Christmas on the Great Southern - Australia's newest luxury train: Adelaide - Canberra - Brisbane

In 2021, I travelled on Journey Beyond's Overland train from Melbourne to Adelaide, the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Adelaide, the Ghan Platinum service from Adelaide to Darwin. The Great Southern is the company's brand new luxury train service. In the 2021-2022 season, Journey Beyond organised a special Christmas Great Southern trip, it departs Adelaide on Christmas Eve, passengers will then enjoy a sumptuous feast at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra on Christmas day, and after a short stopover in Coffs Harbour, the train will arrive Brisbane on boxing day. After 2 months of editing, I have put this festive three-day journey into a one hour long video, I hope you'll enjoy it! Let's go!!
This video was filmed from 23 December 2021 to 26 December 2021
Train type: The Great Southern
From Adelaide Parklands Terminal to Brisbane Acacia Ridge Freight Terminal
Locomotive: Pacific National NR30, NR31
Max Speed: 115km/h (71mph)
Total distance: 2,885km (1,793mi)
Travel time: 56h40m
Cabin: A/5
Class: Gold Service Single Cabin
Day 1 Christmas Eve
00:00 Introduction - Great Southern
03:10 Check in @ Adelaide Parklands Terminal
04:44 Gold and Platinum cabin types
08:35 Boarding + Departure
11:03 Gold Single cabin layout
13:50 Murray Bridge
14:38 Lunch
17:36 South Australia - Victoria State Border
19:12 Stawell Off Train Excursion - Grampians National Park
24:55 Dinner
26:52 Seat turned into a bed
Day 2 Christmas Day
28:14 Shower
29:17 Breakfast
31:52 Canberra Off Train Excursion
36:47 Christmas Lunch Buffet @ Hyatt Hotel Canberra
39:18 Goulburn
41:37 Christmas Dinner!
Day 3 Boxing Day
45:27 Breakfast
46:57 Coffs Harbour Off Train Excursion - Forest Sky Pier + Botanic Gardens
52:09 Lunch
55:03 Cougal Spiral - New South Wales - Queensland State Border
56:22 Summary
59:10 Brisbane New Year Fireworks
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#Greatsouthern #LuxuryTravel #Trains #AustralianTrains #travelAustralia #christmas #Indianpacific #Ghan #Adelaide #sydneytrains #sydney #melbourne #JourneyBeyond #Nighttrains #holiday #honeymoon #Canberra

[@OllieWasHere]

Your dedication to making great videos amazes me! You have given up your Christmas to show us the wonderful great southern! Great video Rory.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@elizabethdawson4108]

if you realy dont like the FAMILY ==HOOP=LA= at xmas time = why not go on a train trip xox

[@joepaasch8222]

Not everyone celebrates xmas. 😉

[@Charliexmetcalfe]

It’s Christmas in July, not real Christmas

[@robyoungquist5803]

Brilliant review Rory 😉👍🏻. Even though this clocked out at an hour presentation, at no time did I ever feel bored … and for this American, it was a splendid look at your great Country. So looking forward to your next trip. 😉👍🏻

[@melmazing3993]

Yayyyy!! I'm off work sick, this is a treat!! Thanks Rory ☺️🇦🇺

[@RoryDing]

I hope you get well soon! 😊

[@Falkirion]

As someone who works on railways for a living seeing the long distance services is interesting. Saw The Ghan during a Gawler commissioning in January and was impressed by it's length as it entered the Dry Creek area. Keep up the great work Rory!

