Great Southern

Day 1 - UK – Sydney

Arrive in Sydney and after clearing customs and collecting your bags make your way outside where you will be greeted by your private chauffer who will drop you off at your hotel.  

Once arrive at your hotel you are free to spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2 - Morning Sydney City Sights & Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise

See the sights of Sydney on this city sights tour. Begin by visiting the historic Rocks area and hear of early convict history. Continue through the financially focused Central Business District (CBD), and Macquarie Street. Marvel at 18th century sandstone architecture such as NSW Parliament House, Rum Hospital, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. Continuing to Mrs Macquarie's Point, to enjoy magnificent views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Continuing through Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, home to the rich and famous. Travelling along the coves and shores of one of the world’s most impressive harbours, there will be a few stops for photo opportunities, including a panoramic photo of Sydney skyline. You will pass through areas such as Kings Cross, Double Bay, Rose Bay before arriving at Watsons Bay, with the option a short coastal walk with views of the South Pacific Ocean and the entrance to Sydney harbour.

Travel on to famous Bondi Beach for a 30-minute stop. Visit the beachfront promenade, put your toes in the sand, enjoy a coffee or cool drink (at own cost). See bronzed Aussie lifesavers and surfers riding the waves of Bondi. Re-board your bus and continue to Tamarama and Bronte beaches before returning to the city via Centennial Park and Paddington, a trendy district with its elegant terrace houses and boutique shops along Oxford Street.

Arrive at Circular Quay for your Sydney Harbour lunch cruise. Departing from the Eastern Pontoon at lunch time you will spend a relaxing 2 hours discovering the secrets of one of the world’s most famous and spectacular natural harbours including icons such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens and more. See the city from a new perspective and marvel at the sights that decorate its coastline. The educated live commentator will provide you with something new about Sydney, its history and about each of the sights that you can see from the deck.

Your cruise concludes in the afternoon at Circular Quay and on arrival, make your way at leisure back to your hotel.

Day 3 - Sydney

Spend today exploring the sights of Sydney. If you would prefer to book a tour or excursion today speak to your consultant about attractions in Sydney.

Day 4 - Sydney – Brisbane

Today check out your Sydney hotel and after you will be greeted by your private chauffer who will take you to Sydney airport to Brisbane for your internal flight.

Once you have landed in Brisbane after collecting your baggage meet outside with your private chauffer to your Brisbane hotel. Once you have checked in spending the rest of day at your leisure.

Day 5 - Board the Great Southern Railway

After you have checked out of your Brisbane hotel your private chauffer will meet you to take you to the train station.

Board the Great Southern from Brisbane to Adelaide.

After setting off from Brisbane, enjoy lunch on board and a relaxing afternoon settling into your private cabin before arriving at the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. As the sun dips beneath the horizon, enjoy a unique beachside dinner where you’ll feast on local produce and fresh seafood matched with fine wines, while the waves lap at the shore nearby. After a few leisurely hours, you’ll reboard the train and set off for the night.

Day 6 - Great Southern Railway

Start the day with a hearty breakfast on board before setting off for a full day of Off Train Experiences. Today you get to choose your own adventure with your choice of the Hunter Valley, Newcastle or Port Stephens.

Hunter Valley Wine Region: Meander through the picturesque and historic vineyards of the Hunter Valley, where you can sample wines from both world-renowned brands and boutique cellar doors. Your day will include cellar door experiences and a sumptuous lunch (low intensity).

Port Stephens by Land: Experience the impressive Stockton Bight Sand Dunes and beach by 4WD van, stopping to hunt for pipis and driving to the top of a sand dune to take in the incredible views. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading back to the train in the afternoon (low intensity).

Port Stephens by Sea: Enjoy the stunning views of Port Stephens with a relaxed morning of sailing on the water and the chance to spot dolphins along the way. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading back to the train in the afternoon (low intensity).

