Sydney, Great Southern & South Australia Wildlife Rail Vacation

Day 1 Sydney | Arrival Welcome to Sydney! Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city, within walking distance of major attractions such as Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

Day 2 Sydney | Freedom of Choice – Choose 1 of 7 Excursions Personalize your stay in Sydney by choosing one of the following carefully selected excursions, each offering a different way to experience this spectacular harbour city and its surrounding landscapes. Option 1. Panoramic Sydney & Bondi Beach Tour with Harbour Lunch Cruise Discover Sydney’s iconic highlights on a stylish tour taking in The Rocks, Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Bondi Beach, Watsons Bay and the Eastern Suburbs. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing harbour lunch cruise with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, making this a wonderful way to experience both the city and the water. Option 2. Blue Mountains Full Day Tour Venture beyond the city to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, where dramatic valleys, waterfalls and sweeping lookouts create one of New South Wales’ most memorable landscapes. With visits to key viewpoints, a two-course lunch at the Hydro Majestic and time at Mt Tomah Botanic Garden, this is an excellent choice for nature lovers. Option 3. Northern Wilderness & Coastal Beach Adventure Explore Sydney’s spectacular north on a full-day journey through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the Northern Beaches. With Aboriginal rock engravings, beautiful coastal lookouts, seaside lunch and time in Manly and Shelley Beach, this excursion combines bushland, beaches and local character in one memorable day. Option 4. Hunter Valley Full Day Wine Tour Escape Sydney for a day in the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region, where boutique cellar doors and vineyard scenery set the tone for a relaxed gourmet experience. Private tastings, a cheese tasting and a light café lunch with wine make this a rewarding choice for food and wine lovers. Option 5. Sydney Harbour Bridge Summit Climb Take on one of Sydney’s most iconic experiences with a guided climb to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From the top, sweeping 360-degree views across the Opera House, harbour and city skyline make this an exhilarating and unforgettable way to see Sydney. Option 6. Iconic Wildlife, Waterfalls & Wine Enjoy a wonderfully varied day south of Sydney, combining native wildlife, coastal scenery and boutique wine tasting. From koalas and kangaroos to the Sea Cliff Bridge, a waterfall walk and the Southern Highlands, this excursion showcases a beautiful mix of Australian landscapes and experiences. Option 7. Personalized Tailor-Made Excursion For a more tailored experience, speak with one of our local specialists to design a day in Sydney around your interests. Options may include guided walks, food tours, scenic bike rides, the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk or a behind-the-scenes Sydney Opera House experience.

Day 3 Sydney | Day at Leisure Today is yours to enjoy Sydney at your own pace. You may choose to spend the day around the harbour, wandering through the historic sandstone laneways of The Rocks, taking in the energy of Circular Quay and admiring the iconic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. For a slower pace, stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden, enjoy a long lunch by the water or simply soak up the atmosphere of one of the world’s great waterfront cities. Whether your interests lean towards sightseeing, shopping, galleries or dining, Sydney offers an effortless and memorable day at leisure.

Day 4 Sydney to Brisbane | Flight Today, say goodbye to Sydney as you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Brisbane. On arrival, we have included a transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Set on the Brisbane River, Queensland’s capital offers a relaxed blend of city energy and subtropical charm. You may wish to spend the afternoon exploring South Bank, strolling along the riverfront or dining at one of the city’s many welcoming restaurants and bars.

Day 5 Brisbane to Coffs Harbour | On board the Great Southern Train Your journey begins in Brisbane with a welcome gathering at Hanworth House in East Brisbane before boarding the Great Southern for your southbound rail adventure. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch on board as the train travels through Queensland and into New South Wales. By late afternoon, arrive in Coffs Harbour for one of the journey’s signature experiences: an evening by the beach at Charlesworth Bay, with drinks and canapés on the sand followed by an outdoor dinner featuring fresh local seafood, regional produce, and matched wines, weather permitting. After dinner, reboard the train for your first night on board. (Lunch & dinner are included today.)

Day 6 Hunter Valley, Port Stephens or Newcastle | On board the Great Southern Train Start the day with breakfast on board before choosing from a range of Off Train Experiences in New South Wales. In the Hunter Valley, spend the day among the vines with visits to Tulloch and Brokenwood Wines, followed by a platter-style lunch at Twine Restaurant. There is also an optional helicopter upgrade over the wine region. Alternatively, head to Port Stephens, where you can explore by land or sea. One option includes a 4WD adventure across the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, with sweeping views and the chance to try sandboarding. Another includes a relaxed boat cruise along the coastline, with possible dolphin sightings, before lunch at Nelson Bay Golf Club. A third option is a guided walking tour of Newcastle, ending with lunch at Scratchleys on the Wharf. Return to the train in the afternoon and enjoy dinner on board as the journey continues south. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included today.)