[@ryandoyle2840]

Rory, another amazing video! You make it feel like viewers are actually there through your excellent visuals and unbiased commentary. Your attention to detail is also top notch! In particular, it is so considerate that you indicate when meat options at meals will be shown, and I am not even vegetarian/vegan. Also appreciate your fair assessment of the services provided without the entitlement and "drama" that some other travel reviewers here on KZbin seem to thrive on. Can't wait for your upcoming video on the Indian Pacific!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Ryan 😊

[@mentlegens]

I just wanted to say I really enjoy your videos, they're so well-shot and detailed and your narration is great! :) And I really appreciate that you put in notes to help people skip seeing meat being eaten, it's just a really thoughtful and kind detail.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@ashp2503]

I get so excited everytime I see you travel into Canberra (my current city) and Goulburn (born and raised) and start squealing that I know these places haha

[@debramage739]

Wonderful trip Rory, food had me drooling and the rock and roll of the train was the icing on the cake.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊 I loved the Christmas buffet 😁😁

[@hollymka5233]

you are my comfort channel 🙌

[@arokh72]

Good to see you still covering Australian train trips. I'm sick of seeing only US and western European content, as it seem other creators don't want to venture beyond the US and western Europe. I'm sure I've seen all of the Amtrak trips, and various Euro trips already.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@watfordman4639]

An incredible video Rory! You always make very honest and enjoyable reviews and travel vlogs. This video was another perfect example of that. Thank you for sharing this experience!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you! 😊

[@mtnclimberut]

Your travel videos are amongst the best out there; always highly informative, generous of the details, attentive to what travelers can expect to experience at every point, and respectful of the interesting history and notable sights at each stop along the way, your videologs are excellent and thorough marketing for the services you trial. I want to spend weeks traveling across Australia along all of these train lines in no small blame to your videos. Hopefully, some of these private companies offer you generous discounts in exchange for your work, at the very least.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Dave! Glad you enjoy my videos and enjoy your trips across Australia 😊

[@wilsonlee372]

The Christmas lunch looks so good 🤩

[@RoryDing]

I enjoyed the crayfish 😁

[@Fan-ix4eh]

Agree

[@mercilessmage7300]

Thank you for sharing your exciting journey with us Rory. I hope that one Christmas that you will be able to treat yourself and your girlfriend to a trip on the Great Southern in a platinum cabin. Your attention to detail to life onboard and the information regarding excursion trips was second to none. Yet again, you’ve produced another wonderful video!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you! 😊

[@ThaiDan]

Rory…the level of detail you go into is amazing, your photography and editing are incredible, and your excitement (especially for the food!) is contagious and makes me want to jump on the next train! Thank you very much!!! Keep up the great work!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Dan 😊😊 glad you like it 😁

[@BikeAfrica]

This was so informative and well made. The graphics, maps and location labels were very clear and made the information efficient. Your commentary is clear and never intrudes on the experience.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@lisaspz9553]

Another great video Rory! We are living the Journey beyond experiences through your channel 😄

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Lisa 😊

[@melStephens1994]

Hi Rory, once again, another great video! I will be doing the Great Southern for Christmas 2023. If anybody is interested, I’m going to be doing a video about accessibility on journey beyond very soon so if you like Rory I can send you the link to that

[@RoryDing]

Sounds good! Enjoy your trip and please feel free to send me a link 😊

[@melStephens1994]

I had a great time, it was my 5th Indian Pacific trip, every bit as good as all the others. There are already 2 videos on my channel about it, next one will be there soon. I'm also doing videos on accessability on the XPT train. Also, I stayed at Holiday In Pot's Point, thanks to your review, it was great, thank you so much for the recomendation.

[@sallywitchard8965]

I live in Coffs Harbour. I love going to the botanical gardens and the cemetery next door. Great video Rory! Hope you get back to Coffs soon

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊 I do wish to visit again soon!

[@HGCUPCAKES]

What a fabulous video! Thank you Rory ❤ And Happy New Year! 🎉 It was sad to see the younger people in front of you not being bothered to sing Elizabeth a Happy birthday for her 89th birthday.

[@charcoalmonkey2991]

1 yr old and I still love it❤

[@kerrymuller7389]

Thanks for another great video. I came off the Indain Pacific 6 weeks ago, was also in a Single cabin. I felt like I was home when watching the video.

[@infamyinfamy]

Wow that buffet at the Hyatt looked awesome! I'd love to take some long train trips in Australia one day.

[@RoryDing]

I agree! I really loved the seafood!

