The Great Southern: A Luxurious Journey Through Australia’s East Coast

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about travelling by train. Instead of rushing from one destination to the next, you can sit back, watch the landscape unfold and simply enjoy the journey.

The Great Southern offers exactly that. A spectacular rail adventure between Adelaide and Brisbane, combining comfortable train travel, exceptional food and wine, beautiful scenery and memorable experiences along the way. 

More Than Just a Train Journey

The Great Southern is designed as a journey of discovery, taking travellers through some of Australia’s most diverse landscapes.

From the rolling hills and rugged coastline of New South Wales to regional Victoria, Canberra and the beaches around Coffs Harbour, every day brings something different. Because the journey includes time both on and off the train, you get to explore the regions rather than simply passing through them.

It is a wonderful way to see Australia without the fatigue of constantly packing, unpacking and changing hotels, which we know is something our senior travellers aren't very fond of!

Brisbane to Adelaide: An East Coast Adventure

Travelling Brisbane to Adelaide, the Great Southern is a spectacular three night rail experience, with time to explore some of the highlights of New South Wales and Victoria along the way.

One of the memorable highlights is Coffs Harbour, where guests can enjoy a special beachside dinner featuring local produce and fresh seafood matched with fine wines. As evening falls, you can return to the comfort of your train cabin and continue your journey south.

The following day brings a choice of Off Train Experiences, with options including the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens or Newcastle. Later, the journey continues through Victoria, with further choices that can include regional Victoria or Melbourne.

The Joy of Travelling by Rail

One of the great pleasures of the Great Southern is that the journey itself becomes part of the holiday.

Rather than concentrating on the road ahead, you can settle into your cabin, enjoy a meal, relax and watch the scenery change outside your window.

There is something special about waking up to a completely different landscape and knowing that, while you slept, the train carried you onwards.

For travellers who enjoy good food, beautiful scenery and a slower, more comfortable style of travel, this can be a particularly appealing way to experience Australia.

Food, Wine and Regional Flavours

Food is an important part of the Great Southern experience.

Meals are designed around regional produce and accompanied by a selection of wines, while the journey also includes special dining experiences off the train.

The Coffs Harbour beachside dinner is a standout example, combining fresh local seafood and produce with fine wines in a beautiful coastal setting.

It's a lovely opportunity to experience some of the flavours of the regions you're travelling through rather than simply seeing them from a train window.

A Journey for Curious Travellers

Perhaps the biggest attraction of the Great Southern is the variety.

In a single journey, you can experience Queensland, the New South Wales coastline, the Hunter Valley, Victoria and South Australia with plenty of opportunities to step off the train and discover something new.

You might explore vineyards, coastal landscapes, historic towns, regional produce or the sights of Melbourne before returning to the comfort of the train.

It's a journey that offers a wonderful balance between adventure and relaxation.

Join Us in February 2027

If the idea of experiencing the Great Southern has you dreaming of your own rail adventure, why not join Villa Carlotta Travel on our upcoming Brisbane to Adelaide on the Southern Rail tour? Fully escorted, this tour allows you to leave your worries behind, relax and simply take in the magnificent changing scenery.



Departing 19–25 February 2027, this seven day Villa tour combines the magnificent three night Great Southern rail journey with a selection of wonderful experiences before and during the rail adventure. The tour is

✨ Discover more and reserve your place today:
https://www.villa.com.au/tours/brisbane_to_adelaide_on_the_southern_rail_feb_2027

We can't wait to share the magic of the Southern Forests with you.

For more information, please contact our friendly travel team on:
📞 Call 08 9754 2026
✉️ Email travel@villa.com.au