Brisbane to Adelaide on the Great Southern Rail February 2024
Our journey began at the historic Hanworth House in East Brisbane. Hanworth stands resplendent in her former 19th Century beauty after repairs, renovations and restorations by the owner Marisa Vecchio. We completed check in formalities here and checked our luggage before enjoying welcome drinks and a delicious breakfast spread in the gardens. A tour of the historic home was also offered before we boarded the buses which took us to the train. The train is too large to fit at Roma Street station so it departs from an industrial rail freight terminal at Acacia Ridge.
Departing Brisbane, we travelled south into the rolling hills of New South Wales before arriving at Coffs Harbour for dinner. The dinner under the stars had to be abandoned due to rain, but we moved indoors where we ate and were entertained before heading back to the train for a good night's sleep. I love the rocking of trains and ships and usually sleep well.
Reg decided to stay aboard next day while I joined an off rail tour of the Hunter Valley. We left the train at the historic Maitland train station and visited three wineries. Despite a full day of wining and dining, I managed to enjoy the delicious evening meal once back on board the train.
Reg decided to stay aboard next day while I joined an off rail tour of the Hunter Valley. We left the train at the historic Maitland train station and visited three wineries. Despite a full day of wining and dining, I managed to enjoy the delicious evening meal once back on board the train.
After another night of deep sleep, lulled by the rocking of the train, we had a leisurely morning travelling through Victoria's high country before our next off train experience. at the Clyde Park Vineyard. The setting is in the picturesque hills surrounding the Moorabool River, 30 km north of Geelong. Clyde Park is at the forefront of cool climate viticulture. The vineyard was established in 1979 with small plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Further plantings have expanded to include Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. Once again the food and wine flowed freely and were exquisite.
Some of the scenery we enjoyed along the way . . .
All too soon our final night aboard was over and we enjoyed our final breakfast as we descended the Adelaide Hills to our final stop. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and would recommend it as it celebrates the scenery, cuisine and culture that makes Australia unique. However, we did prefer The Ghan and The Indian Pacific train trips as we love desert landscapes and like more on board time watching the scenery go by.
Adelaide
Luckily for us, our holiday was not over as we stayed on in Adelaide for four more nights. We had a prime position at the Hilton on Victoria Square. Adelaide is a beautiful city and easy to explore on foot. It was good to put on the walking shoes after four days on the train. It is a city of statues and street art, fabulous architecture and plentiful green spaces. It was also buzzing with entertainment as the annual Fringe Festival was in full swing.
Statues and sculptures . . .
Murals . . .
Churches . . .
For most of Adelaide’s history, the city has been known as a City of Churches. South Australia was the first free settler colony in Australia and was setup with one of its purposes being for the free exercise of religion.
Green spaces . . .
Colonel Light planned a city surrounded by beautiful parklands to create fresh, clean air. It is also filled with green squares, tree lined streets and plenty of walking and cycling tracks.
Down by the sea . . .