After setting off from Brisbane, enjoy lunch on board and a relaxing afternoon settling in to your private cabin before arriving at the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. As the sun dips beneath the horizon, enjoy a unique beachside dinner where you'll feast on local produce and fresh seafood matched with fine wines, while the waves lap at the shore nearby. After a few leisurely hours, you'll reboard the train and set off for the night. Stay: Great Southern (L/D)

Start the day with a hearty breakfast on board before setting off for a full day of Off Train Experiences. Today you get to choose your own adventure with your choice of the Hunter Valley, Newcastle or Port Stephens.

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)

In the evening, return to the train to enjoy a regionally-inspired meal prepared on board before retiring for the night. Stay: Great Southern (B/L/D)

After enjoying breakfast on board as you travel through Victoria's high country, you'll have a choice of Off Train Experiences. Discover regional Victoria with options including wine touring and gourmet delights, visits to natural sights and charming towns. Or opt to visit cosmopolitan Melbourne and take in the soaring views from Melbourne Skydeck and a tour of the National Gallery of Victoria or free time to explore the city yourself. Stay: Great Southern (B/L/D)

As the train rolls into Adelaide, enjoy your last breakfast on board and the end of your Great Southern train journey.

Your East Coast journey begins at Hanworth House in East Brisbane, where you'll check in and be welcomed at a celebratory gathering. After setting off from Brisbane on the Great Southern, savour lunch on board and spend a relaxing afternoon settling into your cabin before arriving at the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. As the sun dips beneath the horizon, enjoy drinks and canapes on the beach at Charlesworth Bay before a unique outdoor dinner – as long as the weather allows – where you'll feast on local produce and fresh seafood paired with fine wines. Listen to the waves lapping at the nearby shore as the backing track for a live band playing the classics.

After a few leisurely hours, you'll reboard the train and set off for your first night on board. (L/D)

Start the day with a hearty breakfast on board before setting off on your choice of Off Train Experiences. You may choose to meander through the picturesque, historic vineyards of the Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest wine region. Known for Semillon and Shiraz, here you'll spend the day amongst the vines, visiting some of the region's finest wineries and enjoying generous tasting times, allowing you to savour the full range of Hunter Valley offerings.

Between wine tastings, you'll sit down for a platter-style lunch featuring local produce. Other options include exploring Port Stephens by land or sea. On the land tour, you'll drive along and into the largest mobile sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, in a 4WD vehicle. You'll stop to admire your surrounds and drive to the top of a dune to take in the incredible views – you may even choose to sandboard down.

On the water tour, you'll be dazzled by the turquoise water as you soak up the stunning coastline from a relaxed boat cruise. You may be lucky enough to spot dolphins along the way. Whether by land or sea, after your Port Stephens adventure, you'll enjoy a relaxed lunch before returning to the train in the afternoon. Alternatively, explore Newcastle and discover the vibrant mix of old and new in the beautiful coastal city with a fun and insightful guided walking tour. After lunch, spend an hour at your leisure embracing everything Newcastle has to offer, and late afternoon, return to the train along with the rest of the guests to enjoy a regionally inspired meal and relaxing time on board before retiring for the night. (B/L/D)

After a leisurely breakfast on board as you travel through Victoria's high country, you'll again have a choice of Off Train Experiences. Victoria is well-known for its excellent food and wine scene, which is on show at Clyde Park in the Moorabool Valley. Clyde Park is a beautiful vineyard, cellar door and bistro set among rolling hills. Here, you'll enjoy a long lunch and sample cool-climate wines while being entertained on the glorious lawns.

Alternatively, opt to visit cosmopolitan Melbourne to find out why it's considered the cultural and sporting capital of Australia. Explore the oldest and most-visited art collection in Australia at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) on a private tour with a knowledgeable NGV Guide, or visit the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on an insightful tour with an Melbourne Cricket Club member, where you'll be regaled with the highs and lows of sporting history.

If you're a history buff, head to the Old Melbourne Gaol, which, from 1842 until its closure in 1929, was the scene of 133 hangings, including Australia's most infamous citizen, Bushranger Ned Kelly. Having worked up an appetite, visit Melbourne Skydeck, taking in the soaring views 88 floors above sea level, and then ascend one more floor to Eureka 89, where you'll dine on a beautifully curated menu showcasing local and seasonal produce. After lunch, you'll make your way back to the train to continue your journey south. (B/L/D)

Catch the morning light over regional South Australia. Sit back and enjoy your final breakfast on board before arriving into Adelaide. (B)