tour selections
• 75kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 25 kg each)
• Priority luggage check-in
• Power outlets in cabin
• In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
• Complimentary shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin and Brisbane to selected hotels in the city centre

Platinum

Stylishly appointed, spacious suites complemented by discreet, personalised service and world-class food and wine make this a very special travel experience. Platinum guests enjoy extras like a full-size en suite, expansive window views from both sides of the train, and exclusive use of the Platinum Club carriage. You’ll also notice the Champagne Bollinger, Australian Appelles Apothecary toiletries, a nightcap at turndown, luxuriously soft linen, and more! It’s this attention to detail that you’ll recall long after your journey’s end.

By day, your cabin is configured as a private lounge with deluxe seating, a table and two ottomans. By night, you’ll enjoy a deep, comfortable sleep as the lounges convert into a comfortable bedroom with either a double or twin beds. It’s the perfect place to relax and take in the amazing views passing by your panoramic windows but, for a more social experience, head to the Platinum Club. Thoughtfully appointed to embody the spirit of the train’s Australian heritage, the décor features quartzite tabletops, timber flooring, brass fittings and leather banquette lounge seating in tones of ash, moss and sepia. The carriage offers a daytime lounge setting with adaptable dining options.

• Spacious Double or Twin cabin almost twice the size of a Gold Premium Twin or Gold Twin cabin
• All-inclusive dining, beverages, and Off Train Experiences
• By day, cabins are set up lounge-style with a moveable table and two ottomans
• By night, lounges are converted to double or twin beds
• En suite equipped with separate shower, vanity with cupboard space, and toilet
• Premium amenities, luxuriously soft linen and silk eye masks
• Power outlets and in-cabin safe
• In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
• Panoramic windows offering views from both sides of the train
• Access to the exclusive Platinum Club for dining and socialising
• Freshly prepared continental breakfasts served upon request in-cabin
• Refreshments served in-cabin
• Transfers at the start and end of your journey available for guests within 60 km of the terminal (Platinum transfers in Darwin are provided in multi-passenger vehicles)
• 90 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 30 kg each)
• Priority luggage check-in

Gold Single Cabin

Australia’s iconic rail journeys offer purpose-built carriages to do it in superb style. Our Gold Single is a comfortable sleeper cabin option that offers all the luxurious inclusions of the Gold Twin such as fully inclusive dining with three gourmet meals per day, all-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, and your choice of Off Train Experiences as you travel.

• All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant
• Off Train Experiences
• Access to the Outback Explorer Lounge for beverages and socialising
• All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
• A 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
• Power outlets and in-cabin safe
• In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
• Complimentary Australian bathroom amenities
• 60 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (2 x 30 kg each, to be checked in to the luggage car) plus one small carry-on bag / piece of hand luggage (stored in your cabin)