Great Southern Rail's Luxury Train Journey Along the Australian Coastline

ADELAIDE, SA -The Southern Spirit, the newest train journey from established and venerated Australian brand, Great Southern Rail, launches its exclusive Whistle Stop Tour schedule for its first full season - beginning in November 2011. From breathtaking beaches, to memorable culinary experiences, to getting up close and personal with wildlife, The Southern Spirit's Whistle Stop Tours offer an exciting journey through one of the world's most beautiful countries.

While guests enjoy the journey across four states between Adelaide, South Australia and Brisbane, Queensland via Melbourne, they can revel in what they've just experienced on the Whistle Stop Tours, share their favorite sites or just rest up for the next stop. The Southern Spirit offers luxurious accommodations with a choice of platinum and gold services, both including private cabins and meals in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant.

"Our Whistle Stop Tour schedule acts as a gateway for our guests to explore Australia via the path less traveled on The Southern Spirit," said Chief Executive of Great Southern Rail, Tony Braxton-Smith. "We've introduced a convenient, leisurely way to visit some of Australia's most sought after sites while aboard the newest train by Great Southern Rail."

The Southern Spirit's Whistle Stop Tour stops for the 2011/2012 season include:

Brisbane and Byron Bay: A visit to a small coastal village of Byron Bay, the most easterly point of the Australia, provides a laid back atmosphere with breathtaking beaches and a main street to enjoy shops and eats featuring local fare.

Port Macquarie: Guests can explore the historic coastal town of Port Macquarie and enjoy a relaxing scenic river cruise or a high speed boat adventure. History aficionados will enjoy the heritage walking trail and the Mid North Coast Maritime Museum.

Hunter Valley: Scenic Hunter Valley, known as one of Australia's premier wine areas, allows guests to tour wineries, taste wines of the region and visit restaurants using the freshest local ingredients.

Dubbo: Dubbo presents guest the opportunity to discover rare and endangered species at one of the world's finest open range sanctuaries, the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, as well as the Dundullimal Homestead, Australia's oldest timberslab homestead.

Albury-Wodonga and Melbourne: Guests will marvel at the scenery along The Great Dividing Range with a stop at the twin cities of Albury-Wodonga on the Murray River. Howlong Country Club, one of the most popular golf courses on the Murray River and home to the Murray Masters Pro AM, is a must see for golf enthusiasts. As the journey continues to Melbourne, the bustling city is home to a myriad of cafes, restaurants and bars sure to appease any food aficionado.

The Grampians and Adelaide: A final stop in the picturesque Grampians, affords guests the chance to explore nature within the vast mountain ranges and forests. After which, The Southern Spirit reaches its final destination, Australia's wine capital - Adelaide.

Fourteen departure dates will be available this season, making The Southern Spirit and its Whistle Stop Tour schedule a journey not to be missed. The Southern Spirit's five- or six-day trips include all Whistle Stop Tours and start at $4,235 USD - varying with departure point and service level. The Southern Spirit is now accepting reservations for the 2011/2012 season. To book, visit www.greatsouthernrail.com.au or contact a licensed travel agent.

More than simply a mode of transport that takes you to your destination, Great Southern Rail-proud operators of The Ghan, Indian Pacific, The Overland and The Southern Spirit-specializes in making train journeys an unforgettable part of the travel experience throughout the region.

Traveling on The Legendary Ghan (Darwin-Alice Springs-Adelaide), the mighty Indian Pacific (Perth-Sydney via Adelaide), The Overland (Adelaide-Melbourne), or The Southern Spirit (Adelaide/Melbourne-Brisbane) travelers have the opportunity to see and experience the real Australia, viewing it's native flora and fauna from air-conditioned comfort, and can look forward to meeting fellow travelers from Australia and around the world.