The Great Southern Rail Journey

The Great Southern rail journey between Adelaide and Brisbane showcases spectacular coastal and inland scenery and stops along the way for guests to embark on memorable off-train experiences. This is a true summer journey of discovery, from the rugged eastern coastline to buzzing cities and everything in between.

With its craggy coastline, sun-kissed beaches, forested peaks, and exhilarating capital cities, the stunning Australian train journey between Brisbane and Adelaide feels like nowhere else in Australia.

Relax with everything taken care of on board including fine dining, premium wines and world-class hospitality, as you’re transported from buzzing cities to diverse landscapes and natural marvels.

The Great Southern, Australia’s newest long-distance rail journey, made its inaugural trip from Adelaide to Brisbane, departing the City of Churches on 6 December 2019. From South Australia to Queensland this multi-day journey travels along more than 2000km of tracks, passing through Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory along the way. A laid-back, premium experience, the Great Southern is a rail journey like no other.

Operating departures during the summer months of December, January and February, the Great Southern invites you on a breathtaking journey. With its luxury sister trains, The Ghan and the Indian Pacific, the Great Southern introduces a new journey for anyone with a taste for adventure.

Please note: The Great Southern only operates during the peak summer months and books well in advance, often 12 months before departure. Contact LOCO now to avoid disappointment.

Great Southern – Brisbane to Adelaide

Journeying from Brisbane to Adelaide over four days and three nights, Great Southern guests are immersed in some of Australia’s most spectacular coastal and inland scenery while tucking in to creative menus showcasing premium local food and wine. Guests will travel from Brisbane into northern New South Wales and regional Victoria and South Australia before the journey concludes in Adelaide.

Brisbane to Adelaide – Highlights and Inclusions

• 4 days/3 nights aboard the Great Southern travelling from Brisbane to Adelaide
• 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, regional Victoria and Melbourne

See below for departure dates and pricing.

Included Off-Train Experiences

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

Coffs Harbour Dinner– After crossing from Queensland into northern New South Wales, enjoy a unique dining experience on the beach at the sublime 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. After a few leisurely hours, you’ll reboard the train and set off for the night.

Hunter Valley – Known for superior semillon and shiraz, the Hunter Valley is around 50kms inland from the New South Wales coast. After breakfast on board, you’ll disembark and spend the day visiting cellar doors in Australia’s oldest wine region. Your day amongst the vines will take you to some of the region’s finest wineries, from stylish and contemporary to marvellously historic, and relaxed and fun.

Greater Melbourne – Get to know Melbourne city like a local with a 90-minute guided lane-way walking tour, taking in the impressive street art and the stories behind it. Finish the tour on the banks of the Yarra River at Melbourne Skydeck – the Southern Hemisphere’s highest public observation tower. From here, you’ll have panoramic views of Melbourne and beyond, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground, historic Flinders Street Station and Port Phillip Bay. Your visit culminates in lunch at Eureka 89, where you’ll enjoy a sumptuous meal featuring seasonal produce, accompanied by wine from around the state.

Great Southern – Adelaide to Brisbane

Leaving Adelaide behind, you can relax, unwind and enjoy world-class service as the stunning landscapes glide by. On your three day journey, enjoy a mixture of time on train and the opportunity to immerse yourself in Off Train Experiences as you journey towards Brisbane. Lap up the spectacular scenery passing by your window, beginning in the magical Adelaide Hills and onto the ancient Grampians region in Victoria. Delve into the art, history and culinary culture of Canberra, and discover the nation’s capital. Feel the sand between your toes in the picturesque coastal town of Coffs Harbour. Then enjoy stunning views of northern New South Wales as you roll into the final destination of Brisbane.

Adelaide to Brisbane – Highlights and Inclusions

• 3 days/2 nights aboard the Great Southern travelling from Adelaide to Brisbane
• All-inclusive meals, fine wines and beverages
• A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
• Off train experiences at Grampians, Canberra and Coffs Harbour.

See below for departure dates and pricing.

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.

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).

Great Southern – Gold Premium

Gold Premium is a new style of travel, with contemporary cabins that take inspiration from the colours and contours of the Australian outback. Think walnut timber and polished brass details, along with Indigenous prints on the upholstery. The cabins are designed to cocoon guests in comfort and come with exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Dining carriages. Whether you want to share the highlights of your day with fellow guests over an aperitif in the Lounge or relax in your cabin as you admire the colours and contours of the passing landscape, you’ll enjoy special moments throughout the journey and a range of enhanced benefits, such as all-inclusive dining, premium beverages and fascinating Off Train Experiences.

