Melbourne Classic City Stay 2027 (Great Southern) : Brisbane to Melbourne

Your East Coast journey begins with a warm welcome at Hanworth House in East Brisbane, where you’ll check in gather with fellow travellers for a celebratory start to your summer journey. After setting off from Brisbane on the Great Southern, life on board begins to unfold. Savour lunch as the train winds south, then settle into the rhythm of your cabin and the passing landscapes. In the afternoon, the Great Southern arrives in 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 dinner - weather permitting- showcasing fresh seafood and regional produce paired with local wines. The soundtrack is set by a live band and the gentle rhythm of waves on the shore. After a few unhurried hours, reboard the train and settle in for your first night on board. (L,D) OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Great Southern

Start the day with a hearty breakfast on board before setting off on your choice of Off Train Experiences. Wine lovers can explore the picturesque Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. Known for Semillon and Shiraz, here you’ll spend the day amongst the vines, visiting Tulloch and Brokenwood Wines followed by a platter-style lunch featuring local produce at Twine Restaurant. If you’d prefer to take to the skies, treat yourself to an optional upgrade with a Hunter Valley helicopter flight that soars over the rolling green hills, showcasing the best of the wine region and beyond. Alternatively, discover Port Stephens by land or sea. Venture by 4WD across the vast Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, the largest mobile dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Stop to admire your surrounds and drive to the top of a dune to take in the sweeping views - you may even choose to sandboard down. On the water tour, be dazzled by turquoise seas as you soak up the coastline on a relaxed boat cruise, with the chance to spot dolphins along the way. Whether by land or sea, after your Port Stephens adventure you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch at Nelson Bay Golf Club before returning to the train in the afternoon. Closer to the city, explore Newcastle on a guided walking tour that reveals its coastal charm, capped with lunch at Scratchleys on the Wharf before returning to the train for a regionally inspired dinner. (B,L,D)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as the Great Southern travels through Victoria’s high country before choosing your next Off Train Experience. Victoria is well-known for its excellent food and wine scene, which is on show at Clyde Park in the Moorabool Valley. Clyde Park is a beautiful vineyard, cellar door and bistro set among rolling hills. Here, you’ll enjoy a long lunch and sample cool-climate wines while being entertained on the glorious lawns. Alternatively, spend the day in cosmopolitan Melbourne to discover why it’s considered the cultural and sporting capital of Australia. Highlights include the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia, with its remarkable collection of Australian art, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, guided by a club member. History buffs may prefer the Old Melbourne Gaol, where stories of the past, including those of Ned Kelly, come to life. To complete your Melbourne experience, take in the sweeping views from Melbourne Skydeck before ascending to Eureka 89 for a curated lunch showcasing seasonal local produce. After lunch, make your way to your accommodation and settle in, ready to explore all that Melbourne has to offer. (B,L) OVERNIGHT: 3 nights The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Melbourne

In the morning, meet your tour guide at the front of Time Out Café in Federation Square – look for the large vibrant yellow umbrella. Your expert guide will walk you through Melbourne’s lanes and arcades to discover local designers, specialty retailers, quirky cafes, street art, historical tales and architecture. Stop for a hot beverage in a quaint café and sample some delicious chocolates. Your tour will conclude at Federation Square. (B)

Make your way to Melbourne Skydeck at a time that suits you. Your Melbourne Skydeck Ultimate Experience ticket grants you entry to the fastest lifts in the southern hemisphere, taking you sky high up to Melbourne Skydeck on level 88. Your ticket gives you access to the Melbourne 3-D interactive model, Bar 88 experience, Voyager Theatre and Edge. Experience an immersive journey at the virtual reality Voyager Theatre, where you’ll embark on an adventure across 16 iconic Melbourne and Victorian experiences. Prepare to be amazed by a 360-degree cinematic and sensory voyage featuring 6D effects, Super 8K high definition, and captivating scent sensations. Ascend to the 88th floor and encounter Melbourne like never before. Here, you’ll experience The Edge—a thrilling adventure where you’re suspended 3 metres out of the building within a transparent glass cube, overlooking the bustling streets below. Whether you’re feeling serious or silly, capture the moment with a complimentary digital photo download included. Your Melbourne Skydeck Ultimate Experience is a single use ticket, valid within 30 days of your travel date. (B)

This morning after breakfast, check out of your accommodation where your Melbourne city stay concludes. (B)