Great Southern Train Tour | Australia

The Great Southern: Explore Australia’s Southern Gems

Australia’s eastern seaboard, with its mix of Mediterranean-like and subtropical climate, is the quintessential summer destination. Experience balmy weather and witness one-of-a-kind scenery all from the embrace of a luxury train with our Great Southern packages. The Great Southern train promises an unforgettable exploration through dramatic scenery, vibrant cities and rugged coastlines. On board, treat yourself to fine dining, exquisite wines, and world-class hospitality as myriad landscapes and natural wonders glide by your window.

The Great Southern: A Unique Summer Journey

The Great Southern, a gleaming marvel of modern engineering, is a nearly 3,000-kilometre odyssey from Adelaide to Brisbane. This three-day journey is packed with excitement and anticipation, as it joins the ranks of legendary rail voyages like the Ghan and the Indian Pacific, embodying over 140 years of rail heritage. Enjoy world-class cuisine and indulge in a range of off-train excursions like a stroll through the stunning Urunga Boardwalk or visits to the National War Memorial in Canberra.

Routes Covered

The Great Southern is an epic journey from Adelaide to Brisbane and back, giving you a glimpse into Australia's mesmerising beauty. The route’s key highlights include:

• Adelaide: Begin or end in the culturally rich city known for its art and wine.
• Grampians Region: Experience majestic mountains and diverse wildlife in this natural haven.
• Canberra: Explore Australia's political heart with its rich history and cultural landmarks.
• Coffs Harbour: Marvel at the stunning coastal landscapes and seaside charm.
• Brisbane: Discover the vibrant energy of this sunny, dynamic city.
• Tamborine Mountain: Witness the natural beauty near Brisbane, with lush rainforests and scenic views.

Unique Features & Experiences Offered

Passengers of the Great Southern train will love the distinctive features and experiences, including:

• Comfortable and Stylish Accommodations: The train offers elegantly designed cabins that blend comfort with style, providing a cosy retreat as you travel through Australia's stunning landscapes.
• Exquisite Culinary Offerings: Savor the flavors of Australia through expertly prepared gourmet meals. Each dish is a culinary masterpiece, made with locally-sourced ingredients and perfectly paired with some of Australia's finest wines.
• Engaging Off Train Experiences: At various stops along the journey, enjoy unique off-train excursions, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the region’s local culture and natural beauty.
• Exceptional Service: The Great Southern is renowned for its exceptional service, with a dedicated onboard team ensuring a seamless and memorable journey.

Highlights of The Great Southern

Scenic landscapes

The Great Southern's route takes you through some of Australia's most stunning landscapes. Get ready to witness:

• Coastal Views: Marvel at the endless stretch of sun-kissed beaches and dramatic rugged coastlines defining Australia's eastern seaboard.
• Forested Peaks: Journey through the lush, green canopy of Australia's dense forests, showcasing the country's rich ecological diversity.
• Vibrant Cities: Discover the unique charm and cultural richness of Australia's lively capital cities.
• Natural Marvels: Be awestruck by the pristine lakes and majestic mountain ranges that punctuate the country’s varied landscape.

Cultural Wonders

Our Great Southern packages also offer cultural experiences that will elevate your rail journey:

• Historic Sites: Explore significant landmarks, such as the historic railway town of Adelaide or the nation's capital, Canberra, where you can learn about Australia's past and architectural heritage.
• Indigenous Heritage: Experience the Indigenous cultures through interactive tours and exhibits to gain a deeper understanding of the traditions that have shaped the Australian landscape.
• Local Cuisine: Relish the diverse flavours of Australia with dishes that highlight regional specialties, from fresh seafood along the coast to the robust wines of South Australia.
• Art and Craft: Engage with Australia's artistic side by exploring local galleries and artisan markets.

Planning and Booking a Great Southern Rail Journey

How to Book

Booking your Great Southern rail journey is a simple and straightforward process:

• Explore Packages: Browse through Great Southern packages and find the one that resonates with you.
• Contact Our Experts: Connect with our dedicated travel experts for personalised assistance, insights, and answers to your questions.
• Booking Process: Choose your preferred package, and our team will assist you in securing your spot and confirming your itinerary.
• Reservation Confirmation: After booking, you'll receive a confirmation with essential travel details to prepare for your journey.

Preparation Tips

When preparing for your Great Southern rail journey, keep these key tips in mind for a seamless trip:

• Ensure your passport, tickets, and visas are current and easily accessible.
• Bring comfortable clothes for excursions and smart attire for onboard dining; also pack for varied climates.
• Carry personal medications and notify staff of any dietary or health needs.
• Familiarise yourself with the travel schedule and Off Train Experiences to maximise your journey.
• Learn about the cultural and historical aspects of your destinations to enhance your experience.

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. 

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 destination of Brisbane. 

 With its rugged coastline, sun-kissed beaches, forested peaks, and exhilarating capital cities, the stunning train journey in the reverse direction – over 4 days, gives you the chance to celebrate Australia’s unique summer. 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 destination of Adelaide. 

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

Life on board

Gold Service

Immerse yourself in the world of romance that epitomises rail travel with our Gold Service offering. The most popular service option has everything you’ll need to feel at home for the duration of your journey. 

Choose between Gold Twin or Single cabins, both of which provide the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day’s journey. Spend hours deep in conversation with new friends in the shared Outback Explorer Lounge, sipping on barista made coffee, or a glass of white wine. Later make your way to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant to dine. 

Gold includes hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and three-course dinners. You may also choose to complement your meal with our selection of premium wines and beverages, all included in your fare. 

For Gold Twin, a comfortable sleeper cabin featuring private ensuite and upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day. For 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.

Gold Premium

Gold Premium offers a step up to a whole new style of train travel in 2024. Accommodated in newly designed, contemporary cabins, guests have exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining for meals and socialising. Enjoy delicious breakfasts, regionally inspired two-course lunches and delectable four-course dinners in beautiful surrounds, accompanied by a selection of premium beverages. 

Gold Premium offers those luxe extras to make the journey special, such as priority check-in and an increased luggage allowance, luxury amenities, tour preferencing and more.

Choose between a Gold Premium Twin cabin (upper and lower sleeping berths) or Gold Premium Suite, which has a little more space with a three-quarter-size double bed plus a fold-down upper berth and a lounge area. 

Platinum Service 

Nothing enhances the romance of rail travel quite like Platinum Service. Tailored for the discerning traveller,  Platinum Service adds a new level of sophistication to your journey. Stylishly appointed and spacious cabins are complemented by discreet, personalised service and access to the exclusive Platinum Club carriage for meals, relaxation and socialising. As you’d expect, the food and wine is of the highest standard. Enjoy hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and four-course dinners, all regionally inspired and paired with champagne and premium wines. 

And it all begins before you’ve even stepped aboard. Platinum guests receive private transfers before and after their journey, beginning the adventure in style. 

Platinum cabins offer premium extras, like a full-size ensuite, expansive window views from the train, and exclusive use of the Platinum Club carriage. Add to that the luxurious linen, French Champagne, Bracegirdle’s chocolates, a nightcap at turndown and more, and you’re in for an exceptional experience. 

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. 

Dining

In addition to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin onboard, you’ll find yourself indulging in sumptuous cuisine, fine wines, and camaraderie in our dining carriages. The onboard culinary team works closely with local suppliers, farmers and providores to source the best ingredients, creating an innovative, regionally-inspired menu accompanied by all-inclusive fine wines and beverages.