Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: the great southern escape tour at Brisbane

Embark on a unique journey from the Sunshine State of Queensland to the Wine State of South Australia during this six-day overland adventure. Terra Australis (latin for south land) was the original name given to this island continent before Australia became its name and it is on-board the Great Southern Rail that you will experience the most diverse landscapes across three states in this 'great southern land'. Witness bustling cities pass by, the sandy shores of the beautiful east coastline, the red desert outback and the rolling hills of Adelaide and its surrounds. Feel the adventure, feel the culture, and with premium touches everywhere you turn, feel a little bit ex-terra.

05MIDBNE-A The Great Southern Escape

Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights

Departs from: Brisbane

Re-join ship: Cairns

Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Land Adventure is a small group luxury tour, providing bespoke cultural and sightseeing experiences. We limit the tour to a small group in order to ensure your experience is a high-quality one. Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. If the program fills up, you'll be accommodated on a space-available basis. Advanced booking is required at least 90 days prior to sailing date via Silversea Reservations. We suggest booking early to secure your spot(s).

Please be advised that a minimum number of participants is required for this program to run as described. In rare cases when the minimum number of participants is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at an increased rate based on private arrangements or to cancel your specific departure for a refund. The self-cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, is 90 days or sooner to initial sailing date at the rate of 100% program fare per person. The payment for your Land Adventure is due in full on the same date as your final payment due for your cruise. Per Silversea's general payment terms, bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner.

All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 120 days of sailing, with the exception of cancellation by Silversea. Our family-friendly land programs require adult accompaniment of any guests under the age of 18. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Silversea and our local operators make every effort to ensure your land program runs as described. Our local operators reserve the right to modify tour sequence, sites visited and venues mentioned due to operational reasons.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Australia. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD); credit cards are well-accepted by most vendors. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited.

DAY ONE - Monday, February 26, 2024

After breakfast on-board this morning, debark your ship and transfer to the nearby Brisbane Central Train Station. Here you will receive a warm Australian welcome by the crew as you step onto the luxurious Great Southern train and settle into your Platinum Cabin.

Your spacious abode for the next three nights will envelop you in premium extras as you enjoy a full-sized en-suite, luxurious Australian amenities and personalized service.

Two expansive windows take pride of place on both sides of the train and provide your visual source of entertainment throughout this unique journey across the great southern land. You won't require a television when the ever-changing landscapes provide the only show you'll need to watch throughout your experience.

Upon arrival, your suite is set with deluxe seating, a table and two ottomans.

As you leave Brisbane behind, indulge your senses with a two-course lunch in the Platinum Club followed by an afternoon in your cabin before arriving at the coastal town of Coffs Harbour in the northern part of New South Wales.

You'll kick off your shoes this evening as you walk along the sandy shore at sunset to your exclusive beachside dinner. Here you will feast on local produce and fresh seafood paired with fine wines as you listen to the soothing sounds of waves crashing ashore and allow the gentle sea breeze to caress your skin.

Come nightfall, your cabin has been transformed into a cocoon of comfort as your double or twin beds are set with luxuriously soft linen, the lights are dimmed and you watch the starry skies dash by as you drift into your slumber.

Overnight onboard the Great Southern.

DAY TWO - Tuesday, February 27, 2024

As day breaks, enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off for a full day excursion in the Hunter Region. Today you can choose your own adventure with the following:

Hunter Valley Wine Region: Meander through the picturesque and historic vineyards of the Hunter Valley, where you can sample wines from both world-renowned brands and boutique cellar doors. Your day will include cellar door experiences and a sumptuous lunch (low intensity).*

Port Stephens by Land: Experience the impressive Stockton Bight Sand Dunes and beach by 4WD van, stopping to hunt for pipis and driving to the top of a sand dune to take in the incredible views. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading back to the train in the afternoon (low intensity).*

Port Stephens by Sea: Enjoy the stunning views of Port Stephens with a relaxed morning of sailing on the water and the chance to spot dolphins along the way. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading back to the train in the afternoon (low intensity).*

Newcastle Explorer: Discover the vibrant mix of old and new in the beautiful coastal city of Newcastle with a fun and informative two-hour guided walking tour before lunch. In the afternoon enjoy an hour of free time by the beach or in town (moderate intensity).*

This evening, take some time to refresh on-board and relax before your four-course dinner as you glide along the tracks for the remainder of the evening.

Overnight onboard the Great Southern.

