The Great Southern Gourmet Escape

Depart from Adelaide and travel in style on the Great Southern, arriving into Brisbane where the adventure continues beyond the tracks.

Combine premium food and wine with stunning natural landscapes and some of the country’s top cultural icons on this five-night tour of Australia’s south-east. A culinary odyssey awaits in Tamborine Mountain and three nights in Brisbane provides the perfect opportunity for gourmands to explore.

See below for departure dates and pricing.

The Great Southern Gourmet Escape – Highlights and Inclusions

• Enjoy 2 nights fully hosted aboard The Great Southern
• Immerse yourself in the landscapes of the ancient Grampians
• Tour Australia’s Capital, Canberra
• See the stunning seascape of northern New South Wales
• Enjoy the drive through beautiful mountain scenery and rainforest to Tamborine Mountain’s unique food and wine trail, and take in breathtaking views from one of the iconic lookout points
• Be guided through private wine tastings at three boutique wineries, and enjoy a gourmet lunch at one of the mountain’s top wineries
• Visit Australia’s most awarded distillery and taste naturally flavoured vodka and liqueurs

Included Off-Train Experiences

Enjoy these unique off-train extra experiences which are included in your Adelaide to Brisbane Great Southern rail journey.

Grampians – Enjoy a guided coach tour through the scenic town of Halls Gap, positioned in the Grampians National Park and a great base from which to explore this spectacular corner of Australia. From Halls Gap, continue to Boroka Lookout to gaze across panoramic vistas over the east of the Grampians and over the town of Halls Gap. It’s a short five-minute walk to two viewing platforms and from here, you’ll also be able to spot nearby Lake Bellfield. Take in the breathtaking views in the late afternoon sunlight before returning to the train for a late supper.

Canberra – You will dine in the old Parliament House before embarking on an extended tour of Parliament House. Get lost in the history, the people and the scandals that make Parliament House a fascinating place to visit. Learn more about the building’s architecture and arts and the intricacies of working in such a dynamic building.

Coffs Harbour – Travel by coach to the Great Dividing Range. At 3,500kms, this is the third-longest mountain range in the world. Poised on the edge of the rainforest, Sealy Lookout is home to Forest Sky Pier, a viewing platform soaring dramatically out from the hillside. Back down in the town, go on a guided tour through the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, which sits on 20 hectares. Meander through exotic plants from sub-tropical regions of the world as you learn about the history of the garden or set off at your own pace and enjoy the 5 kilometres of paths and boardwalks on a self-guided tour.

See below for departure dates and pricing

The Great Southern – Your Onboard Experience

Everything is Included.

There’s nothing like putting down your suitcase and allowing your journey to simply unfold. Once you step aboard our trains, you can relax, knowing everything has been considered and included in your fare. From world-class food and wine to a range of immersive Off Train Experiences, the hardest decision you’ll need to make is what to have for lunch and which experience to join.

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.

Taking our cue from the diverse environments our trains travel through, our expert 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.

The Great Southern – Platinum Service

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 your journey, beginning the adventure in style.

Platinum cabins offer premium extras, like a full-size en suite, 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.

Platinum Service inclusions:

• All-inclusive dining, beverages, and Off Train Experiences
• Spacious Double or Twin cabin almost twice the size of a Gold Service Twin cabin
• By day, cabins are set up lounge-style with a moveable table and two ottomans
• By night, lounges are converted to double or twin beds
• En suite equipped with separate shower, vanity with cupboard space, toilet and Australian bathroom amenities
• Power outlets and in-cabin safe
• In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
• Panoramic windows offering views from both sides of the train
• Access to the exclusive Platinum Club for dining and socialising
• Freshly prepared continental breakfasts served upon request in-cabin
• Refreshments served in-cabin
• Transfers at the start and end of your journey available for guests within 60 km of the terminal
• 90 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 30 kg each).

The Great Southern – Gold Service

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.

Gold Service Inclusions:

• For Gold Twin, the most popular option, offers a comfortable sleeper cabin featuring private en suite and upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day
• Gold Superior cabins feature a ¾ size double bed plus an additional fold down upper berth, lounge area, TV and DVD player, mini-bar and en suite.
• 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 Access Cabins are exclusively reserved for the mobility impaired. This cabin is subject to availability and assessment of the guest’s Fitness to Travel.
• Power outlets in cabin
• In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary available
• All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant
• All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
• All-inclusive Off Train Excursions and Short Stops
• Luggage allowance is 60kg per guest
• Complimentary Shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin to selected hotels in the city centre

The Great Southern Rail Gourmet Escape Prices & Departure Dates

For 2023 departures please contact LOCO Journeys directly as availability is limited.

2024 The Great Southern Rail Gourmet Escape departs from Adelaide

Adelaide to Brisbane, 6 days, 5 nights, 11 meals. Departing Fridays, January, February and December.

Prices shown are AUD and subject to availability, and subject to change

Should you wish to add pre or post night accommodation, activities or international flights to The Great Southern rail experience, please be sure to let us know at the time of booking. If you wish to start your rail adventure in Melbourne, link your Great Southern rail trip with The Overland. Find out how here.