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, where you will be met by your Outback Spirit crew before a short drive takes us into the Adelaide Hills to the quaint village of Hahndorf. Welcome to Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement; a heritage town full of history and character. Time for a quick potter and window shop before we continue on our way to Monarto Safari Resort, today’s destination and a jewel in the crown of South Australian touring. Prepare for authentic wildlife experiences as ‘Africa’ is brought to life in our own backyard. A sunset wildlife safari, enjoyed from a comfortable safari truck, will get us up close and personal to free-roaming animals such as cheetah, zebra, giraffe, rhinos and more. Compare sightings over dinner on-site which will feature locally sourced ingredients and produce. (B,L,D) OVERNIGHT: 1 night Monarto Safari Resort

Take in views of the mighty Murray River as we skirt around Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend and the northern reaches of Lake Alexandrina. Keep an eye out for the old-paddle steamers and other motor craft as we continue enroute to Cape Jarvis, our departure point for Kangaroo Island. Arriving on ‘KI’ is to enter a world of nature-based attractions and landscapes that will be indelibly imprinted in your memory. With over a third of the island protected as nature reserves, stunning landscapes and geological formations, and myriad bird and wildlife species quietly taking sanctuary here, it’s a feast for nature-lovers. An exceptional eco-adventure cruise kicks off our explorations as we take an informative look at the natural biodiversity of this spectacular part of the South Australian coastline. Keep an eye out and count up the species you spot. Kingscote, the largest settlement on the island, will be our home for the next three nights as we take time to really get to know this little slice of paradise. (B,L,D) OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Ozone Hotel

A full day of exploring is ahead of us as we visit some of the island’s famous and lesser-known sights. First stop is Seal Bay Conservation Park which is home to Australia’s largest colony of breeding sea lions. A local expert guide will escort us down to the beach where we can observe these magnificent creatures up close and learn about how they hunt, surf, rest, interact with their pups and defend their territory. A boardwalk winds through the dunes to the beach offering breathtaking views of the colony and majestic coastline below. Look out for sea lions snoozing in the dune system or sometimes, lying on the path in our path! The west of the island reveals Flinders Chase National Park, an essential stop on any KI visit. Home to the precariously balanced Remarkable Rocks and also Admirals Arch, the orange-hued rocks and rock arch that are two of the most photographed and featured formations on the island. There is also a long-nosed fur seal colony to admire. (B,L,D)  

Enjoy some free time this morning and explore the highlights of Kangaroo Island with a variety of local sightseeing activities and some interesting tastings ahead. Discover the fascinating process of eucalyptus oil production, past and present, with a visit to the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery. Indulge in the unique flavours of the region at Kangaroo Island Spirits and sample delicious local honey at the Island Beehive for a true taste of the island's charm. (B,L,D)

Returning to the mainland, we travel into the McLaren Vale wine region on the Fleurieu Peninsula to sample some of the spoils of this area. Known for producing premium Shiraz along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Grenache although in much lesser quantities. Our last meal together will no doubt be full of tales of the beautiful wildlife we’ve seen and wilderness explored, before we return to Adelaide and onward travels. Your journey concludes at your Adelaide CBD hotel accommodation or the airport. (B,L)