Adelaide & Brisbane Classic City Stay 2026 (Great Southern) : Adelaide to Brisbane

Welcome to Adelaide. After checking into your accommodation in the heart of the CBD, there are plenty of opportunities to delve into its food, wine, arts and shopping scenes as you get to know the laid-back capital of South Australia. OVERNIGHT: 3 nights The Playford Adelaide – MGallery

Explore more of Adelaide at your leisure. If you’d like to get to the source of that gourmet experience by visiting another wine-growing region, McLaren Vale is the perfect option. (B)

McLaren Vale Winery Experience $235 per person A tour to McLaren Vale along the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula includes four cellar door experiences and a delicious restaurant lunch. The region is best known for its Shiraz, but expert vignerons will explain why Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes also thrive in this unique microclimate.

Today, delight your senses with boutique wine and food touring to the historic Barossa Valley, with its 80 cellar doors. You’ll even visit one of the oldest vineyards in the world, where Shiraz vines were planted in 1843. Enjoy running commentary from your driver as you make your way towards the world-renowned wine region and be guided though some of the best wines South Australia has to offer. Tours are small groups up to eight people only to ensure a relaxed and unhurried day. Whether you prefer red or white, there will be something to tantalise and delight with tastings at three wineries throughout the day, and a delicious lunch with an accompanying glass of wine included in your tour. (B,L)

Board the Great Southern for your memorable two-night journey to Brisbane. Enjoy morning tea and savour a relaxed lunch on board while watching the ever-changing landscape through the windows. In the afternoon, the train will arrive in regional Victoria for your first Off Train Experience. Explore the beauty of the Grampians at your own pace. Join a guided coach tour through the picturesque town of Halls Gap, taking in breathtaking vistas, including the stunning Boroka Lookout, or connect with nature on a guided walk to the tranquil Venus Baths. Prefer something indulgent? Spend the afternoon sampling regional wines at Pomonal Estate with a cellar door experience or at Fallen Giants, where you’ll taste and learn about the winery’s 50-year heritage. For something new, visit WAMA Environmental Arts & Garden, a world-class destination blending environmental art and botanical gardens on the edge of Grampians National Park. Return to the train and continue travelling up the east coast, with a delectable dinner on board. (B,L,D)

After breakfast on board, today is yours to explore Australia’s political capital, Canberra. After breakfast on board, enjoy a coach ride to Canberra city centre to experience a memorable lunch at Old Parliament House before an afternoon of insightful guided tours at your pick of iconic institutions, whether it’s the National War Memorial, Parliament House or the National Portrait Gallery. As afternoon turns to evening, return to the train in time for another gourmet dinner on board. After dinner, retire to the lounge for a nightcap with your fellow travellers as the Great Southern rolls north. (B,L,D)

Linger over breakfast on board before departing on your choice of Off Train Experience around Coffs Harbour. The Coffs Explorer travels up to Sealy Lookout, offering views for miles from the Forest Sky Pier, before heading to the spectacular North Coast Regional Botanical Garden. Alternatively, take a stroll from the Urunga Boardwalk to the Beach with an Indigenous guide, who will help you spot native wildlife and teach about the history of the Gumbaynggirr people, with a demonstration of traditional tools and weaponry and the opportunity to see and taste bush tucker. After your Coffs Harbour morning, indulge in a final lunch on board before arriving into Brisbane, completing your coastal train journey. Once settled into your accommodation, the evening is yours to start your exploration of this vibrant river city. (B,L) OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Sofitel Brisbane Central  

Today, visit Mount Tamborine in the Gold Coast hinterland. The mountain has spectacular views and ancient rainforests which you can explore at your own pace at Skywalk. Enjoy the native flora and fauna as you walk above the rainforest canopy. Savour a 2 course lunch before enjoying time to discover the boutique shops on Gallery Walk, from arts and craft, fashion to fudge, to honey and Australia’s most awarded distillery, Tamborine Mountain Distillery. Travel through lush green hillside and valleys on your return to your Brisbane accommodation. (B,L)

Your time in Brisbane continues today, with a day to explore at your leisure. Perhaps catch a City Cat and take in the city from the water, or venture across to South Bank, Brisbane’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind. (B)

Your Adelaide and Brisbane City Stay comes to an end when you check out of your accommodation this morning. (B)