[@TransportLens]

What a great video Rory! This video was well worth my hour. I can’t wait for the Indian Pacific to Perth.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@jackybeck2479]

40:15, I totally agree with you, The Ghan livery is my favourite.

[@jslasher1]

"Great Southern" caps and other products featuring the trains' logo and colour scheme are available from the Journeys Beyond webpage. I thoroughly enjoyed the Platinum experience during the 'extended highlights' journey ex Adelaide ton 23 February 2024. Great meals, outstanding crew and some interesting off train experiences to be savoured.

[@davidclaydon6907]

Great video of your trip Rory. I’ve done the XPT to casino and from Sydney to Melbourne, but this looks way better. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for watching David! Yes this is something different compare to the XPT 😀

[@bobgriffiths6600]

Your videos are consistently excellent. You are very thorough in explaining each facet of your journey and experience. Thank you.

[@steveplanesnlego9055]

Great video… Hyatt Canberra. A special place…

[@LouieBrissenden]

Another great video Rory! My husband and I always look forward to your adventures. Have you thought about merch? I’d buy a t shirt

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Louis! I used to do merch but the suppliers that KZbin allowed are all based in the US, which made shipping very expensive, so I’m trying to get a local supplier before putting up merch again 😊

[@tonyreimann]

Another great video Rory, I really enjoyed it as I do all your videos. You actually made me want to do this trip. Maybe when I can afford it.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Tony! Glad you enjoyed my videos 😊

[@darinbryant7224]

Once again a extremely well presented and informative package. I have been thinking of this trip. My questions answered. Cheers mate

[@RoryDing]

Thank you! Glad you find the video helpful 😊

[@colinvannbohemen11]

Another excellent offering from Rory. thank you for your terrific efforts!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@hyfroC]

Rory I love all your reviews! Thank you for your diligent updates on the Australian train lines. We love you!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@ajjuney]

Great informative video Rory - thanks!

[@jamesiopu8624]

Love your work Rory 😊👍

[@karinnaude7135]

Loved this video, it’s very informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@stevenjohannesen88]

Thankyou thankyou thankyou, for filming all those lovely treats on the Christmas Buffet lunch, fantastic Vlog, ❤️🦘🦘🦘

[@pm110978]

Thank you for the video sir 👍

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@Tbpker22]

Very nice video, Rory, perhaps someday you might be able to come to the U.S. and ride some of Amtrak's long distance services - would really like to know your impressions of those epic journeys!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you! And yes I would love to ride on the Amtrak’s one day!

[@rondarkman.]

Would love to do the zypher trip coast to coast I think thats the one

[@Tbpker22]

@@rondarkman. Yes, the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco is Amtrak's most scenic train.

[@firstfreeone]

Thanks Rory another good video.

[@littlemiss_76]

Nicely done once again Rory. Another trip I have to save for.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@rachelleherron8389]

Love your videos they are awesome

[@sonjakrohn4303]

That was great fun, Rory!!! 😃. Thanks.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for watching! 😊

[@Nannasrevival]

Again another great video. I love watching the train journeys and your commentary is so easy to listen to and informative. I had to make a sandwich while watching as your delicious meals made me hungry. I also love your descriptions of the meals. Thank you.

[@rickthelian2215]

Thank you for sharing your experience Rory😀

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@Thisbe2001]

another great video. I have just booked from Melb to Brisbane with NSW train. Yours is luxury. You did inspire to ride on The Overland in March 2022. thanks

[@julesmarwell8023]

you definitely enjoy what you do. that is a recipe for happiness. Thank you for your dedication, looking forward to more of your vlog/s. Take care.

[@bro031]

Definitely enjoyed watching this one , I might at some stage give it a go as a once off sort of thing.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for watching!! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@PaulaBean]

Daydrinking at 7 o'clock in the morning, that's something I've never tried ;-)

[@wehtam4807]

Another awesome video Rory, my only complaint is that I wish I could watch a new video of yours every week. Keep up your great work.

