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: 3 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. Afterwards, return to the train to continue your journey south. (B,L,D)

Catch the morning light over regional South Australia, a final reminder of the landscapes you’ve travelled through. Sit back and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board, savouring the last moments of life on train. Soon, the Great Southern glides into Adelaide, where you will be transferred to your Luxury accommodation in the Adelaide Hills, Sequoia Lodge at Mount Lofty. Sequoia is an intimate, luxury lodge, nestled in the highlands of the glorious Adelaide Hills in South Australia. Designed as a private sanctuary with many exclusive amenities and bespoke onsite and personalised offsite activities, Sequoia will take you by the hand, sweep you off your feet, and will do everything to make this the trip of your lifetime. Your private open-plan suite is perched on the edge of the Piccadilly Valley, boasting panoramic views from the sunken lounge, bedroom and bathroom. Sink into the large bathtub, take a nap or relax on your spacious private balcony day bed with a bottle of sparkling wine and watch the wallabies and kangaroos forage beneath your feet as you indulge in losing track of time. After settling into your accommodation, you are invited to join the Sequoia’s welcome event at sunset to hear the stories of the region over a glass of local wine overlooking the Piccadilly Valley. This is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow guests. A culinary degustation dinner experience to remember at the 3-chef hat Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant is included during your stay. (B,D) Please note, dinner can be arranged for either evening of your stay. Your dedicated Experience Curator will contact you before your arrival at Sequoia Lodge to confirm your preference.

Part of Sequoia’s philosophy is to connect you with the land and its people through a range of intimate and curated onsite experiences that are included in your stay. As part of these daily and seasonally changing experiences listen to ancient dreamtime stories, savour and learn from artisan producers or join a guided tour of the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. There are endless wonderful memories to be made, and you will receive a pre arrival call from the Sequoia Experience Curation Team to plan your escape and curate your bespoke Itinerary at Sequoia and exploring the region. (B) Due to the nature of its exclusive experience offerings, Sequoia Lodge, only accommodates guests over the age of 18 years.

After breakfast, it is it time to farewell your luxurious retreat. You’ll leave with a connection to the land, the people and the animals that make Adelaide’s hills so arresting - Sequoia will connect you to the South Australia you never knew existed. (B)