Travellers looking to explore Australia’s East Coast by rail can expect new experiences aboard Journey Beyond’s train, Great Southern, this summer season
As Great Southern prepares a return to Australia’s East Coast railway for a fifth summer season, operator Journey Beyond has announced three new off-train art and culinary experiences in the Grampians, Hunter Valley, and Melbourne.
Those travelling between Adelaide and Brisbane can take in the Grampians’ (Gariwerd) rugged and rocky landscapes with a visit to the family-owned vineyard and winery, Fallen Giants. Guests will tour the estate and taste some of the winery’s organic, cool-climate wines in a picturesque, al fresco setting.
On the reverse journey travelling from Brisbane to Adelaide, an optional experience has been introduced in the Hunter Valley, with a short helicopter excursion to take in Broken Back Range, Pokolbin State Forest, and Hunter Valley Gardens, among the region’s striking scenery. In Melbourne, guests can take a privately guided tour of the National Gallery of Victoria’s (NGV) permanent collection and rotating exhibitions. The experience concludes with a long lunch at Eureka 89, within the 300-metre-high tower that affords expansive city skyline and Yarra River views.
The Great Southern’s new seasonal experiences have been designed to connect passengers with the regions on the rail route, says David Donald, Journey Beyond Executive General Manager, Rail: “The new Off Train Experiences dive deeper into the region, complementing the hallmark experiences the Great Southern is known for. Each experience has been carefully considered so that guests are guaranteed a memorable, immersive experience that is of the place.”
On 5 January, a special four-day itinerary will also run from Adelaide to Brisbane, with off-train experiences in the Grampians, and the NSW country towns of Orange, Mudgee and Gulgong.
Journey rates start from $2,455 per person.