[@lindavainomae3489]

Another great video Rory which covered all aspects of the trip really well and I appreciate the research you do into all the historical details of the lines and information on the trains. I thnk it is great that Journey Beyond has added another itinerary to its stable of rail cruises. I hope for more in the future. Btw - the Chrstmas seafood buffet looked amazing!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Linda! Glad you enjoyed my videos 😊😊

[@kcngang5831]

This is the second video I’ve watched of yours, what a great job you’ve done Rory. Thank you. Now to watch your others.

[@eddstevens6471]

My wife and I totally enjoy your videos. They are very informative and well edited! You have a pleasant voice and a well paced commentary. Cheers!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you! Thanks for watching 😊

[@ivanhajncl8833]

And just one or two elocution lessons will assist all those with speech defects

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Very interesting and not boring at all.

[@paulwhittlesey7424]

Excellent account of your trip. Answers all of my questions before booking. Thankyou

[@BinkBricks]

I really enjoyed this video. I knew this train existed but I didn't really know the tracks that it uses, so I thank you for teaching me that. Gold class seems fine for this journey, and all the off trains tours are extremely cool, I do wish that helicopter trip was included in the ticket though. Food looks great on this trip and the Christmas lunch looked so tasty! Even though it's July you made me feel just like it's Christmas. I enjoyed watching the whole video and found the journey to be quite interesting along the way. One day when I have the money I would love to do this, it looks awesome. Great video Rory and I can't wait for the Indian Pacific Adelaide to Perth!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for always watching the entire length of my video!! Glad you liked this one too!! ☺️

[@BinkBricks]

@@RoryDing I can see the amazing work and effort you put into these videos so I have to watch the whole thing. Keep up the stunning work!

[@MattMc33]

Another fantastic job Rory!

[@1kmwilkins]

Really enjoying your videos, well done, and appreciate the amount of detail you go into. Can't wait to see where you go next!

[@BeyondNegativeOfficial]

Glad you uploaded this so everyone can see it Great videos! P.S You've travelled on all of the most luxurious trains in Australia! Hope u can film International soon!

[@RoryDing]

Hi yes! I’m planning to do a lot of overseas trips from next year 😊

[@BeyondNegativeOfficial]

Nice! Hope to see some Asian and European Flight and Train Reviews with even higher quality

[@BinkBricks]

@@RoryDing I am very excited!

[@jordanhay1669]

Great video. Thanks for making it Rory 😁

[@Nukacola38]

Thoroughly enjoyed that!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@RubyPlanet81]

Thanks for making a great video! Glad to see my hometown in the sub tropics too. It's well worth checking out the whole region and going fishing, snorkeling and bushwalking. I might have to save up and take a foodie train ride with my partner in the near future. Looks so relaxing and the food looks so delicious!🤤😋

[@RoryDing]

Thank you for watching! I do love train travel 😊

[@lynnebunning7273]

Another well presented & informative video. You make the viewer want to do it. Definitely going to look into it. Cheers Lynne Victoria 🇦🇺👍🏻❤️

[@neilmansfield8329]

Love your good information

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@patrickgardiner9215]

such a good video rory!

[@pianoonparade]

Finally got around to watching this, dedicating an hour. Another banger of a vid Rory!

[@TMOC1977]

Rory, your videos are absolutely fantastic!!!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@tranquilbakergentletraveller]

Such an abundant Christmas lunch buffet!

[@RoryDing]

I really enjoyed the seafood! 😂

[@Hedriks]

omg that buffet!! that seafood!!

[@PlanetFrosty]

I appreciate your videos and information on these quality train rides.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@chrissyod1]

I really enjoy your videos

[@suzanawebb3216]

excellent video as usual , loved it .

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@maureen8966]

Hi Rory thank you very much for a great and amazing video. Enjoyed ever minute of it. Can't wait for next video

[@RoryDing]

Thank you Maureen 😊

[@Hello_69269]

Yea G’mate this is so good to see and I cannot wait to see Adelaide again hopefully you will be there again you where so amazing to see in person

[@RoryDing]

Thank you! It was lovely to meet you too!

