Grand Southern Rail & Sail Adventure Itinerary

Cruise Express

Australian owned and operated

Day Grand Southern Rail & Sail Adventure Itinerary  
Saturday 09 October 2027 Embark on Grand Princess
Today your holiday begins as you meet your Tour Escorts at the Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal for embarkation aboard the magnificent Grand Princess. After completing embarkation formalities, take time to settle into your cabin and become acquainted with the many facilities onboard. Enjoy lunch, explore the ship’s public areas, or simply relax on deck as excitement builds ahead of sailaway.

This afternoon Grand Princess departs Sydney Harbour, offering spectacular views of the harbour foreshore, including the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. As the ship begins its voyage towards Adelaide, enjoy your first evening onboard with dinner, entertainment and the opportunity to start getting to know your fellow travellers. L,D

 
Sunday 10 October 2027

At sea – Grand Princess
Enjoy a relaxing full day at sea as Grand Princess cruises along Australia’s southern coastline. With no scheduled ports today, you are free to enjoy the ship at your own pace. Spend the morning at breakfast with ocean views before joining the many activities available throughout the day, from live entertainment and enrichment presentations to shopping, pools, lounges and spa facilities.

As evening approaches, join your Tour Escorts and fellow travellers for a special hosted Welcome Drinks function in one of the ship’s bars. This relaxed social gathering provides the perfect opportunity to meet your travel companions and enjoy an hour of conversation and hospitality while continuing your journey toward Melbourne. B,L,D

 
Monday 11 October 2027

Melbourne – Grand Princess
Grand Princess arrives in vibrant Melbourne this morning, Australia’s cultural and sporting capital. The day is at leisure to explore the city. Melbourne is renowned for its beautiful architecture, famous laneways, cafés, galleries and shopping precincts, providing endless opportunities for sightseeing and exploration.

You may choose to wander through the bustling city centre, enjoy lunch along Southbank, browse boutiques and arcades, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere that makes Melbourne one of Australia’s most loved cities. It’s all aboard again this evening as Grand Princess continues westward. B,D

 
Tuesday 12 October 2027

At sea – Grand Princess
Today, enjoy your second full day at sea as Grand Princess journeys towards Kangaroo Island. Enjoy another leisurely day onboard with time to relax and fully experience the comfort and amenities of the ship. Perhaps enjoy coffee on deck while taking in the uninterrupted ocean views. You may wish to attend live performances, relax by the pool, indulge in the spa facilities or simply enjoy the slower pace of life at sea. As evening falls, enjoy dinner onboard followed by further entertainment as the ship sails overnight towards South Australia’s rugged coastline. B,L,D

 
Wednesday 13 October 2027

Kangaroo Island – Grand Princess
Today Grand Princess visits beautiful Kangaroo Island, one of Australia’s most spectacular island destinations renowned for its pristine beaches, rugged coastline and abundant native wildlife. Take the opportunity to explore the island and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty.

Kangaroo Island offers a variety of experiences, from wildlife encounters and coastal scenery to local produce and artisan experiences. Whether exploring independently or joining one of the optional shore excursions offered by the cruise line, today promises a memorable insight into one of South Australia’s most unique destinations. Return to the ship prior to departure later this evening. B,D

 
Thursday 14 October 2027

Adelaide
Grand Princess arrives in Adelaide this morning, where our land touring experience begins. After disembarkation, coaches will meet you at the Adelaide Cruise Terminal for the short transfer into the city and check-in at our Adelaide hotel for the next three nights.

The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Adelaide’s city centre at your own pace. Adelaide is known for its elegant boulevards, relaxed atmosphere and vibrant dining precincts, with cafés, shops and attractions located within easy reach of the hotel. This evening, we invite you to join a hosted drinks function at the hotel, providing a wonderful opportunity to mingle with fellow travellers and reflect on the cruise portion of the journey before our South Australian touring begins.
Overnight: Ibis Adelaide (or similar) B

 
Friday 15 October 2027

SteamRanger Railway Experience – Mt Barker to Victor Harbor
After breakfast this morning, we depart Adelaide by coach and travel through the scenic Adelaide Hills to Mount Barker where we board the historic SteamRanger Heritage Railway for a memorable steam-hauled heritage rail journey to Victor Harbor.

Travelling aboard beautifully restored heritage carriages, the journey showcases the picturesque countryside and coastal scenery of the Fleurieu Peninsula while recapturing the golden era of rail travel. Upon arrival in Victor Harbor, enjoy approximately two hours free to explore the township, stroll along the foreshore and have lunch at leisure.

