DAY 1 – ARRIVE PERTH

After making your own way to Perth, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront 

DAY 2 – ROTTNEST ISLAND

Make your way to Barrack Street Jetty and board Rottnest Express, bound for Rottnest Island, 22kms offshore. A 90- minute air-conditioned bus tour around ‘Rotto’ takes you to some spectacular locations, including Wadjemup Lighthouse and the boardwalk lookout at the rugged west end. Feast on a delicious lunch before exploring the island at your leisure – make sure you meet a quokka. Return to Perth by ferry in the afternoon. (B,L)

DAY 3 – PERTH TO MARGARET RIVER

Your day starts with a picturesque drive south to the fabulous Margaret River region, with several stops along the way. In Mandurah, a coffee break by the foreshore is followed by a visit to the Featured Wood Gallery in Bunbury. At Busselton, walk off your delicious lunch with a stroll along the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

Next is a visit to everyone’s favourite, the Margaret River Chocolate Company, with its beautiful handmade chocolate truffles and more.

From here, we travel along the coast and see the action at Surfers Point, where the world’s best surfers come to compete. We’ll also see where the Margaret River meets the Indian ocean.

Visiting the quaint coastal town of Prevelly, we’ll learn of the fascinating wartime connection with Crete and see Prevelly’s charming Greek memorial chapel. (Please note we sometimes switch this around and include this on Day 4 or 5). Continuing along the coast, we’ll arrive at our overnight accommodation.

The evening is at leisure. Your guide will suggest options for dinner, which is at your own expense. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Margaret’s Beach Resort or Margaret In Town

DAY 4 – MARGARET RIVER

Today is all about exploring the region’s stunning scenery and fantastic natural and cultural attractions. We’ll start by visiting Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and see remains of megafauna over 50,000 years old found at Mammoth Cave, a gigantic, underground limestone cave. 

Next is a scenic drive through the majestic Boranup Karri Forest, where awe-inspiring trees tower over 65m tall. This forest is a feast for the senses, with the forest floor carpeted with wildflowers, orchids and fungi (in season), together with the sounds of native birds and the fresh smell of eucalyptus. 

We’ll continue south to picturesque Hamelin Bay, where a jetty once stood. Built for exporting timber, this old jetty has been in ruins for many years. The bay is now known for the friendly stingrays that cruise the shallow waters. 

Passing through the hilltop coastal town of Augusta, we’ll have views of the Blackwood River on the way to the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Australia’s tallest mainland lighthouse. Here, you will be able to see the Southern Ocean meeting the Indian Ocean. Learn what life was like for the lighthouse keepers and their families on a guided tour.

Lunch will be at either The Colour Patch, overlooking the beautiful Blackwood River, or at Hamelin Bay Wines, with magnificent views over there Karridale vineyard. Both have delicious options for lunch to match with a glass of wine or beer. 

This afternoon, there is time to explore the town of Margaret River before returning to your accommodation. Your evening is at leisure, with dinner at your own arrangements. (B,L) 

DAY 5 – MARGARET RIVER TO PERTH 

Today is all about food and wine. Visit Yahava Koffee Works, where the proprietors are so passionate about coffee that they travel the world looking for the best coffee beans, which are then roasted in house. Indulge in tastings while you learn how to make the perfect cup of coffee.

Margaret River is famous for award-winning wineries and cellar doors. Today, we visit two wineries for tastings. At the second winery, your premium wine tasting will be paired with local cheeses from the Margaret River Dairy Co.

Your gourmet day continues at Olio Bello, an olive oil farm. Experience first-hand the subtle flavours of extra virgin olive oil, including citrus pressed oils and enjoy a tasing of the incredible range of condiments. The Olio Bello Café has a menu inspired by their award-winning oils and fresh farm produce and this is where we sit down for a delicious lunch accompanied by a glass of wine, beer or juice. 

After lunch, your Margaret River Escape concludes as you return to your Perth accommodation. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: 1 night DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront 

DAY 6 – BOARD THE INDIAN PACIFIC IN PERTH

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and being transferred to the Indian Pacific.

Your afternoon begins with a welcome gathering, in celebration of the start of your journey across the country and along the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track. Spend a relaxed afternoon getting to know your fellow travellers after you board the Indian Pacific and pull away from Perth, leaving the Indian Ocean behind and cruising toward the Pacific. Tonight, a delectable dinner is served on board, featuring contemporary Australian cuisine with seasonal and regional flavours. (B,D)

OVERNIGHT: 4 nights Indian Pacific

DAY 7 – INDIAN PACIFIC, KALGOORLIE AND COOK

Awake to see the sunrise unfold across Australia’s largest outback town, Kalgoorlie. This morning, we’ll delve into this mining town’s fascinating past and present, with a visit to the region’s gold-rush era, now modern-day, Super Pit mine. Decide how you want to explore Kalgoorlie on your choice of Off Train Experience, including morning refreshments. Reboarding the train mid-morning for brunch, the remainder of the day is on board at your leisure. Sit back and enjoy the hospitality as you take in spectacular views of the seemingly endless expanse of the Nullarbor Plain. You’ll cross borders and time zones, entering South Australia before dinner. Late evening, the train will pull into the almost-ghost-town of Cook for a nightcap, late-night bonfire and stargazing experience. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 – INDIAN PACIFIC, BAROSSA VALLEY

Spend the morning travelling through the pastoral lands and communities of remote South Australia as the Indian Pacific cruises past the Flinders Rangers, Spencer Gulf and the Adelaide Plains. Breakfast and lunch are both served on board. Mid-afternoon, the train pulls into Two Wells, where you’ll disembark and transfer in comfortable coaches for a short ride to the world-renowned, wineproducing region of the Barossa Valley. You’ll spend the evening at Seppeltsfield Winery, delighting in a signature dining experience in the vintage cellar. 

A traditional ‘Firing of the Barrel’ display kicks off the evening, followed by a food and wine pairing curated by Executive Chef Owen Andrews, highlighting regional produce and traditional methods that reflect the story of the Barossa. Here, Platinum guests are also treated to a special 100-year-old wine tasting experience. 

After dinner, you’ll return to the Indian Pacific, continuing your rail journey through the night. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 – INDIAN PACIFIC, BROKEN HILL

Crossing another border during the night, you’ll wake up in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, ready for the day’s activities in the Silver City. You’ll have a choice of four Off Train Experiences, including guided history, art and cultural experiences that showcase the highlights of Australia’s first heritage-listed city. 

Returning to the train for lunch, admire the scenery as the Indian Pacific travels through regional New South Wales. Tonight, dinner is served on board as you make the most of your final night exploring Australia by train. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 – INDIAN PACIFIC, BLUE MOUNTAINS AND SYDNEY 

The Blue Mountains is known for its soaring sandstone ridges wrapped in native flora. This World Heritage-listed area marks your final stop before arriving in Sydney. Say goodbye to the Indian Pacific after breakfast, to travel deep into the mountains for this afternoon’s Off Train Experiences. 

Scenic World includes four phenomenal mountain experiences, from the Scenic Skyway, which takes you over ancient ravines, with 360-degree vistas to the Scenic Cableway that glides over the forest to the valley floor and the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world. Alternatively, stretch your legs on a guided walk with spectacular views from numerous lookouts along the trail. Both experiences end at Echo Point Lookout, perched on the edge of the escarpment in Katoomba, where a light lunch is served.

Complete your journey on our chartered New South Wales rail service (fully hosted by our crew) into Sydney Central Station. Alternatively, if you prefer to arrive in Sydney earlier, stay on board the Indian Pacific to travel directly to Sydney Central Station. (B,L) (B)