Great Southern & Indian Pacific – Brisbane to Perth 2026

Your east coast adventure begins with a warm welcome experience in Brisbane, where you’ll check in and gather with fellow travellers for a celebratory start to your summer journey. Begin your journey aboard the Great Southern with lunch as the train winds south, then settle into the rhythm of your cabin and the passing landscapes.

In the afternoon, the train arrives at Grafton, where you’ll transfer by coach to the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. Here, the evening unfolds in true coastal style. As the sun sinks below the horizon, enjoy drinks and canapés on the sand at Charlesworth Bay before a signature outdoor dining experience (weather permitting) showcasing fresh seafood and regional produce paired with local wines. A live band and the gentle waves on the shore provide the ultimate soundtrack. After a few unhurried hours, reboard the train and settle in for your first night. (L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Great Southern

The day begins with a hearty breakfast on board before your choice of Off Train Experience. Wine lovers can explore the picturesque Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region, tasting its signature semillon and shiraz before settling in for a leisurely lunch surrounded by rolling vineyards. For a different perspective, upgrade to a helicopter flight over the surrounding landscapes, soaring above the vines and rugged Brokenback Range before returning to the Hunter Valley for further tastings and lunch among the vines.

Alternatively, discover Port Stephens by land or sea. Venture by 4WD across the vast sands of Stockton Beach and discover the stories of this remarkable coastal landscape, with the chance to sandboard from the top of the dunes. Or take in the coastline from the water, cruising through Port Stephens to keep watch for bottlenose dolphins. Both experiences include a relaxed lunch overlooking the bay.

Closer to the city, discover Newcastle through its history, art, and architecture. Explore Fort Scratchley and the city’s military history before following Memorial Walk and discovering Newcastle Museum. Or uncover the city’s artistic and architectural heritage at Newcastle Art Gallery, City Hall, and Civic Theatre. Whichever experience you choose, enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking Newcastle’s harbour before returning to the train for your first regionally-inspired dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as the Great Southern travels through Victoria’s high country. After arriving at Broadmeadows Railway Station, transfer by coach into cosmopolitan Melbourne for your next Off Train Experience.

Experience the city your way. Explore the Australian art collection at the National Gallery of Victoria and go behind the scenes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Uncover a historic chapter of the city’s past at the Old Melbourne Gaol or cruise along the Yarra River. Complete your Melbourne experience with a curated lunch at Eureka 89, high above the city with sweeping views across Melbourne, the Yarra River and beyond.

Alternatively, remain onboard and relax a little longer as the train travels past Melbourne to Inverleigh, where you’ll discover the cool-climate character of the Moorabool Valley at Clyde Park. Enjoy a relaxed lunch overlooking the vines, paired with elegant chardonnay and pinot noir, before returning to the train for a leisurely afternoon and delicious dinner as the Great Southern continues its journey south. (B,L,D)

Catch the morning light over regional South Australia and sit back to enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board, savouring the last moments of life on train. Soon, the Great Southern will glide into Adelaide. The day is yours to explore the city at leisure. Perhaps stroll North Terrace with the South Australian Museum and Art Gallery or do a spot of shopping in Rundle Mall. Adelaide is also home to over 900 restaurants, pubs and cafes, and a lively food and wine scene, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

This afternoon make your way to Adelaide Parklands Terminal. Here you will celebrate the beginning of your journey with the ‘Flavours of South Australia’ welcome dinner at the Adelaide Parklands Terminal. Enjoy an evening showcasing the state’s exceptional produce and world-class wine, with regional flavours from land and sea paired with a selection of South Australian wines.

Later in the evening, make your way aboard the Indian Pacific and settle into your cabin for your first night on board. As the train departs Adelaide and begins its journey west, relax into the rhythm of the journey ahead. (B,D)

PLEASE NOTE: The welcome dinner is occasionally held offsite at other restaurants. Guests will be notified in advance if there is a change in the dinner venue.

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Indian Pacific

Today is all about the vast, unforgettable views of the Nullarbor Plain. Awaken to the rolling dunes of Ooldea and spend the morning watching from your window as the landscape morphs into iconic arid country. You’ll journey across the legendary expanse on the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track, before pausing at Cook, a once-bustling railway town and now a near-empty outpost with stories etched into its weathered buildings.

By evening the train will roll into Rawlinna, on the edge of Australia’s largest sheep station. Here, the outback comes alive as you dine beneath a canopy of stars at a spectacular signature long-table dinner (seasonal/weather permitting). Alternatively, gather around a roaring bonfire with drinks and canapés to soak up the atmosphere of this remarkable setting. (B,L,D)

Wake to the soft light over Western Australia’s Avon Valley, its rolling green hills a fitting finale to your journey west. Savour a leisurely brunch on board as the train makes its final approach into Perth. Soon, you’ll step off the Indian Pacific, farewelling fellow travellers and crew after an unforgettable journey travelling Australia by train. (B)