Great Southern Rail - Discover Adelaide and Brisbane
9 Days | 8 Nights
Price per person from *
$3399pp
*Based on double occupancy
Land Only
Discover South Australia's food gems using Adelaide as your base, then travel across Australia's southeast to Brisbane, enjoying meals on and off the train and exploring Coffs Harbour and the Hunter Region. In Brisbane, continue the adventure with spectacular views and ancient rainforests of Mount Tamborine, along with much more to explore in and around the vibrant river city.
- 2 nights aboard the Great Southern from Adelaide to Brisbane including all meals, beverages and off-train experiences
- 3 nights Adelaide including breakfast and a full day Barossa Valley experience
- 3 nights Brisbane including Mt Tamborine Explorer
Description
Embark on a culinary adventure by discovering South Australia's food gems, with Adelaide as your starting point. Begin your journey in the world-renowned Barossa Valley, where you'll be inspired by a variety of rich and diverse flavors. As you travel across Australia's southeast, make your way towards Brisbane, enjoying a perfect blend of meals both on and off the train. Along the way, delve into the delights of iconic destinations like Coffs Harbour and the Hunter Region, each offering its own unique charm and culinary experiences.
After settling into life on the train, it’s time to alight for your first Off Train Experience. Enjoy a guided coach tour through the scenic town of Halls Gap, positioned in the Grampians National Park and a great base from which to explore this spectacular corner of Australia. From Halls Gap, continue to Boroka Lookout to gaze across panoramic vistas over the east of the Grampians and over the town of Halls Gap.
It’s a short five-minute walk to two viewing platforms and from here, you’ll also be able to spot nearby Lake Bellfield.
Take in the breathtaking views in the late afternoon sunlight before returning to the train for a late supper. This experience is ideal for guests who would like a leisurely taste of the Grampians’ beauty and delightful Halls Gap.
Disembarking the train in Yass Junction, you’ll be transferred by coach to Canberra and the nation’s political hotseat – Parliament House. You will dine in the Old Parliament House before embarking on an extended tour of Parliament House. Get lost in the history, the people and the scandals that make Parliament House a fascinating place to visit.
Learn more about the building’s architecture and arts and the intricacies of working in such a dynamic building. Chances are you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for this cultural icon and historical institute.
After breakfast on board, arrive at Coffs Harbour Station and travel by coach to the Great Dividing Range. At 3,500kms, this is the third-longest mountain range in the world. Poised on the edge of the rainforest, Sealy Lookout is home to Forest Sky Pier, a viewing platform soaring dramatically out from the hillside.
Back down in the town, go on a guided tour through the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, which sits on 20 hectares. Meander through exotic plants from sub-tropical regions of the world as you learn about the history of the garden or set off at your own pace and enjoy the 5 kilometers of paths and boardwalks on a self-guided tour.
Lunch is served back on the Great Southern as you cross the border into Queensland.
Upon arriving in Brisbane, the adventure extends beyond the tracks. Immerse yourself in the spectacular views and ancient rainforests of Mount Tamborine, a destination that promises breathtaking natural beauty and tranquility. Explore the vibrant river city of Brisbane, where there is always more to discover. From its lively cultural scene to its stunning landscapes, Brisbane offers a wealth of experiences that will captivate and inspire. Whether you're a foodie, nature lover, or culture enthusiast, this journey promises to be an unforgettable exploration of some of Australia's most enchanting regions.
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Price
Travel Dates |
Price* | |
---|---|---|
*Based on double occupancy | ||
Jan 7, 2025 - Jan 7, 2025 | from $3399pp * | |
Jan 14, 2025 - Jan 14, 2025 | from $3399pp * | |
Jan 21, 2025 - Jan 21, 2025 | from $3399pp * | |
Jan 28, 2025 - Jan 28, 2025 | from $3399pp * | |
Feb 11, 2025 - Feb 11, 2025 | from $3399pp * |
*Prices are quoted in USD and are ‘from’, per person, based on double occupancy. Prices based on departure January 1 - February 21, 2025. Single supplements apply. Black-out/surchargeable may dates apply. Other blackout dates may apply. Book by August 31, 2024. Pricing is subject to availability and all prices, itineraries and routings are subject to change without notice. Prices are current at the time of posting (6/30/2024) and may differ when you book your travel. Please call for our current pricing and itinerary details. CA CST: 2076233-40.
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Inclusions
- 3 nights Adelaide, The Playford Adelaide – MGallery including breakfast daily
- Northern Barossa Valley Voyager Tour, including lunch
- Discover the history of the Barossa Valley including tastings and lunch
- Transfer from hotel to Adelaide Parklands Rail Terminal
- 2 nights aboard the Great Southern, Adelaide to Brisbane, including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in the Grampians, Canberra and the Northern New South Wales Coast
- Transfer from Rail Terminal to hotel
- 3 nights Brisbane, Sofitel Brisbane Central including breakfast daily
- Full day Explore Mount Tamborine tour
- 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Exclusions
- Airfares are not included, this is a land only package. Please call for pricing.
