itinerary
Day 1. Brisbane & Coffs Harbour
Your East Coast journey begins 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 – as long as the weather allows – 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 band playing the classics. After a few leisurely hours, you’ll reboard the train and set off for your first night on board. (L,D)
Day 2. 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. 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 Tulloch and Brokenwood Wines. After your wine tastings, you’ll sit down for 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.
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 water 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 at Nelson Bay Golf Club 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 at Scratchleys on the Wharf, 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)
Day 3. Arrive Melbourne
Enjoy your last breakfast on board as you travel through Victoria’s high country, arriving you’ll again have a choice of Off Train Experiences.
Today you’ll disembark in cosmopolitan Melbourne and get to explore why it’s considered the cultural and sporting capital of Australia. Enjoy the highlights of the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia, home of Australian art or opt to check out the “Cats & Dogs” exhibition featuring more than 250 works of art and design exploring humanity’s deep connection to these animals. 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, your journey concludes on the Great Southern. (B,L)
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