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Southern Summer 2026 (Great Southern) : Brisbane to Melbourne

Rail

Guests can now journey from Brisbane to Melbourne over three-days. This summer take in some of Australia’s most spectacular coastal and inland scenery while tucking in to creative menus showcasing premium local food and wine.

From price

$3,505
From price per person, twin share
Tour Provider Journey Beyond
Number Of Days
3
Start Location
Brisbane, Australia
End Location
Melbourne, Australia
Age Range
Avg. 40+
Group Size
1 to 1
Tour Style
Premium
Tour Themes
Rail
Physical Rating
Easy

Departure dates

From price per person, twin share
Start End Availability Price
21 Dec 2026 23 Dec 2026 14 $3,505
28 Dec 2026 30 Dec 2026 2 $3,505

Inclusions

  • 2 nights aboard the Great Southern, travelling from Brisbane to Melbourne
  • 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 and Melbourne
  • Enjoy a unique beachside dinner at Coffs Harbour, feasting on local produce and fresh seafood matched with fine wines
  • Taste wines from the Hunter Valley, explore Port Stephens’ sun-soaked beaches and beautiful waterways, or take a walk through Newcastle
  • Venture into Melbourne for a day spent exploring the city before concluding your journey

    • Itinerary details

    BRISBANE AND COFFS HARBOUR
    Your East Coast journey begins with a warm welcome at Hanworth House in East Brisbane, where you’ll check in gather with fellow travellers for a celebratory start to your summer journey. After setting off from Brisbane on the Great Southern, life on board begins to unfold. Savour lunch as the train winds south, then settle into the rhythm of your cabin and the passing landscapes. In the afternoon, the Great Southern arrives in the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. Here, the evening unfolds in true coastal style. As the sun sinks below the horizon, enjoy drinks and canapés on the sand at Charlesworth Bay before a signature outdoor dinner - weather permitting- showcasing fresh seafood and regional produce paired with local wines. The soundtrack is set by a live band and the gentle rhythm of waves on the shore. After a few unhurried hours, reboard the train and settle in for your first night on board. (L,D)
    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. Wine lovers can explore the picturesque 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 followed by 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. Alternatively, discover Port Stephens by land or sea. Venture by 4WD across the vast Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, the largest mobile dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Stop to admire your surrounds and drive to the top of a dune to take in the sweeping views - you may even choose to sandboard down. On the water tour, be dazzled by turquoise seas as you soak up the coastline on a relaxed boat cruise, with the chance to spot dolphins along the way. Whether by land or sea, after your Port Stephens adventure you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch at Nelson Bay Golf Club before returning to the train in the afternoon. Closer to the city, explore Newcastle on a guided walking tour that reveals its coastal charm, capped with lunch at Scratchleys on the Wharf before returning to the train for a regionally inspired dinner. (B,L,D)
    MELBOURNE
    Enjoy your last breakfast on board as the Great Southern travels through Victoria’s high country before choosing your next Off Train Experience. Today you’ll disembark in cosmopolitan Melbourne and get to explore why it’s considered the cultural and sporting capital of Australia. Discover the artistic treasures of the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia, home to an outstanding collection of Australian art. Alternatively, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, guided by a club member. History buffs may prefer the Old Melbourne Gaol, where stories of the past, including those of Ned Kelly, come to life. To complete your Melbourne experience, take in the sweeping views from Melbourne Skydeck before ascending to Eureka 89 for a curated lunch showcasing seasonal local produce. After lunch, your journey concludes on the Great Southern. (B,L)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    You should choose this tour for a premium experience that combines spectacular coastal and inland Australian scenery with high-end culinary delights. This journey offers a unique blend of luxury rail travel and curated 'Off Train Experiences,' including gourmet dining and exclusive excursions in regions like the Hunter Valley and Melbourne.
    This tour is designed for the premium traveler who appreciates luxury, fine dining, and regional wines. Those who enjoy a mix of relaxation on a train and curated cultural or nature-based excursions—such as wine tasting, coastal cruises, or art gallery visits—will enjoy this journey most.
    The pros include a high-end 'Premium' style of travel, inclusive gourmet meals showcasing local produce, and a variety of flexible excursion choices. A potential con is that the tour is relatively short at three days, which may feel brief for those wishing to explore more of the coastline.
    This tour is an excellent option for couples and solo travelers seeking a sophisticated and relaxing getaway. While the provided data does not specifically mention family-oriented activities, the premium nature and dining focus make it particularly appealing for adults.
    This tour is suitable for both. First-time visitors will love the curated highlights of the East Coast and Melbourne, while experienced travelers will appreciate the luxury transport and the opportunity to dive deeper into specific regions like the Hunter Valley or the Melbourne art scene.
    Yes, this tour is likely suitable for those with mobility concerns as it has an 'Easy' physicality rating. Much of the experience takes place on the Great Southern train, though some off-train experiences, such as the Newcastle walking tour, may involve more movement.
    This tour offers a balanced blend of all three. It focuses on sightseeing through Australia's coastal and inland landscapes, culture through Melbourne's art and history, and light adventure through options like 4WD dune drives or helicopter flights.
    The pace of this tour is generally relaxed. It emphasizes the rhythm of rail travel, 'unhurried hours' during coastal dinners, and leisurely lunches, allowing guests to soak in the scenery without feeling rushed.
    The itinerary feels relaxed, providing guests with the time to settle into their cabins and enjoy long, curated meals. The use of 'Off Train Experiences' allows travelers to choose their own pace for the day before returning to the comfort of the train.
    Yes, the tour includes several key highlights, such as the Hunter Valley wine region, the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Old Melbourne Gaol, and the Melbourne Skydeck.
    The provided text does not specify if language barriers are handled by a guide; however, it does mention that certain experiences, such as the Newcastle tour and the Melbourne Cricket Ground visit, are guided.
    Disclaimer:
    These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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