Trip Highlights

Tamborine Mountain’s unique food and wine trail is just one highlight of this experience. Enjoy private wine tastings at three boutique wineries and a gourmet lunch. Savour the flavours and sights of the beautiful Hunter Valley as well. Immerse yourself in cosmopolitan Melbourne or regional Victoria, Adelaide and the Barossa Valley and a lot more.

Highlights:

• Explore Brisbane and Southbank
• Experience Tamborine Mountain's unique food and wine trail
• Board the Great Southern rail journey in Brisbane
• Wine tasting in the Hunter Valley
• Explore Port Stephens by sea or by land of your choice
• Choice of off-train experiences to discover regional Victoria
• Optional guided tour of Barossa Valley

See the full itinerary for details. Package price varies according to departure city.

Package Pricing

FULL RETAIL VALUE $7,050pp SAVINGS APPLIED -$1,551 YOU PAY FROM* $5,499

SAVING OFF FULL RETAIL VALUE (UP TO): 22%

* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. The final price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available HERE...

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Inclusions

Arriving in Brisbane, check in to your accommodation for few nights. Explore this vibrant city. Experience Tamborine Mountain's food and wine. Then start your Great Southern rail journey and explore the southern regions of Australia with a choice of off train experiences to enjoy. Explore Adelaide before your memorable adventure comes to a close.

This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.

Package Inclusions:

• Flight to Brisbane (provision)
• Airtrain transfer to Brisbane city
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Brisbane, including breakfast daily
• Full-day winery tour, including lunch
• 3 nights aboard the Great Southern, Brisbane to Adelaide including all meals, beverages and off train experiences in Northern New South Wales, the Hunter Region and regional Victoria
• Transfer from Adelaide Parklands Terminal to hotel
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Adelaide, including breakfast daily
• 1-day Northern Barossa Valley tour, including wine tastings and lunch.
• 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
• Flight back home from Adelaide (provision)

Carefully selected accommodation:

Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.

Fully customisable:

This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.

Special value:

Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.

You will receive this guide to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guide with you in your luggage.

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* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash travel credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard price and full retail value comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what we estimate would be payable by a non-member for the same or similar package and may include a value we define for specialty travel agency services. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on requestTravel insurance pricing if stated is based on comprehensive travel insurance for two travellers aged 69 years or less as at the date of departure from Australia. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)

Your Itinerary

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.

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.

"It feels good to be lost in the right direction" - Anonymous

DAY 1: ARRIVE BRISBANE

Welcome to Brisbane. After checking into your accommodation, your connection with this vibrant city begins with a free day to explore at your leisure. The Queensland capital has come of age and become an appealing cosmopolitan city. Elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings sit alongside modern architecture and a cultural precinct lies on the banks of the Brisbane River.

DAY 2: TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN

Today sees you leave the city to experience Tamborine Mountain’s unique food and wine trail, taking inspectacular rainforest views and picturesque landscapes throughout the journey. Be guided through tastings at three boutique wineries and visit the iconic Tamborine Mountain Distillery. You’ll enjoy a gourmet winery lunch and finish with the option to stop at a cheese factory.

DAY 3: LEISURE DAY

After becoming acquainted with the sultry subtropical capital, delve deeper with a day spent at your leisure. Refer to your Lonely Planet guide for sightseeing suggestions. 

DAY 4: BOARD THE GREAT SOUTHERN IN BRISBANE

It’s time to begin the next chapter of your adventure, aboard the Great Southern. As you depart Brisbane, settle into your cabin and enjoy the fabulous food, wine, service and social atmosphere of this exceptional journey. The Northern New South Wales Coast stretches across 90km of incredible sandy beaches and some of the best surfing breaks in the world. Watch as the sun dips below the horizon while you enjoy a special beachside dinner with a soundtrack of waves lapping the shore.

DAY 5: GREAT SOUTHERN, HUNTER REGION

Wake to a sumptuous breakfast that will set you up for a day of exploring. Choose from a wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, exploring Port Stephens by sea or by land, or perhaps opt for a walking tour in Newcastle, discovering its history and stunning coastal views.

DAY 6: GREAT SOUTHERN, MELBOURNE OR REGIONAL VICTORIA

After enjoying a delicious breakfast on board and a relaxing start to the day travelling through Victoria's high country, you'll have a choice of Off Train Experiences. Choose to discover regional Victoria or instead visit cosmopolitan Melbourne. See it from above at Melbourne Skydeck, take a tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground or Old Melbourne Gaol, or enjoy free time to explore the city yourself.

DAY 7: GREAT SOUTHERN, ADELAIDE

After arrival into Adelaide and checking into your accommodation in the heart of the city, there are plenty of opportunities to delve into its food, wine, arts and shopping scenes as you get to know this laid-back capital.

DAY 8: BAROSSA VALLEY

Today, your boutique wine and food touring continues with a visit to the historic Northern Barossa with its 80 cellar doors. You’ll 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 Barossa Valley region, where you will be guided though some of the best wines South Australia has to offer. 

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.

DAY 9: LEISURE DAY

Today is yours to explore Adelaide and its surrounds at your leisure. The elegant capital’s wine culture is matched by a buzzing food scene – find the best in its laneway bars and restaurants, or perhaps explore it’s cultural, artistic, or retail side – the choice is yours. Refer to your Lonely Planet guide for sightseeing suggestions.

We recommend McLaren Vale Winery Experience. This tour to McLaren Vale along the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula includes four cellar door experiences and a delicious lunch. Lunch is a considerably generous regional platter sourcing fresh local produce with cheese, smoked hams, small goods, olives, Dukkah & olive oil and freshly baked bread. 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.

DAY 10: FAREWELL

After checking out of your accommodation, your memorable adventure comes to a close.