We return by rail to Mount Barker before continuing by coach back towards Adelaide. En route we visit the charming historic village of Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, where tonight’s dinner will be enjoyed at The Haus. Return to the hotel later this evening.
Overnight: Ibis Adelaide (or similar) B,D

 
Saturday 16 October 2027

Barossa & Clare Valley touring
This morning we depart Adelaide by coach and travel north for a full day of sightseeing, food and wine experiences through two of South Australia’s most celebrated wine regions.

Our first stop is historic Seppeltsfield Winery, established by Joseph and Johanna Seppelt just fifteen years after European settlement in South Australia. Enjoy a guided tour of the winery followed by a specially curated food and wine pairing experience and lunch in this iconic setting.

This afternoon we continue on to the Clare Valley to visit imposing Martindale Hall. Constructed between 1879 and 1880 for Edmund Bowman Jr., this magnificent Georgian-style mansion later gained international fame through its appearance in the 1975 film Picnic at Hanging Rock. After exploring the property and grounds, we return to Adelaide where the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Ibis Adelaide (or similar) B,L

 
Sunday 17 October 2027

The Overland Rail Journey
Today begins with an early morning departure as we board the famous Overland rail service for our journey from Adelaide into regional Victoria. Travelling through the picturesque Adelaide Hills before crossing the border, today’s rail journey offers wonderful views of rural landscapes and regional townships along the way.

Upon arrival in Stawell, located at the foot of the spectacular Grampians National Park, we transfer to our accommodation. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant while reflecting on another memorable day of rail travel and regional touring.
Overnight: Country Plaza Halls Gap (or similar) B,L,D

 
Monday 18 October 2027

Stawell to Melbourne by coach
After breakfast this morning, we depart by coach for Melbourne, travelling through some of Victoria’s most scenic regional landscapes. Our first stop is Boroka Lookout where spectacular panoramic views stretch across the Grampians mountain ranges and surrounding countryside.

Continuing eastward, we make a stop in the historic gold rush city of Ballarat where lunch will be enjoyed at a local venue before continuing on to Melbourne. Upon arrival, check in to our hotel for the next two nights. The evening at leisure to relax or explore Melbourne’s vibrant dining and entertainment precincts.
Overnight: Oakwood Premier (or similar) B,L

 
Tuesday 19 October 2027

Melbourne & Dandenong Ranges
Following breakfast this morning, you will have free time to further explore Melbourne at leisure. Whether enjoying the city’s renowned café culture, shopping precincts, galleries or riverside promenades, the morning provides an opportunity to experience the city at your own pace.

This afternoon we rejoin our coaches and travel into the beautiful Dandenong Ranges for a special evening experience. Along the way we visit the stunning Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden to admire the spectacular gardens and cool mountain scenery before continuing on to tonight’s dinner venue. Here, panoramic views across Melbourne’s skyline provide a magnificent backdrop for an unforgettable evening with fellow travellers.
Overnight: Oakwood Premier (or similar) B,D

 
Wednesday 20 October 2027

Melbourne to Albury by XPT
After an early breakfast this morning, we transfer to board the NSW TrainLink XPT in exclusive carriages for the scenic rail journey through north-east Victoria to Albury. Sit back and relax as the train travels through regional countryside and rural townships before arriving into Albury around midday.

Upon arrival, coaches will transfer us to our hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free for you to explore Albury’s city centre and surrounding areas at leisure.

This evening we travel across the border into Wodonga for our special Farewell Dinner at the acclaimed Miss Amelie. Enjoy a wonderful final evening together of dining and celebration as we reflect on the many experiences and friendships formed throughout the tour.
Overnight: Atura Albury (or similar) B,D

 
Thursday 21 October 2027

Albury to Sydney by XPT
After a leisurely start to the morning, we rejoin the NSW TrainLink XPT in our exclusive carriages for the final stage of our journey back to Sydney. Relax in comfort as the train travels south through regional New South Wales, providing one final opportunity to enjoy the scenery and reflect on the remarkable experiences shared throughout this cruise and rail adventure.

As we prepare lunch onboard, the XPT climbs the unique Bethungra Spiral before travelling through the Cullerin Ranges toward Goulburn. A light dinner will be served onboard during our journey through the Southern Highlands as we continue towards Sydney, marking the conclusion of this unforgettable Grand Princess cruise and Southern Australia touring experience. B,L,D

 

Timings and experiences including cruise and rail arrival and departure times may vary at any time throughout our journey. We will advise of any changes as soon as practicable. 

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