Gold Premium Inclusions:

• Newly designed, contemporary cabins
• Premium amenities, luxuriously soft linen and silk eye masks
• Exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining carriage
• Two-course, regionally inspired lunches and four-course dinners
• All-inclusive premium Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
• All-inclusive Off Train Experiences and preferences on tour selections
• 75kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 25 kg each)
• Priority luggage check-in
• Power outlets in cabin
• In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
• Complimentary shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin and Brisbane to selected hotels in the city centre

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

Great Southern Train Packages

The Great Southern runs exclusively during the peak summer months, offering a limited number of unforgettable journeys. All travel is available as all-inclusive Great Southern packages, thoughtfully designed to provide everything you need, luxury rail travel, gourmet dining, and immersive off-train experiences — ensuring a seamless, effortless, and truly exceptional adventure. Secure your place early to enjoy the full experience.

Great Southern Packages from Brisbane to Adelaide:
Coastlines and Capital Cities

Australians know their unique summer deserves to be celebrated – and that’s just what a Great Southern journey is all about. Departing Brisbane, you’ll travel south into the rolling hills of New South Wales before indulging in an incredible beachside dining experience in Coffs Harbour. Meander through the historic vineyards of the Hunter Valley or explore beautiful Port Stephens by land or sea, before heading towards regional Victoria and Melbourne. Enjoy a mixture of relaxing time on train and immersive Off Train Experiences, as you journey toward your final destination of Adelaide.

Great Southern Coastlines and Capital Cities – Highlights and Inclusions

• 3 nights aboard the Great Southern, travelling from Brisbane to Adelaide
• 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, regional Victoria 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, or wine and dine in the beautiful Moorabool Valley

Brisbane to Adelaide, 4 days, 3 nights, 9 meals. Departing Mondays, December, January & February

_{*Terms and conditions apply, fares are subject to availability. Fares are subject to change.
^4 January & 27 December are standard itineraries with Festival Fare pricing}

Great Southern Packages from Adelaide to Brisbane:
East Coast Adventure

Leaving Adelaide behind, you can relax, unwind and enjoy world-class service as the stunning landscapes glide by. On your three day journey, enjoy a mixture of time on train and the opportunity to immerse yourself in Off Train Experiences as you journey towards Brisbane. Lap up the spectacular scenery passing by your window, beginning in the magical Adelaide Hills and onto the ancient Grampians region in Victoria. Delve into the art, history and culinary culture of Canberra, and discover the nation’s capital. Feel the sand between your toes in the picturesque coastal town of Coffs Harbour. Then enjoy stunning views of northern New South Wales as you roll into the final destination of Brisbane

Great Southern East Coast Adventure – Highlights and Inclusions

• 3 days / 2 nights aboard the Great Southern, travelling from Adelaide to Brisbane
• All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages
• A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
• Off Train Experiences in the Grampians, Canberra and Coffs Harbour
• Discover the Grampians, walk through the Venus Baths over Stoney Creek, or enjoy wine tastings with a view
• Explore Canberra, visiting Parliament House, Australian War Memorial, or the National Portrait Gallery
• Explore the coastal town of Coffs Harbour, or walk the Urunga Boardwalk

Adelaide to Brisbane, 3 days, 2 nights, 7 meals. Departing Fridays, January, February & December.

_{*Terms and conditions apply, fares are subject to availability. Fares are subject to change.
^1 January & 24 December are standard itineraries with Festival Fare pricing}

Great Southern Packages from Brisbane to Melbourne:
Southern Summer

Experience a summer like no other with the Great Southern’s new departure, journeying from Brisbane to vibrant Melbourne. Departing Brisbane, journey south through the picturesque rolling hills of New South Wales, and savour a spectacular beachside dining experience in Coffs Harbour. Continue your adventure with a choice of exploring the historic vineyards of the Hunter Valley or the stunning landscapes of Port Stephens, whether by land or sea. Then, make your way towards Victoria where you will enjoy exclusive tours of Melbourne’s iconic attractions. Conclude your journey with a spectacular lunch in the clouds at Eureka 89, where you’ll soak in panoramic views of Melbourne. This unforgettable experience wraps up your adventure in the heart of this lively city.