- Australian ETA Visa (AU$20/person) payable on application
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Map
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Adelaide
Welcome to Adelaide. After checking into your accommodation in the heart of the city center, there are plenty of opportunities to delve into its food, wine, arts and shopping scenes as you get to know the laid-back capital of South Australia.
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Day 2 - Adelaide (B)
Explore more of Adelaide at your leisure. If you’d like to get to the source of that gourmet experience by visiting another wine-growing region, McLaren Vale is the perfect option.
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Day 3 - Barossa Valley (B,L)
Today, delight your senses with boutique wine and food touring to the historic Barossa Valley, with its 80 cellar doors. You’ll even visit one of the oldest vineyards in the world, where Shiraz vines were planted in 1843. Enjoy running commentary from your driver as you make your way towards the world-renowned wine region and be guided though some of the best wines South Australia has to offer. Tours are small groups of up to eight people only to ensure a relaxed and unhurried day. Whether you prefer red or white, there will be something to tantalize and delight with tastings at three wineries throughout the day, and a delicious lunch with an accompanying glass of wine included in your tour.
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Day 4 - Great Southern (B,L,D)
Board the Great Southern for your memorable two-night journey to Brisbane. Enjoy morning tea and savor a relaxed lunch on board while watching the ever-changing landscape through the windows. In the afternoon, the train will arrive in regional Victoria for your first Off Train Experience. A million years in the making, the Grampians region is celebrated for its wild and spectacular scenery. Explore The Grampians with a choice of four Off Train Experiences. Enjoy a guided coach tour through the scenic town of Halls Gap, including the incredible Boroka Lookout, or embrace Mother Nature and stretch your legs with a guided walk to the Venus Baths. Alternatively, spend the afternoon tasting regional wines at Pomonal Estate with a cellar door experience paired with artisanal chocolates, or Fallen Giants, where you’ll taste and learn about the winery’s 50-year history. You may choose to upgrade your Grampians’ experience with a helicopter flight that soars across the National Park. Return to the train and continue travelling up the east coast, with a delectable dinner on board
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Day 5 - Great Southern - Canberra (B,L,D)
After breakfast on board, today is yours to explore Australia’s political capital, Canberra. After breakfast on board, enjoy a coach ride to Canberra city center to experience a memorable lunch at Old Parliament House before an afternoon of insightful guided tours at your pick of iconic institutions, whether it’s the National War Memorial, Parliament House or the National Portrait Gallery. As afternoon turns to evening, return to the train in time for another gourmet dinner on board. After dinner, retire to the lounge for a nightcap with your fellow travellers as the Great Southern rolls north.
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Day 6 - Great Southern - Coffs Harbour and Brisbane (B,L)
Linger over breakfast on board before departing on your choice of Off Train Experience around Coffs Harbour. The Coffs Explorer travels up to Sealy Lookout, offering views for miles from the Forest Sky Pier, before heading to the spectacular North Coast Regional Botanical Garden. Alternatively, take a stroll from the Urunga Boardwalk to the Beach with an Indigenous guide, who will help you spot native wildlife and teach about the history of the Gumbaynggirr people, with a demonstration of traditional tools and weaponry and the opportunity to see and taste bush tucker. If you’d prefer to take to the skies, treat yourself to an optional upgrade with a hinterland helicopter flight that soars over the Great Diving Range and Coffs Harbour coastline.
After your Coffs Harbour morning, indulge in a final lunch on board before arriving into Brisbane, completing your coastal train journey. Once settled into your accommodation, the evening is yours to start your exploration of this vibrant river city.
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Day 7 - Brisbane (B)
Visit Mount Tamborine in the Gold Coast hinterland. The mountain has spectacular views and ancient rainforests which you can explore at your own pace at Skywalk. Enjoy the native flora and fauna as you walk above the rainforest canopy. Visit the Glow Worm conservation caves and learn about these fascinating creatures. You’ll then have time to explore the boutique shops on Gallery Walk from arts and craft, fashion to fudge, to honey and Australia’s most awarded distillery, Tamborine Mountain Distillery. Your day will conclude at Fortitude Brewery, where you can enjoy a meal (own expense) or drink at Bush Turkey Bistro or visit the on-site cheese shop.
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Day 8 - Brisbane (B)
Your time in Brisbane continues today, with a day to explore at your leisure. Perhaps catch a City Cat and take in the city from the water, or venture across to South Bank, Brisbane’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind.
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Day 9 - Depart Brisbane (B)
Your Brisbane escape comes to an end when you check out of your accommodation this morning.
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