Australia 2023 AUS | Page 28

GREAT SOUTHERN & SPIRIT OF QUEENSLAND

Parliament House Canberra Spirit of Queensland
Great Southern
2 night rail journey from £ 1599pp
GREAT SOUTHERN - ADELAIDE TO BRISBANE
2 NIGHT RAIL JOURNEY
spectacular landscapes • immersive off-train experiences • all inclusive
DAY 1 Adelaide / Grampians
As the train leaves Adelaide , take your time to settle in and familiarise yourself with your cabin . Enjoy morning tea and then savour a relaxed lunch on board while watching the ever-changing landscape glide by . In the late afternoon , the train will arrive in regional Victoria where you ’ ll have the chance to discover the beauty of the Grampians region with a choice of off-train experiences . Perhaps opt for the View for Miles tour which stops at a variety of viewing platforms for incredible views ; the Venus Baths Walk , a relaxed walk that crosses over Stony Creek and immerses walkers in the peace and tranquillity of Mother Nature ; Best ’ s Great Western Epicurean Experience takes you to a family-owned and operated winery for a full wine tasting with charcuterie board ; or Pomonal Estate Sips & Sights to visit an family-run establishment that produces award-winning wines , microbrews and ciders . Alternatively , upgrade to a Grampians from above Helicopter Flight which takes in the majestic scenery ( extra expense ).
DAY 2 Grampians / Canberra
After breakfast on board , enjoy a scenic coach ride to Canberra , the Australian capital . Experience a truly memorable lunch and immersive tour at your pick of cultural institutions , including the National War Memorial , National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House . Return to the train for another sumptuous dinner before relaxing with a nightcap in the lounge .
DAY 3 Canberra / Brisbane
Choose your own adventure today with a variety of options to suit your fitness level and interests . Opt for the Boardwalk to Beach excursion , stopping at the small station of Urunga to take in the spectacular coastline views and Great Dividing Range along the Uranga Boardwalk before travelling to Coffs Harbour for a relaxing morning wandering around the harbourside markets or historic jetty . Alternatively , the Coffs Explorer excursion travels up to Sealy Lookout which offers views for miles from the Forest Sky Pier before travelling back to Coffs Harbour for time to explore or relax by the beach . If you fancy taking in the view from above , you can upgrade to a Hinterland Helicopter Flight ( extra expense ). After a final lunch on board , the train arrives into Brisbane where the tour concludes .
This journey is also available in reverse and includes an extra night aboard the train taking in Melbourne .
Bundaberg
1 night rail journey from £ 137pp
THE SPIRIT OF QUEENSLAND - BRISBANE TO CAIRNS
1 NIGHT RAIL JOURNEY
xxx relaxing way to travel • opt for a seat or RailBed • onboard café
DAY 1 Brisbane
Board the train mid-afternoon for your journey north along the Queensland coast towards Cairns . The journey will take about 25 hours , so you can sit back and admire the scenery as you pass through several of Queensland ’ s small towns and long stretches of open countryside . Wander along to the Spirit of Queensland Café which provides a selection of hot meals , sandwiches , snacks , coffee , beer and wine to purchase for your enjoyment . At the front of the carriage is an area to sit back and talk with fellow passengers or , simply to watch the scenery pass by . If you have upgraded to a RailBed , inclusive meals are served directly to your seat . As night falls you may wish to watch a film or TV show on the seat-back screen and let the train lull you to sleep as it ventures further north .
DAY 2 Cairns
Wake to a new view and after breakfast you have a leisurely day ahead . Treat yourself at the Spirit of Queensland Café to some refreshments or to simply relax before the train reaches Cairns mid-afternoon .
This journey is also available in reverse .
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Departures : Fridays from Adelaide or Mondays from Brisbane ( January-February & December for both routings ).
Prices : Gold service from £ 1599 per person , platinum service from £ 2777 per person .
Tour price : The prices shown include 2 nights on the train based on Gold or Platinum service ( see page 26 for details ), and a choice of immersive off-train experiences in the Grampians , Canberra and Coffs Harbour .
Information shown is for 2023 departures and may differ for 2024 . Please ask for details .
28 ICONIC RAIL JOURNEYS
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Departures : Monday , Wednesday , Friday & Saturday from Brisbane ; Monday , Wednesday , Friday & Sunday from Cairns .
Prices : Economy seat from £ 137 per person , RailBed from £ 239 per person which includes all main meals served to your seat .
Tour price : The prices shown include 1 night on the train based on an Economy seat or RailBed ( see page 26 for details ).
Information shown is for 2023 departures and may differ for 2024 . Please ask for details .
There are various stops enroute , such as Bundaberg , Prosperine and Townsville .
visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 900