Introduction / History
JOURNEYS OF THE GREAT SOUTHERN
With its rugged coastline, sun-kissed beaches, forested
peaks, and exhilarating capital cities, the stunning journey between Brisbane
and Adelaide feels like nowhere else in Australia. Relax with everything taken care of on board including fine
dining, premium wines and world-class hospitality, as you’re transported from
buzzing cities to diverse landscapes and natural marvels.
The three day, two night, 57-hour trip of the Great Southern includes stops at the Grampians in Victoria, featuring a special off-train outdoor dining experience in a scenic setting; the national capital, Canberra and its environs; and the popular NSW coastal resort town of Coffs Harbour before arriving in Brisbane. On this new journey you will explore some of
Australia’s beautiful verdant landscapes at a pace that allows for the
attention it deserves.
As the Great Southern traversed the Adelaide Hills and out across the parched farmlands beyond it was hard to decide who was enjoying the journey more: the passengers comfortable and chattering ensconsced in the air-cooled, stainless steel carriages or the legion of tripod-toting, camera-snapping train-spotters ubiquitous along the track and at rail crossings.
Your journey will include
gently-paced excursions to beautiful beaches; historic lighthouses; peaceful
river cruising; delightful botanic gardens;a taste of Indigenous culture, plus leg-stretches at historic country
towns. Each day begins with a fresh panorama to take in as you savour the
essence of Australia that is distilled in your journey on Great Southern.
Accommodation
All Great Southern departures offer the choice of Platinum and Gold Service accommodation, with both options inclusive of dining, on board beverages and Off Train Experiences.
Platinum Service
Platinum Service cabins are
spacious private cabins complete with plush, high quality fittings and en
suite; elegant dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car; along with
flourishes of service, attention and indulgence that turn a holiday into a
life-enhancing experience.
Platinum Service Cabin features include:
- Your cabin is a private lounge during
the day with a movable table and two ottomans, offering plenty of room to
entertain or simply relax and enjoy the journey
- By night your private cabin converts
to your choice of comfortable double or twin beds with quality bedding
- All en suites are equipped with
premium fittings, full size shower, vanity with cupboard space, mirror and
toilet facilities
- Start with a continental breakfast
served in your cabin
- An oversized panoramic window in your
cabin offers you a unique perspective on the ever-changing Australian landscape
- Enjoy views from both sides of the
train, as each cabin features an additional interior window
- Set the tone, dim the lights to your
personal preference and settle in for the night with in-cabin entertainment
- For your convenience and peace of
mind each cabin offers a lockable door and in-cabin safe.
The sheer convenience of on-call Cabin
Steward Service and in-cabin menu makes this new service level a five-star travel
and accommodation experience.
Gold Service
The Gold Service on
board the Great Southern includes:
- Well appointed day and overnight
sleeper accommodation
- Elegant twin sleeper cabin
- Twin Cabins feature 3 seater lounge
converting to upper and lower sleeping berths plus ensuite facilities with
toilet, washbasin and shower Cabins feature 3 pin/ 240 volt power point,
wardrobe, full length mirror, reading light, foldaway table
- Complimentary toiletry bags and
onboard magazine provided in all Gold Service cabins
Dining / Lounge
The train includes dining cars and a
car-bar outdoor observatory. Included in your fare are full or continental
breakfasts, all onboard lunches and a la carte dinners. All guests dine in the
elegantly themed Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car. At each meal you will be
offered a choice of fine food freshly prepared by the onboard chefs. The
seasonal menu features distinctly Australian mouth-watering dishes. Quality
wines and beverages are available for purchase.
Platinum service guests also get the
following
- Complimentary nightcap and turndown service
provided nightly
- Enjoy tea/coffee delivered to your cabin
each morning
- Complimentary morning or afternoon tea in
your cabin
- Optional in-cabin continental breakfast or
full breakfast in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant Car
In addition, the train also has the
wonderful Outback Explorer Lounge, which offers an excellent place to socialise and meet fellow travellers from
all corners of the world or sit back and enjoy the passing parade of Australian
landscapes. The Lounge has a licensed bar and is the ideal place to gather for
a drink before dinner or for a game of cards and a nightcap with new friends.