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Firebird Tours · Group tour

Southern Wine & Wildlife: The Great Southern Train

Ten-day Australian rail journey from Brisbane to Adelaide, with Kangaroo Island wildlife.

Illustration of Southern Wine & Wildlife: The Great Southern Train

Firebird Tours operates Southern Wine & Wildlife, a 10-day guided group tour combining three nights aboard the Great Southern Train with land-based stays in Adelaide and Kangaroo Island. The journey departs Brisbane, traveling south through Newcastle and Melbourne before reaching Adelaide. Travelers experience off-train wine tastings in the Hunter Valley and Barossa Valley regions, a private tasting at Penfolds Magill Estate, and wildlife encounters on Kangaroo Island, including koalas and sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park and the dramatic landscapes of Flinders Chase National Park. The itinerary balances relaxed rail travel with guided excursions, appealing to food-and-wine enthusiasts and those seeking structured, comfortable exploration of Australia's regional attractions. Breakfasts at hotels, guide services, and intercity transport are included, with professional support provided throughout the tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour involves two one-way flights (Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, return), each approximately 30 minutes; this is not a continuous rail journey.
  • The Barossa Valley wine tour on Day 9 is operated by a third party and capped at 8 participants; final numbers depend on group composition.
  • Hotels in Adelaide are listed as 'Pullman Adelaide' with the possibility of the National Wine Centre substituting for Penfolds on 2027 departures onward; confirm the exact venue at booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Aboard the Great Southern Train, en route to Newcastle

    Board the Great Southern Train

    Depart Brisbane; lunch on board, arrival in Coffs Harbour for drinks, canapes and an outdoor beach dinner at Charlesworth Bay before reboarding for the overnight journey.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Aboard the Great Southern Train, en route to Melbourne

    The Great Southern Train: Hunter Region

    Off Train Experience of choice: Hunter Valley vineyards, Port Stephens, or Newcastle city, before reboarding for a regionally-inspired dinner on board.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Aboard the Great Southern Train, en route to Adelaide

    The Great Southern Train: Melbourne or Regional Victoria

    Off Train Experience of choice: a long lunch and cool-climate wine tasting at Clyde Park vineyard, or a Melbourne city visit (NGV, MCG, Old Melbourne Gaol) with lunch at Eureka 89.

  4. Day 4overnight: Pullman Adelaide

    Arrival in Adelaide

    Transfer to the hotel; free day to explore Adelaide's restaurant and wine scene.

  5. Day 5overnight: Pullman Adelaide

    Penfolds Magill Estate Tour

    Wine tastings including Grange in the Estate's private rooms, followed by a lunch at the Magill Estate Cellar Door (National Wine Centre of Australia for 2027 departures).

  6. Day 6overnight: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge

    Departure to Kangaroo Island

    Flight from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island (approx. 30 min); 'Island Life' tour with a Welcome to Country walk, koala sightings, a bush-camp lunch and Seal Bay Conservation Park sea lion viewing.

  7. Day 7overnight: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge

    Kangaroo Island Tour

    Flinders Chase National Park, Remarkable Rocks, a bush or clifftop picnic lunch, and Admirals Arch with its Long-nosed Fur Seal colony.

  8. Day 8overnight: Pullman Adelaide

    Departure to Adelaide

    Flight from Kangaroo Island back to Adelaide (approx. 30 min); transfer to the city hotel.

  9. Day 9overnight: Pullman Adelaide

    Barossa Valley Tour

    Small-group (up to 8 people) tour of the Barossa Valley's 80 cellar doors, tastings at three wineries including 1843 Shiraz vines, and a wine-paired lunch.

  10. Day 10

    Farewell

    Check out after breakfast.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Beachside welcome dinner with canapes at Charlesworth Bay, Coffs Harbour, before boarding the overnight train to Newcastle.
  • Day 5Penfolds Magill Estate wine tasting including Grange in the Estate's private rooms, followed by lunch at the Magill Estate Cellar Door.
  • Day 6Kangaroo Island arrival with Welcome to Country walk, koala sightings, and sea lion viewing at Seal Bay Conservation Park.
  • Day 7Flinders Chase National Park tour featuring Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, with a bush or clifftop picnic lunch.

Included

  • Exceptional downtown hotel accommodations
  • Guided sightseeing tours with expert English-speaking guides
  • Delicious breakfasts at your hotels
  • In-depth exploration of best landmarks
  • Tickets and intercity transportation as per itinerary
  • Professional meeting services at the airport
  • Dedicated support team before and during your trip

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes all travel aboard the Great Southern Train from Brisbane to Adelaide, flights from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island and back, and ground transfers.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is a guided group tour. Firebird provides tour guides and dedicated crew aboard the train. Off-train experiences are guided, and a professional support team is available throughout.
Which train operates this tour?
The Great Southern Train, which travels from Brisbane through Newcastle and Melbourne to Adelaide over three overnight segments.
What hotels are included?
Four nights at the Pullman Adelaide and two nights at Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge. Hotel breakfasts are included.
How much walking is involved?
The activity level is relaxed. Days include vineyard visits, Kangaroo Island wildlife parks (Flinders Chase, Seal Bay Conservation Park, Admirals Arch), and city exploration in Adelaide and Melbourne, with guided tours.
What is not included?
Personal expenses, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, tips, travel insurance, and anything not listed under included services.

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