Great Southern Season Kick-off

29 November 2022

Taking guests on a culinary and scenic summer adventure between Brisbane and Adelaide, the all-inclusive Great Southern journey returns in December, with exciting new Off Train Experiences also in the mix. The Great Southern’s first departure sets off from Adelaide on 2 December 2022, marking the start of its 12-week season.

The new Off Train Experiences this season showcase the best regional wineries and offer guests a taste of the east coast, complementing the hallmark experiences the journey is known for. From an al fresco beachside Coffs Harbour dinner to exploring the Grampians, sampling the finest drops in the Hunter Valley, or digging deep into history and politics in Canberra, the experiences forge a new understanding of this picturesque part of the country.

There is also an exciting new holiday package on offer, along with some firm favourites, that extends the Great Southern journey, offering guests the chance to explore these diverse regions deeper.

David Donald, Executive General Manager, Rail Expeditions, at Journey Beyond said, “The crew is excited to embark on the Great Southern’s fourth season and once again share Australia’s spectacular south-east with guests. Nothing says Australian summer like coastal experiences, paired with fresh, seasonal food, fine wines, and attentive and friendly service from crew who love what they do. This season, we’ve curated several new experiences to connect guests with the best this coastal region has to offer as part of their journey.”

With its brilliant orange locomotive representing the summer sun, the Great Southern’s motif is an Eastern Grey Kangaroo, typically found in the areas through which the train travels — some of Australia’s best food-producing regions. The Great Southern’s menu reflects its journey through local produce, including Riverina oranges, Junee lamb rump, and Spencer Gulf prawns.

The 2022/23 season sees the return of favourite Holiday Packages including, Gourmet Escape, Southern Discovery, and Adelaide Delight, along with the new Southern Wines & Wildlife, which includes an extended stay in South Australia, exploring Kangaroo Island:

• Southern Wines & Wildlife (11 days/10 nights*) From the natural, rugged beauty of Kangaroo Island to the vine-clad hills of the Barossa Valley, South Australia is yours to discover on this wine and wildlife adventure. Travelling from Brisbane on the Great Southern, winding down the coast through Coffs Harbour and the Hunter Valley, with a city stop in Melbourne, you’ll roll into Adelaide primed for further epicurean delights to follow, including a tasting and tour at the iconic Penfolds Estate and time touring beautiful Kangaroo Island. Local produce, refreshing wines and spectacular scenery are the highlights of this all-inclusive journey.

New Off Train Experiences for the Great Southern include Pomonal Estates Sips & Sights, Grampians from Above Helicopter Flight, and Best’s Great Western Epicurean Experience.

Platinum Service guests will delight in a new High Tea experience in the Platinum Lounge when departing from Adelaide Parklands Terminal. The High Tea includes an assortment of sweet and savoury bites, from baby cakes to mini bagels, accompanied by a selection of teas, barista coffees, and bespoke cocktails.

With limited availability remaining across the 2022/2023 season, bookings are also open for the 2023/2024 Great Southern season so guests can secure their preferred departure dates.