[@sulray]

What an enjoyable and informative video,really enjoyed it

[@janemudie8132]

What a great video! Thank you so much for taking the time to film these videos & also for the level of information you include. Well done to you! My husband & I always choose your videos to watch first.

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Great video, Rory. Definitely worth the wait 😊

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@brianbuzzen]

Thank you, what an interesting route it takes. Compact was a great description for the gold single cabin .

[@edwardchimaudeen8930]

Rory GREETINGS from Thailand. Excellent video!! Thank YOU.

[@kathleenharsha6504]

Awesome, Rory. I really enjoyed taking the trip with you. I travelled on the Indian Pacific 4 years ago and this October I am taking a tour on the Ghan from Adelaide to Alice Springs with several days of travel by coach to visit Uluru and the surrounding sites. So looking forward to it. Now, I want to do tis trip as well.

[@RoryDing]

Sounds good! Enjoy your trip on the Ghan! ☺️☺️☺️

[@laurennjk]

awesome video rory! :) looked like a great experience! can't wait for the next trip

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@Luke-ut6ey]

Well done Rory. Another great video. Always great attention to detail.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@fionaw7566]

Love your videos

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@johannbrandstatter7419]

Just a quick thank you Rory for your presentations. As a train buff from way back, I really enjoy your travels. One day I wish to do them myself. Keep up the good work and keep us happy watching you getting around - happy journeys !

[@elcasho]

Brilliant Rory!

[@RoryDing]

Sorry I didn’t have a pie review again! 😂

[@1MrBryn]

Absolutely going above and beyond with your videos, Rory. Well done.

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@clay9185]

Thankyou for a very informative video, you’ve certainly made me want to experience this journey. Your attention to detail is very impressive, Look forward to future journeys. Safe travels…

[@glynnismacpherson504]

I ENJOYED THE TRIP VERY MUCH RORY 👍

[@nathanparkinson4485]

Great video Rory, keep up the good work

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@nickalliker6219]

An excellent video Rory; plenty of information and stunning scenery. I definitely want to do a trip with Journey Beyond after seeing your trip reports. Keep up the good work 👍👍

[@richardjenkins128]

I’ve got my evening sorted! I watched the Ghan video 3 times already! Keep it up. I hope we can fund you to do some international trips…

[@RoryDing]

Wow thank you!! Yes I’m planning international next year. Currently it’s a bit chaotic to travel in Europe i think

[@jinzou2037]

great video. i have been waiting for this for like forever. so happy the vid is out

[@RoryDing]

Sorry it took me a while to edit Hope you still liked the video 😊

[@jinzou2037]

@@RoryDing it was worth the wait. really did enjoy the video

[@900-mileobsession8]

This is a very good video, I've watched it several times! I love your channel!

[@CJTheAllrounder]

Great stuff!! I will watch the whole video when I get home! This is making me really excited to go on it in the near future. I also did another trip on the Australind a few days ago

[@RoryDing]

Did you enjoy your Australind trip?

[@CJTheAllrounder]

@@RoryDing Yes I did. It ran on time. The toasted sandwiches from the buffet were excellent and the staff were really friendly. I’ll probably do another trip on it later this year which will be my last one on the current train before it gets replaced next year

[@blokeabouttown2490]

I love your reviews Rory, I'm now a new subscriber to your excellent channel. Hope to see some more great content from you soon.

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Nice video Rory. What a great way to spend christmas in my opinion.

[@RoryDing]

It was a special way to spend Christmas!

[@mmwalks]

Enjoyed watching this one. The food looked amazing, would love to have been at that Christmas lunch 🤤

[@RoryDing]

Indeed! I really loved the seafood!!

[@tstrains711]

Wow Great Video !!

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@PradeepRaajkumar1981]

Lovely Ultimate video again.. I have not been there other VICTORIA- Ballarat & Melbourne... Wonderful Mate...

[@RoryDing]

Thank you 😊

[@PradeepRaajkumar1981]

@@RoryDingWelcome mate .. Take care...