Great Southern: Southern Wine & Wildlife (Tour code: 13103)

The Great Southern - Southern Wine & Wildlife

Today, you’ll set off from Brisbane on your week-long adventure covering Australia’s south-east. Settle into your cabin and prepare to savour lunch on board and spend a relaxing afternoon admiring the views before arriving in Coffs Harbour. As the sun dips beneath the horizon, enjoy drinks and canapes on the beach at Charlesworth Bay before a unique outdoor dinner, where you’ll feast on local produce and fresh seafood paired with fine wines. After a few leisurely hours, you’ll reboard the train and set off for your first night on board.

Overnight stay aboard the Great Southern.

Coffs Harbour

Start the day with breakfast on board before setting off on your choice of Off Train Experiences. You may choose to meander through the picturesque vineyards of the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine regions, or explore Port Stephens by land or sea. Alternatively, explore Newcastle and discover the vibrant mix of old and new in the beautiful coastal city. 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.

Overnight stay aboard the Great Southern.

Port Stephens by Sea

After enjoying a delicious breakfast on board and a relaxing start to the day travelling through Victoria's high country, you'll 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, a beautiful vineyard in the Moorabool Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a long lunch and sample cool-climate wines. Alternatively, opt to visit cosmopolitan Melbourne to find out why it’s considered the cultural and sporting capital of Australia. Explore the oldest and most-visited art collection in Australia at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) or visit the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

If you’re a history buff, head to the Old Melbourne Gaol. Lunch is at Eureka 89, where you’ll dine on a beautifully curated menu showcasing local and seasonal produce with spectacular views over the city. After lunch, you’ll make your way back to the train to continue your journey south.

Overnight stay aboard the Great Southern.

Old Melbourne Gaol

Upon arrival into Adelaide, you will be transferred to your accommodation. The day is yours to explore the city. Home to over 900 restaurants, pubs and cafes, and a lively food and wine scene, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Overnight stay at Sofitel Adelaide (or similar)

Adelaide

As far as gourmet experiences go, today you are about to indulge in one of Australia’s best. The legendary Penfolds Magill Estate, where some of the world’s great wines are produced, is your venue for an epicurean adventure you’ll never forget. Make your way from the hotel to Penfolds Magill Estate by your own arrangements, ready to enjoy tastings, including Grange, in the Estate’s private rooms, before heading to the Magill Estate Cellar Door for a sumptuous lunch. 

Overnight stay at Sofitel Adelaide.

Penfold Magill Estate

Please note: Day 6 and 7 may be interchanged. 

Depart from Adelaide Airport for your flight to magical Kangaroo Island, where you will be met by your guide and begin your ‘Island Life’ tour. Island Life provides a taste of the way of life in this bucolic spot, where things take time, drivers wave as they go by, and passers-by stop for a chat. Have a cuppa with some home-made treats before taking a walk down a country track through towering Eucalyptus trees, where koalas snooze overhead or chew languidly on leaves. You’ll travel through the island’s most productive countryside to the north coast and walk through the bush with your guide, learning what makes that noise and whose tracks those are. Watch for small wallabies, a kangaroo found only on Kangaroo Island, and a variety of other birds, plants and animals.

Lunch is at a private bush camp, where you’ll enjoy a delicious meal featuring King George whiting – a local sea fish, fresh salads and fine South Australian wines. At Seal Bay Conservation Park, take a private tour with your guide among Australian sea lions on a beautiful sandy beach. Watch pups nursing or playing in the surf and old bulls bearing the scars of territorial disputes and learn about their unique breeding biology. After a day of touring, you will return to your accommodation, with dinner included at your hotel.

Overnight stay at Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge.

Seal Spotted at Seal Bay Conservation Park

Begin the day travelling through some of the regenerating landscapes of Kangaroo Island. Learn about fire ecology and how nature deals with this natural hazard. Some of the native flora species only flower following fire. 

Travel into Flinders Chase National Park and explore the massive shapes of Remarkable Rocks, a natural sculpture perched impossibly on top a granite dome plunging into the ocean. Then you’ll break for an elegant picnic lunch in the bush, or if weather permits, on a spectacular clifftop. Evidence of the power of the Southern Ocean swell continues at Admirals Arch – a coastal grotto that provides a haul out for a large colony of Long-nosed Fur Seals, which swim effortlessly through the crashing waves. After your last day of touring, you will return to your accommodation, with dinner included at your hotel.

Overnight stay at Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge.

Kangaroo at Kangaroo Island

This morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Adelaide. Arriving in Adelaide, you will be transferred to your city accommodation to leave your bags and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. The evening is free to explore some of Adelaide’s many dining and entertainment precincts. 

Overnight stay at Sofitel Adelaide.

Adelaide Night Life

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 up to 8 people only to ensure a relaxed and unhurried day. Whether you prefer red or white, there will be something to tantalise and delight with tastings at three wineries throughout the day, and a delicious lunch with an accompanying glass of wine included in your tour.

Overnight stay at Sofitel Adelaide.

Barossa Valley

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation, bringing your epicurean adventure to an end.