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. Stay: Great Southern (3 Nights) (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 Tulloch and Brokenwood Wines.

After your wine tastings, you'll sit down for a platter-style lunch featuring local produce at Twine Restaurant. If you'd prefer to take to the skies, treat yourself to an optional upgrade with a Hunter Valley helicopter flight that soars over the rolling green hills, showcasing the best of the wine region and beyond.

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 at Nelson Bay Golf Club 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 at Scratchleys on the Wharf, 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 highlights of the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia, home of Australian art or opt to check out the “Cats & Dogs” exhibition featuring more than 250 works of art and design exploring humanity's deep connection to these animals.

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)

Your East Coast journey begins with a warm welcome at Hanworth House in East Brisbane, where you'll check in gather with fellow travellers for a celebratory start to your summer journey. After setting off from Brisbane on the Great Southern, life on board begins to unfold. Savour lunch as the train winds south, then settle into the rhythm of your cabin and the passing landscapes.

In the afternoon, the Great Southern arrives in the coastal town of Coffs Harbour. Here, the evening unfolds in true coastal style. As the sun sinks below the horizon, enjoy drinks and canapés on the sand at Charlesworth Bay before a signature outdoor dinner - weather permitting- showcasing fresh seafood and regional produce paired with local wines. The soundtrack is set by a live band and the gentle rhythm of waves on the shore.

After a few unhurried hours, reboard the train and settle in for your first night on board. Stay: Great Southern (3 Nights) (L/D)

Start the day with a hearty breakfast on board before setting off on your choice of Off Train Experiences. Wine lovers can explore the picturesque Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest wine region. Known for Semillon and Shiraz, here you'll spend the day amongst the vines, visiting Tulloch and Brokenwood Wines followed by a platter-style lunch featuring local produce at Twine Restaurant. If you'd prefer to take to the skies, treat yourself to an optional upgrade with a Hunter Valley helicopter flight that soars over the rolling green hills, showcasing the best of the wine region and beyond.

Alternatively, discover Port Stephens by land or sea. Venture by 4WD across the vast Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, the largest mobile dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Stop to admire your surrounds and drive to the top of a dune to take in the sweeping views - you may even choose to sandboard down.

On the water tour, be dazzled by turquoise seas as you soak up the coastline on a relaxed boat cruise, with the chance to spot dolphins along the way. Whether by land or sea, after your Port Stephens adventure you'll enjoy a leisurely lunch at Nelson Bay Golf Club before returning to the train in the afternoon.

Closer to the city, explore Newcastle on a guided walking tour that reveals its coastal charm, capped with lunch at Scratchleys on the Wharf before returning to the train for a regionally inspired dinner. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as the Great Southern travels through Victoria's high country before choosing your next Off Train Experience. 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, spend the day in cosmopolitan Melbourne to discover why it's considered the cultural and sporting capital of Australia. Highlights include the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia, with its remarkable collection of Australian art, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, guided by a club member. History buffs may prefer the Old Melbourne Gaol, where stories of the past, including those of Ned Kelly, come to life.

To complete your Melbourne experience, take in the sweeping views from Melbourne Skydeck before ascending to Eureka 89 for a curated lunch showcasing seasonal local produce. Afterwards, return to the train to continue your journey south. (B/L/D)

Catch the morning light over regional South Australia, a final reminder of the landscapes you've travelled through. Sit back and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board, savouring the last moments of life on train. Soon, the Great Southern glides into Adelaide, where your journey concludes - leaving you with memories of extraordinary landscapes, shared stories, and experiences that linger long after the train has stopped. (B)