DAY THREE - Wednesday, February 28, 2024

You'll arrive in the Garden State of Victoria following breakfast today as the Great Southern takes a pause for your next adventure. Where will today's journey lead you? The choice is yours from the following:

Regional Victoria: Travel along the Great Ocean Road today as you embark on a wine and gourmet delights tour. You'll visit natural sights and charming towns during this day excursion before returning to the Great Southern Train for an evening on board.

Cosmopolitan Melbourne: Become a Melbournian for the day as you take in soaring views of the city from the Eureka Skydeck. You'll enjoy a tour of the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria, before taking some time to explore the city during some free time. This evening will be spent back on board the Great Southern train.

Overnight onboard the Great Southern.

DAY FOUR - Thursday, February 29, 2024

Awake from your final on-board siesta this morning and witness the rolling hills of Adelaide come into view as you indulge in a scrumptious breakfast. As you step off the Great Southern one last time you will be greeted by your dedicated tour guide for the remainder of your overland.

You'll commence your South Australian adventure with an introduction to R.M Williams. An icon within the Australian shoe industry, these quality leather boots have been a wardrobe staple for farmers and fashionista's alike since it's foundation in the 1930's. You'll go behind the scenes and explore the workshop on this exclusive tour before you enjoy an Australian-inspired morning tea featuring damper, treats and hot tea. Conclude this unique experience with a personal fitting for your very own pair to take home and prove that "these boots were made for walkin".

Continue to Penfold's Magill Estate, home of the world-renowned grange blend. Immerse yourself into the history of the cellar door during your private guided tour amongst the vineyard and underground cellars of the original winery established in 1844. You'll be spoilt for choice with an exclusive selection of wine to taste, including the flagship Grange, accompanied by a cheese and charcuterie board. Take some time to purchase some of your favourite blends before you arrive to your luxury accommodation, Sequoia Lodge in the Mt Lofty Ranges.

Nestled on an acreage at the highest point of the southern ranges, your luxury lodge unites all the creature comforts of premium living. Your open-plan suite welcomes you with panoramic valley views no matter where you choose to stop and admire the outlook. Scheduled to open in mid-2021, South Australia's newest lodging is set to become the leader in luxury accommodation with bespoke VIP experiences available to cater to every whim.

After some time to enjoy your suite and the lodge surrounds, reunite with your group for dinner on-site at Hardy's Verandah Restaurant. Here you will indulge in a seven-course degustation menu with matching wines at this award-winning, 3 chef's hatted restaurant before you retire for the evening.

Overnight at Sequoia Lodge.

DAY FIVE - Friday, March 1, 2024

As the sun beckons you today, enjoy a light champagne breakfast overlooking Piccadilly Valley while you are introduced to one of the country's most beloved animals. South Australia is home to the world's largest koala population and is also one of two states in the country where you are permitted to touch a koala. This morning, you will have the opportunity to pat and embrace one of these adorable marsupials during this private group experience.

Once you've bid farewell to your new furry friend, jump in a luxury 4WD vehicle en-route to Onkaparinga Gorge. Experience a thrilling off-road journey as you learn of the area's indigenous history and geology dating back 600 million years. Keep an eye-out for native animals along the way as you traverse their natural habitat.

Continue to lunch at the nearby d'Arry's Verandah Restaurant, located on the grounds of the d'Arenberg wine estate in a restored 19^th century homestead. Indulge in a three-course menu at this chef's hatted restaurant, complemented by the extensive d'Arenberg wine list and appreciate the spectacular views of rolling hills and vineyards before you.

Following your return to Sequoia Lodge, enjoy a leisurely afternoon to experience the available on-site activities. Perhaps the Japanese hot mineral onsen tubs call your name, or a visit to the wildlife enclosure where rescued kangaroos and wallabies forage about. If you're partial to a luxury spa treatment, you can't go without a visit to Gate Keeper's Day Spa* which is run in partnership with the internationally acclaimed skincare line, Jurlique. Founded in South Australia in 1985, the Jurlique farm is only a 15-minute drive away from Sequoia Lodge and some of the organic ingredients used to create the products are grown on-site in the lodge's cottage garden!

As the sun sets, gather around the campfire to discover more about the local indigenous culture and listen to some fascinating Dreamtime stories about this land's creation. Sample some local craft cheese together with the stick bread you have just roasted over the flames.

The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy as you please. Order dinner to enjoy on your balcony while star gazing or sit back with carefully crafted cocktails and light snacks at the Waterhouse Cocktail Lounge.

DAY SIX - Saturday, March 2, 2024

Bid farewell to an unforgettable getaway today as you enjoy one final breakfast before check-out and your morning flight to Cairns.

In time, you will return to your awaiting ship for your onward journey.