Great Southern Signature Journey by Rail with Special Guest David Tattersall
Brisbane to Adelaide | 06 February – 13 February 2027
8 days from $7,950 per person twin share
Hosted by Emma Whiting Travel
A romantic rail journey through Australia’s east coast landscapes, combining Gold Premium rail travel, immersive regional experiences, elegant dining and beautifully appointed stays in Brisbane and Adelaide.
What’s Included
Return economy airfares from Melbourne to Brisbane - Adelaide to Melbourne
3 nights aboard the Great Southern in Gold Premium cabins
All-inclusive dining and beverages onboard
2 nights at the Emporium Hotel South Bank in River View Balcony Rooms
2 nights at The Playford Adelaide
Off Train Experiences in Coffs Harbour, Hunter Valley, regional Victoria and Melbourne
Group dining experiences throughout the journey
Coach transfers in Brisbane and Adelaide
Hosted by Emma Whiting Travel
The romance of rail across Australia’s East Coast
There is something timeless about seeing Australia by rail — the changing colours of the landscape, long lunches as the countryside drifts past, and the gentle rhythm of life on board.
Our Great Southern Rail Getaway has been thoughtfully designed to combine the romance of train travel with memorable regional experiences, exceptional dining and relaxed time to truly enjoy the journey. Beginning with two nights in Brisbane before boarding the Great Southern, this east coast rail experience winds through New South Wales, regional Victoria and South Australia, connecting guests with vineyards, coastal scenery, local flavours and some of the country’s most celebrated destinations.
From beachside dining beneath the stars in Coffs Harbour to immersive off-train experiences in the Hunter Valley, Melbourne and beyond, this is a journey that balances comfort, discovery and connection beautifully.
Your experience concludes with two nights at Adelaide’s award-winning The Playford Adelaide — the perfect finale to a remarkable Australian rail escape
Why this journey
This hosted Emma Whiting Travel departure has been designed for travellers who appreciate the slower pleasures of travel — beautiful scenery, meaningful experiences, wonderful food and the ease of having every detail thoughtfully arranged.
Travelling in Gold Premium aboard the Great Southern offers a quieter, more refined style of rail journey, with exclusive lounge and dining access, spacious cabins and all-inclusive hospitality throughout.
With hosted support from Emma Whiting Travel and rail enthusiast Dave Tattersall, guests can relax into the experience knowing guidance, care and shared moments are all part of the journey.
Inclusions
Return economy airfares from Melbourne
3 nights aboard the Great Southern in Gold Premium cabins
All-inclusive dining and beverages onboard
2 nights at the Emporium Hotel South Bank in River View Balcony Rooms
2 nights at The Playford Adelaide
Off Train Experiences in Coffs Harbour, Hunter Valley, regional Victoria and Melbourne
Group dining experiences throughout the journey
Coach transfers in Brisbane and Adelaide
Hosted by Emma Whiting Travel
EWT Ambassador & Train Aficionado Dave Tattersall
The Experience
A Gold Premium journey aboard the Great Southern feels less like transport and more like a boutique hotel experience unfolding across Australia’s east coast.
Days move effortlessly between beautifully prepared meals, relaxed time in the lounge carriage and immersive regional experiences ashore. Evenings invite lingering conversations over wine, while mornings begin with ever-changing landscapes outside your window.
With contemporary cabins, attentive service and a relaxed all-inclusive atmosphere, the Great Southern captures the romance of rail travel in a distinctly Australian way.
Journey Highlights
Gold Premium rail journey aboard the Great Southern
Beachside dining experience in Coffs Harbour
Hunter Valley winery experiences
Optional Port Stephens touring experiences
Exclusive Gold Premium lounge and dining access
Two nights in Brisbane at the Emporium Hotel
Two nights in Adelaide at The Playford
Group dining at Belle Epoque, FIRMA and Luma
Melbourne cultural and culinary experiences
Hosted by Emma Whiting Travel with special guest Dave Tattersall
Itinerary
Day 1 – Melbourne to Brisbane
Fly from Melbourne to Brisbane and settle into the elegant Emporium Hotel South Bank before an included welcome dinner at FIRMA.
Day 2 – Brisbane
Enjoy a relaxed day at leisure exploring Brisbane and South Bank before gathering for dinner at Belle Epoque.
Day 3 – Board the Great Southern
Begin your Great Southern rail journey with lunch onboard before a signature beachside dining experience in Coffs Harbour.
Day 4 – Hunter Valley & Port Stephens
Choose from immersive experiences exploring the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens or Newcastle before returning onboard.
Day 5 – Victoria & Melbourne
Discover regional Victoria or cosmopolitan Melbourne through curated food, wine, art and cultural experiences.
Day 6 – Arrive Adelaide
Farewell the Great Southern and settle into Adelaide’s award-winning Playford Hotel for a relaxing two-night stay.
Day 7 – Adelaide
Enjoy a day at leisure in Adelaide before a memorable farewell dinner at acclaimed Luma restaurant.
Day 8 – Adelaide to Melbourne
After breakfast, transfer to Adelaide Airport for your included flight home to Melbourne.
Train & Accommodation
Your journey combines contemporary rail comfort with beautifully chosen hotel stays.
In Brisbane, enjoy two nights at the stylish Emporium Hotel South Bank overlooking the Brisbane River, while Adelaide’s elegant The Playford Adelaide provides a refined finale to the journey.
Aboard the Great Southern, Gold Premium cabins offer an elevated rail experience with contemporary styling, exclusive lounge and dining access, premium beverages and thoughtful inclusions designed for relaxed Australian rail travel.
Special Guest - David Tattersall
Joining this journey is long-time Emma Whiting Travel team member David Tattersall, who spent more than twenty years helping clients discover the joy of travel before retiring from the business in December 2025
Known for his warm nature and genuine passion for rail journeys, David will be travelling alongside our guests to share in the experience and the memorable moments that make journeys like these so special.
Why travel on an EWT Hosted Journey
There is something special about sharing a journey with people who value travel in the same way you do.
Our hosted departures are designed for travellers who appreciate thoughtful planning, meaningful experiences and the reassurance of travelling with experienced hosts along the way. While there is always freedom to enjoy your own space and interests, many guests love the sense of connection that naturally develops through shared experiences, wonderful dining and memorable moments along the journey.
With Emma Whiting Travel managing the details before and throughout your travels, you can relax and simply enjoy the experience knowing support, guidance and care are always close at hand.
We would be delighted to welcome you aboard this memorable Australian rail journey
Contact Emma Whiting Travel to reserve your place
Please complete our booking form, or call us now on (03) 9481 1077.