Great Southern Southern Summer – Highlights & 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

Brisbane to Melbourne, 3 days, 2 nights, 7 meals. Departing Mondays, December, January & February

_{*Terms and conditions apply, fares are subject to availability. Fares are subject to change.
^4 January & 27 December are standard itineraries with Festival Fare pricing}

Great Southern City Stays

The Great Southern winds up and down the east coast from December to February. Embrace summer in the city with pre or post train ride city stays in Brisbane, Melbourne or Adelaide. If these options don’t suit or you wish to explore different accommodation, please contact LOCO Journeys.

Brisbane Luxury Stay | 6 Days, 5 Nights | Departs Adelaide | from AU$3,290pp
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. Depart from Adelaide and travel in style on the Great Southern, arriving in Brisbane where the adventure continues beyond the tracks. Experience one of Australia’s most visited, ambitious, and dynamic art galleries – QAGOMA, and explore in and around the vibrant river city, Brisbane.

Adelaide Luxury Stay | 7 Days, 6 Nights | Departs Brisbane | from AU$4,890pp
Embark on a seven-day adventure through Australia’s southeast, celebrated for its vineyards, valleys, coastlines, and cosmopolitan cities. Travel along the East Coast aboard the Great Southern, enjoying an all-inclusive gastronomic summer experience. Upon arriving in Adelaide, indulge in a luxurious stay at Sofitel Adelaide, your elegant base for exploring one of South Australia’s most famous food and wine regions.

Melbourne Classic Stay | 6 Days, 5 nights | Departs Brisbane | from AU$4,390pp
Embark on an adventure through Australia’s southeast, celebrated for its vineyards, valleys, coastlines, and cosmopolitan cities. Travel along the East Coast aboard the Great Southern, enjoying an all-inclusive gastronomic summer experience. Upon arriving in Melbourne, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and charm. Enjoy a blend of adventure, an unforgettable Melbourne Skydeck experience and a tour of Melbourne Lanes and Arcades.

More Great Southern train and city stay packages are available.

Great Southern Holiday Packages

A Great Southern holiday package unlocks more than rail travel. It pairs iconic train days with extended stays, guided regional tours, unique off-train experiences and immersive local culture. It’s the seamless, curated way to explore Australia’s East Coast in comfort and depth.

Spectacular Kangaroo Island | 8 Days, 7 Nights | Departs Brisbane | from AU$7,690pp
Discover the beauty of Australia’s East Coast on an extraordinary journey filled with stunning landscapes, exquisite food, and rich wildlife experiences. Beginning in Brisbane aboard the Great Southern, you’ll traverse scenic coastal routes to charming towns like Coffs Harbour, where delightful beachside dining awaits. Explore the lush vineyards of the Hunter and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Melbourne before arriving in Adelaide. Encounter the remarkable wildlife of Kangaroo Island, where sea lions and pristine nature reserves await your exploration. With gourmet meals, comfortable train travel, and a variety of engaging experiences, this unforgettable adventure showcases the diverse heart and soul of Australia’s east coast.

Queensland Hinterland Spectacular | 7 Days, 6 Nights | Departs Adelaide | from AU$6,490pp
Embark on an unforgettable East Coast summer adventure with the Great Southern, departing from Adelaide and weaving through stunning landscapes and vibrant destinations. Your journey begins on the train, where you’ll enjoy gourmet meals and Off Train Experiences in the breathtaking Grampians and the cultural heart of Canberra. Explore coastal charm in Coffs Harbour, before reaching Brisbane, where you will transition to the lush hinterland of Tamborine Mountain and Lamington National Park for immersive nature experiences and exquisite dining. Relax at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Spicers Hidden Vale, savouring local delicacies and participating in guided walks and wildlife experiences before concluding your journey back in Brisbane.

Barossa & Kangaroo Island Escape | 10 Days, 9 Nights | Departs Brisbane | from AU$5,590pp
From the natural, rugged beauty of Kangaroo Island to the vine-clad hills of the Barossa Valley, South Australia is yours to discover on this wine and wildlife adventure. Travelling from Brisbane on the Great Southern, winding down the coast through Coffs Harbour and the Hunter Valley, with a city stop in Melbourne, you’ll roll into Adelaide primed for further epicurean delights to follow. Local produce, refreshing wines and spectacular scenery are the highlights of this spectacular journey.

Should you wish to add pre or post night accommodation, activities or international flights to your Great Southern rail experience, please be sure to let us know at the time of booking.

For further more detailed information and itineraries, contact LOCO Journeys