Day 7 Regional Victoria or Melbourne | On board the Great Southern Train Wake to views of Victoria’s high country and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board before another choice of experiences. One option takes you to Clyde Park in the Moorabool Valley, where rolling vineyard landscapes set the scene for a long lunch and cool-climate wine tasting. The other option is a full day in Melbourne, with time to experience some of the city’s best-known cultural and sporting highlights. Depending on the selected touring, inclusions may feature the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, or a visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol. The Melbourne experience also includes views from Melbourne Skydeck and lunch at Eureka 89, showcasing seasonal local produce. Later, return to the train and continue towards South Australia. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included today.)

Day 8 Arrive Adelaide | On board the Great Southern Train On the final morning, enjoy breakfast on board as the Great Southern crosses regional South Australia on its approach to Adelaide. Relax in your cabin or lounge and take in the last of the changing inland scenery before arriving in South Australia’s elegant capital. Surrounded by parklands and known for its wide streets, historic buildings and lively café and restaurant scene, Adelaide offers a relaxed and welcoming introduction to the state. If you are continuing your stay, you may wish to explore North Terrace, stroll through the city centre or enjoy dinner paired with South Australian wine. (Breakfast is included today.)

Day 9 Adelaide | Freedom of Choice – Choose 1 of 2 Excursions Personalize your stay in Adelaide by choosing one of the following carefully selected excursions, each offering a different way to experience South Australia’s celebrated wine country. Option 1. Uncork the Barossa Valley Winery Tour Discover the Barossa Valley on a small-group wine journey through one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions. Visit boutique cellar doors for premium tastings, enjoy a chef’s selection lunch and sample the bold Shiraz and contrasting varietals for which the region is so well known. Framed by vineyard scenery and regional flavours, this is a relaxed and rewarding day in South Australia’s most iconic wine country. Option 2. Uncork McLaren Vale Winery Tour Explore McLaren Vale on a small-group wine tour showcasing one of South Australia’s most picturesque and acclaimed wine regions. Visit boutique cellar doors for premium tastings, enjoy a chef’s selection lunch and discover the region’s signature Shiraz, elegant Grenache and Mediterranean varietals. With vineyard views, coastal scenery and hidden-gem wineries along the way, this is a wonderful day of gourmet discovery just beyond Adelaide.

Day 10 Adelaide to Kangaroo Island | Private Transfer including Ferry This morning is at leisure to enjoy Adelaide at your own pace. You may wish to stroll through the city’s elegant parklands, explore the boutiques and cafés of Rundle Street, visit Adelaide Central Market or simply relax before your island escape begins. Compact, cultured and easy to explore, Adelaide offers a wonderful balance of heritage streetscapes, vibrant dining and a laid-back atmosphere.

This afternoon, your driver from Off Piste 4WD Tours will collect you for your transfer to Cape Jervis, in time to board the 4.00pm SeaLink ferry to Kangaroo Island. Crossing the Backstairs Passage, this 45-minute journey offers a scenic introduction to South Australia’s rugged coastal beauty. On arrival at Penneshaw, you will be met by your Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island driver and transferred to the property, where your Kangaroo Island stay begins. (Dinner is included today.)

Day 11 Exploring Kangaroo Island | Small Group Tour After breakfast, set out on Sea Dragon’s signature Full Day Nature Tour, included as part of the Experience package. Travel west across the island to discover some of Kangaroo Island’s most iconic natural attractions, including the dramatic coastal scenery of Flinders Chase National Park, the sculpted granite forms of Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, where long-nosed fur seals are often seen below. Later, continue to Seal Bay Conservation Park for a guided walk among one of Australia’s most important colonies of endangered sea lions before returning to Sea Dragon in the late afternoon. Back at the lodge, there is time to relax before another memorable evening by the coast. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included today.)

Day 12 Kangaroo Island to Adelaide | Private Tour This morning, transfer to the township of Penneshaw in time to board the 8.30am SeaLink ferry back to the mainland. After your 45-minute crossing through the Backstairs Passage to Cape Jervis, you will be met by your guide from Off Piste 4WD Tours for a memorable private journey through the hidden corners of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Far more than a simple transfer, today’s experience combines premium local food and wine, exhilarating off-road adventures, pristine natural landscapes and the chance to encounter native wildlife along the way. Travel along exclusive routes to discover places few visitors see, including the dramatic scenery of Onkaparinga Gorge, reached via thrilling 4WD tracks through untouched country. Enjoy a tasting at a local cellar door before sitting down to lunch at Ben’s family homestead, adding a warm and personal touch to the day. Continue to Adelaide this afternoon, arriving at approximately 5.15pm. (Breakfast & lunch are included today.)

Day 13 Adelaide | Departure The time has come to say goodbye to Adelaide, Australia. We have included a transfer to the airport from your hotel to begin your journey home.