Seasonal Exclusive | The Great Southern Rail Deluxe Railway Experience: Brisbane to Melbourne 3 Days 2 Nights

Summer deserves a celebration – and what better celebration than travelling the east coast of Australia by train? Departing Brisbane, the Great Southern takes you south into the rolling hills of New South Wales before stopping for a signature beachside dining experience in Coffs Harbour. You’ll have time to meander through the historic vineyards of the Hunter Valley or explore beautiful Port Stephens by land or sea, before heading towards Victoria and ending your journey with a day of activities in Melbourne.

🚆 Great Southern – 3 Days Rail Journey Timetable : Brisbane ▶ Melbourne
Operates: January & December 2026 (Mondays Departure)

Day 1 – Monday
🕓 11:15am Depart Brisbane 

• Travel south along Australia’s stunning east coast
  🌊 Evening Experience: Coffs Harbour – enjoy a relaxed beachside experience

Day 2 – Tuesday
☀️ Choose Your Region:

• Newcastle, Port Stephens, or Hunter Valley
  🍷 Morning & afternoon off-train experiences

Day 3 – Wednesday
🕓 Arrive Melbourne – 11:00am
 Afternoon & evening experiences in Melbourne

Day 1 : BRISBANE AND 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.

Meal : Lunch, Dinner

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.

Meal : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 : MELBOURNE

Immerse yourself in the world of romance that epitomises rail travel with our Gold offering. Our most popular option has everything you’ll need to feel at home for the duration of your journey.

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.

Fare Classification:

• Flexible: Fully refundable if cancelled 24+ hours before departure; 100% cancellation fee for late cancellations or no-shows.

• Everyday: 35% cancellation fee if cancelled 45+ days before departure; 100% fee within 45 days.

• Advance Purchase: 100% cancellation fee if cancelled 14+ days after booking confirmation (6-month advance booking only).

Notes: All Off Train Experiences are subject to change and capacity limits. Check fitness requirements and bring recommended items for each tour.