Begin at Hanworth House in East Brisbane, where you'll check in and be welcomed at a celebratory gathering. After setting off from Brisbane on the Great Southern, savour lunch on board and spend a relaxing afternoon settling into your cabin before arriving at the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. As the sun dips beneath the horizon, enjoy drinks and canapes on the beach at Charlesworth Bay before a unique outdoor dinner weather permitting, where you'll feast on local produce and fresh seafood paired with fine wines. listen to the waves lapping at the nearby shore as the backing track for a live bank playing the classics. Reboard the train and set off for your first night on board.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast on board before setting
off on your choice of Off Train Experience. You may choose to
meander through the picturesque, historic vineyards of the
Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. Known for Semillon
and Shiraz, here you’ll spend the day amongst the vines, visiting
some of the region’s finest wineries and enjoying generous
tasting times, allowing you to savour the full range of Hunter
Valley offerings. Between wine tastings, you’ll sit down for a
platter-style lunch featuring local produce.
Other options include exploring Port Stephens by land or sea. On
the land tour, you’ll drive along and into the largest mobile sand
dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, the Stockton Bight Sand
Dunes, in a 4WD vehicle. You’ll stop to admire your surrounds and
drive to the top of a dune to take in the incredible views – you may
even choose to sandboard down. On the sea tour, you’ll be dazzled
by the turquoise water as you soak up the stunning coastline from
a relaxed boat cruise. You may be lucky enough to spot dolphins
along the way. Whether by land or sea, after your Port Stephens
adventure, you’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch before returning to the
train in the afternoon.
Alternatively, explore Newcastle and discover the vibrant mix of
old and new in the beautiful coastal city with a fun and insightful
guided walking tour. After lunch, spend an hour at your leisure
embracing everything Newcastle has to offer, and 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. (B,L,D)

After a leisurely breakfast on board as you travel through Victoria’s
high country, you’ll again 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 in the Moorabool Valley. Clyde Park is a
beautiful vineyard, cellar door and bistro set among rolling hills.
Here, you’ll enjoy a long lunch and sample cool-climate wines while
being entertained on the glorious lawns.
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) on a private tour with a knowledgeable
NGV Guide, or visit the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on
an insightful tour with an Melbourne Cricket Club member, where
you’ll be regaled with the highs and lows of sporting history. If you’re
a history buff, head to the Old Melbourne Gaol, which, from 1842
until its closure in 1929, was the scene of 133 hangings, including
Australia’s most infamous citizen, Bushranger Ned Kelly.
Having worked up an appetite, visit Melbourne Skydeck, taking in the
soaring views 88 floors above sea level, and then ascend one more
floor to Eureka 89, where you’ll dine on a beautifully curated menu
showcasing local and seasonal produce. After lunch, you’ll make your way back to the train to continue your journey south.

Catch the morning light over regional South Australia. Sit back and
enjoy your final breakfast on board before arriving into Adelaide. (B)