Great Southern Train with New South Wales road trip

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Adelaide
• 2 nights aboard the Great Southern train
• 1 night Brisbane
• 2 nights Byron Bay
• 1 night Port Macquarie
• 1 night Hunter Valley
• 3 nights Sydney

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Adelaide

On arrival in Adelaide, you'll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel in the city, checking in for two nights. Head out to explore this friendly city, you’ll be spoiled for choice on how to spend your time. Why not head to the Oval to visit the iconic cricket ground – you can even walk along the roof if you choose on the iconic Roofclimb – if you’d like us to book this, just ask! Wander through the heritage architecture of Adelaide Central Market, stroll through the Art Gallery of South Australia or visit the National Wine Centre to taste some local vintages. 

Included: Transfers, The Oval Hotel

Day 3: McLaren Vale

Today we've included a trip to the McLaren Vale, a wine region just outside of Adelaide. The day will be very wine focussed, including tastings at 4 boutique wineries and a restaurant lunch. You’ll be visiting smaller vineyards but if you have any specific requests, it might be possible to be flexible with the itinerary. If you want something completely private that visits vineyards specific to your wine taste, we can build that too – just ask.  

Included: Two-hour walking tour, all day McLaren Vale Uncorked tour, The Oval Hotel             

Day 4: Board the Great Southern

Head out of Adelaide aboard the Great Southern train - settle into your cabin, explore the lounge and watch the landscapes change as you enjoy morning tea and a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon you'll arrive into Victoria and head out for your first off train experience in the Grampian Mountains. Explore at your leisure - you could the coach tour to take in the best of Halls Gap, including spectacular lookouts, or enjoy some wine tasting at Pomonal Estate or Fallen Giants. Back on board for dinner, you'll chat to your fellow passengers whilst enjoying some delicious food, before being rocked to sleep in your comfortable cabin by the movement of the train.

Included: All meals and excursions, Gold Cabin on the Great Southern Train

Day 5: Great Southern 

Tuck into breakfast onboard before arriving in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. Explore the city - you could visit the Australian War Memorial, explore the halls of Parliament House or admire the paintings at the National Portrait Gallery, before enjoying an exclusive lunch at Old Parliament House. Head back to the train for dinner before enjoying a nightcap in the lounge, relaxing with new friends as you're carried slowly onwards towards the coast of New South Wales. 

Included: All meals and excursions, Gold Cabin on the Great Southern Train

Day 6: Arrive Brisbane

Enjoy a late breakfast before arriving in Coffs Harbour, where the coast awaits. Enjoy the view from Sealy Lookout, wander through the North Coast Regional Botanical Gardens and shop for trinkets in the boutique markets. Enjoy your last lunch onboard before arriving in Brisbane in the early afternoon. Your train journey might be over, but there is still plenty more of your trip to come!

Why not take the ferry along the river or simply stroll along the beautiful Southbank for great views of the Brisbane skyline?  There are so many shops, bars and eateries that you will be spoilt for choice for dinner along the waterfront. This artsy city also as an abundance of museums and exhibitions to visit.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 7: Drive to Byron Bay

Today you’ll collect your car rental and make the 2-hour drive south to one of Australia’s quintessential beachside towns, Byron Bay. You could stick to the coast and soak up the beach city of Gold Coast and Surfer's Paradise, visiting some of the regions iconic theme parks, SeaWorld and even the Warner Bros. Movie World. Alternatively, you could stay inland and explore the best of the Gold Coast hinterland - hike through the rainforest in Lamington National Park and swim in waterfalls at Springbrook National Park. Arriving into Byron Bay, you'll have 2 nights to unwind in this iconic beach town, whether you're strolling along the beach or soaking up the relaxed vibe in one of the many cafes or bars.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 8: Byron Bay

Spend the day enjoying the coastal scenery of Byron Bay. Head up to Cape Byron Lighthouse - if you make it for sunrise you'll be amongst the first people in Australia to see it that morning. Look out for whales if you're visiting between May and November and just soak up the spectacular views out across the bay. Grab brunch in one of the cool cafes along the beach or head out to try your hand at surfing - if you'd like to add this to your itinerary - just ask.

In the afternoon we've included a sea kayaking tour to look for Dolphins. Spend a couple of hours kayaking out on the water, gazing up at Cape Byron Lighthouse and looking out for dolphins and turtles in the water around you. There's a really high chance of seeing them the wildlife but even if you didn't, it's such a great way to enjoy a few hours - you'll stop on a beautiful beach to feast on tim-tams and learn about the environment of this area of the coast.

Included: Car hire, kayaking tour, 4* hotel 

Day 9:  Drive to Port Macquarie

Keep driving south today - don't miss snapping a photo with the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, exploring the Trial Bay Gaol and walking the boardwalks through the Urunga Wetlands. You'll spend an enjoyable day gazing out at the coastal scenery, exploring rugged beaches and eating some incredible seafood in quaint restaurants. Finish the day in Port Macquarie, where you can stroll along the white sand beaches and relax in this beachside town. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 10: Drive to the Hunter Valley 

Start your morning in Port Macquarie, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the white sand beaches and soak up the relaxed coastal vibe. From there, make your way south along the coast. If you're travelling between July and October, stop in Port Stephens for a whale watching tour — keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the waves. Arriving in the Hunter Valley - why not head straight to visit a local vineyard, sampling some of the region’s finest wines. It's the perfect place to finish the day, with a cold glass of wine and some fresh farm to fork food. 

Included: Car hire, 5* hotel 

Day 11: Drive to Sydney

Enjoy more of the Hunter Valley this morning, whether you're visiting more vineyards or simply soaking up the scenic villages. Pick up a selection of delicious treats for a picnic from Pokolbin’s charming coffee shops, delis, and farm stores before driving on to Sydney, where you'll drop your hire car and check into your hotel for three nights. Stroll along Circular Quay as the sun sets, 

Included: Car hire, 5* hotel 

Day 12 & 13: Sydney & the Blue Mountains

Spend a couple of days exploring the iconic city of Sydney. Why not head down to the harbour and join one of the many boat cruises to see the Harbour Bridge at its best? Stroll through the Botanic Gardens to Mrs Macquarie's Chair for the best views of the Opera House and the bridge before heading to one of the city's interesting museums. Find the best street food in the markets of the Rocks, hop on a bus to Bondi Beach to walk the famous Bondi to Coogee Trail or take the ferry to explore the beach suburb of Manly.

On Day 13, we've included a day tour to the Blue Mountains, to give you the opportunity to explore this spectacular region. Heading out to explore the endless sandstone peaks, green valleys and blue eucalptus forests, you'll first stop off a Calmsley Hill, a working farm where you'll meet koalas and kangaroos as well as enjoying morning tea. From here you'll visit all of the highlights of the Blue Mountains, including the Jamison Valley and Eaglehawk Lookout, with your guide avoiding the more crowded areas as you go. Admire the iconic Three Sisters and marvel at the waterfall from Govetts Leap, enjoying a delicious lunch in the village of Blackheath during the day.

Included: Blue Mountains tour, 5* hotel 

Day 14: Departure

Today you'll be driven back to the airport in time for your flight home.

Included: Transfers, international flights.

Day 15: Arrive UK