Newcastle Explorer: Discover the vibrant mix of old and new in the beautiful coastal city of Newcastle with a fun and informative two-hour guided walking tour before lunch. In the afternoon enjoy an hour of free time by the beach or in town (moderate intensity)

In the evening, return to the train to enjoy a regionally-inspired meal prepared on board before retiring for the night.

Day 7 - Great Southern Railway

After enjoying breakfast on board as you travel through Victoria’s high country, you’ll have a choice of Off Train Experiences. Discover regional Victoria with options including wine touring and gourmet delights, visits to natural sights and charming towns. Or opt to visit cosmopolitan Melbourne and take in the soaring views from Melbourne Skydeck and a tour of the National Gallery of Victoria or free time to explore the city yourself.

Day 8 - Arrive into Adelaide

As the train rolls into Adelaide, enjoy your last breakfast on board and the end of your Great Southern train journey.

Once you have departed the train you will be greeted by your private chauffer who will take to your Adelaide hotel. Once checked in spending the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 9 - Sightseeing at Barossa Valley & Hahndorf

Travel through the city of Adelaide northwards to the world-renowned Barossa wine region. Enjoy the change of scenery as you make your way into the vineyards of South Australia’s premium wine district. Your first stop is at the multi-award-winning Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre where you will have the opportunity to sample their famous wines in a structured tasting, be taken on a tour of the surrounding vines and cellar door then enjoy morning tea as you overlook the vineyards. Leaving Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre, travel to Mengler Hill Lookout for sweeping views over the valley and then onto Lambert Estate in Angaston for wine tasting and a 2-course lunch.

Leaving the Barossa, drive past the Herbig Family Tree at Springton. This hollow tree trunk provided a ‘home’ for Friedrich & Caroline Herbig and two of their 16 children until 1860. Travel to the picturesque Adelaide Hills and on arrival into Hahndorf (Adelaide’s oldest German settlement) and visit Beerenberg Farm Shop where you can hear the story of how Beerenberg began and the history of Hahndorf. You will also have time to explore the entire range of products in the Farm Shop, plus a selection of souvenirs and gifts. After Beerenberg you will have time to walk Hahndorf’s main street with many shops and galleries full of local arts, crafts and produce and pubs where you can sample some German Beers.

Day 10 - Adelaide

Spend today exploring the sights of Adelaide. If you would prefer to book a tour or excursion today speak to your consultant about attractions in Adelaide.

Day 11 - Adelaide – Perth

Today check out of your Adelaide hotel and meet your private chauffer who will drop you off at Adelaide airport for your internal flight to Perth.

Once you have landed in Perth and after you have collected your bags, you will be greeted by your private chauffer to take you to your Perth hotel.

Once you have checked in spending the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 12 - Perth’s Arcades & Lanes

Where did Perth get its name? Who was Yagan? Where is the best street art? You’ll discover all the answers on Perth’s most informative tour – Arcades and Laneways. Explore downtown Perth via the pedestrian friendly malls, ornate arcades, trendy laneways, back streets and dirty alleys.

Originally, not of any interest to the British, it was only when French and Dutch explorers started sniffing around that the English decided there should be a colony in the West of Australia. Starting at the historic Perth Town Hall, the tour winds through the lanes and arcades that cut through the city as you learn all about the stories, people and places that make Perth what it is.

You may explore landmarks including The State Buildings and Yagan Square with fascinating stories delivered by a knowledgeable tour guide. No stone goes unturned on this tour. At the end of the tour, relax at a cool local bar where the first drink is on us. A great afternoon out in Perth.

Day 13 - Perth

Spend today exploring Perth if you wish to book a day trip or attraction speak to your consultant about what you can do in Perth.

Day 14 - Perth - UK

Today check out your Perth Hotel and meet your private chauffer who will drop you off at Perth airport for your onward flight.

Alternatively speak to your consultant about adding additional days to explore Australia!