Brisbane to the Barossa

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.

Next up, embark on the ultimate food and wine lover’s extra-long weekend, showcasing the best of the Barossa, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale wine regions. This culinary discovery connects you to the passionate makers behind South Australia’s food and wine scene. Be treated to long lunches and wine tastings at some of Australia’s best wineries and enjoy local produce.

Your Fly, Rail & Tour Package Includes:

• $300 flight credit
• 4 day/3 night rail journey aboard the Great Southern, Brisbane to Adelaide
• All-inclusive meals, fine wines and beverages, off train experiences at Coffs Harbour, the Hunter Region plus more
• 1 night in Adelaide including breakfast
• 5 day Savour South Australia guided holiday with Inspiring Journeys, Adelaide return
• Includes hand-picked accommodation, most meals, exclusive immersive activities, complimentary refreshments plus more

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 24 January – 01 February 2022

**Single traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

Great Southern - Brisbane to Adelaide

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, explore the beautiful Port Stephens area by land or by sea or take a walking tour around the town and coastline of Newcastle. The journey continues into regional Victoria, with time to explore the area or alternatively, venture into Melbourne for a day spent exploring the city and visiting icons such as the National Gallery of Victoria. Your journey then continues into South Australia before you reach your final destination of Adelaide.

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

• 3 nights aboard the Great Southern
• 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 Region, regional Victoria and Melbourne

DAY 1

BRISBANE AND COFFS HARBOUR

After setting off from Brisbane, enjoy lunch on board and a relaxing afternoon settling in to 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 re-board the train and set off for the night.

DAY 2

HUNTER VALLEY, NEWCASTLE OR PORT STEPHENS

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 3

REGIONAL VICTORIA OR MELBOURNE

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 Eureka Skydeck and a tour of the National Gallery of Victoria or free time to explore the city yourself (final experiences to be confirmed).

DAY 4

ARRIVE ADELAIDE

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

Savour South Australia

Itinerary:

DAY 1 Welcome to Adelaide

Be welcomed into your 5-star, boutique, heritage listed hotel, perfectly located directly adjacent to Rundle Mall and just a short walk to Adelaide's Riverbank and entertainment precincts. It's time to unwind in the hotel's rooftop bar with a glass of sparkling wine in hand as you meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. You'll then effortlessly explore the city in a zero-emission eco-caddy with your private guide, ending at Adelaide Central Market. Meet your expert host Cheryl, who'll introduce the passionate market stall owners. You will taste signature dishes throughout the market, enjoying a four-course roaming dinner.

Welcome Reception, Dinner with wine
Adabco Boutique Hotel, Adelaide

DAY 2 Adelaide – Barossa Valley

This morning enjoy a relaxing breakfast and some free time to explore Adelaide at your own pace before meeting your group and leaving the city for a taste of the country. On arrival, you’ll visit Provenance Barossa, home to Penfolds Cellar Door, Barossa Distilling Company, Ember Pizzas and Stein’s Taphouse to name but a few. Here you’ll have time to wander and to taste the local fare. After checking into your accommodation this afternoon, you'll visit Seppeltsfield winery for a private Village Discovery Tour. Experience an award-winning mix of wine, food, craft and design before dining at the homestead where Executive Events Chef Owen Andrews will connect you to the region through seasonal plates showcasing local, sustainable produce.

Breakfast, Dinner with wine
Novotel Barossa, Barossa Valley

DAY 3 Barossa Valley – Adelaide Hills

Your day begins with breakfast overlooking the glorious Jacob’s Creek vineyards, then add some Maggie Beer’s flair to your cooking, in the very studio where Maggie and Simon filmed the Cook and the Chef, at a private demonstration. Sample the many products at her farm shop. Be sure to save room for some relaxed Barossa style long-table dining. You’ll be grazing on a delicious lunch at St Hugo in their Hugo Gramp room overlooking the glorious vineyard. Leaving the Barossa behind and heading through the picturesque Adelaide Hills before arriving at your accommodation in the main street of historic Hahndorf. This afternoon visit Udder Delights, a cellar door of another kind. Here you’ll taste a selection of delicious handmade artisan cheeses such as Blue Cheese, Chevre and Camembert, all produced locally from the Hills district to the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Breakfast, Lunch with wine
Manna by Haus, Hahndorf

DAY 4 Adelaide Hills – McLaren Vale

After breakfast and a chance to wander around the quaint shops of Hahndorf, our journey then takes us to the rich landscape of McLaren Vale and the quirky d’Arenberg Cube. This building was inspired by the complexities and puzzles of winemaking. Each of the five levels has been carefully designed to entice and excite the senses. Here, you’ll be taken on a journey before arriving at the top floor for a tasting and 360-degree views of the vineyards and enjoy a delicious three-course lunch with wine at the stunning d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant. There will also be an opportunity for those interested to see the Salvador Dali exhibition. Our last stop will be at Gemtree tasting their biodynamic wines, a simple way of farming that enhances the soil and the taste. Heading back to Adelaide this afternoon, your evening is all yours to explore or relax at leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch with wine
Mayfair Hotel, Adelaide

DAY 5 Adelaide sightseeing, Lunch and Farewell

This morning enjoy an Insight Choice activity. Perhaps a guided walking tour through the cultural heart of North Terrace and its surrounds is right up your alley, or for nature lovers, why not head out to the award-winning Cleland Wildlife Park to see animals in their natural environment. This includes some of the Kangaroo Island koalas who are recovering here from the recent bushfires on the island. It’s then time for the group to come back together for a final Farewell Lunch in the city to say goodbye to your newfound friends, before being transferred by private vehicle to the airport for your onward flight.

Breakfast, Lunch with wine

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking.  Price listed is based on new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 01 October 2021 and can be withdrawn without notice. Visas are not included. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.