Day 1: Indian Pacific Gold Service: Sydney – Broken Hill

Make your own way to Central Railway Station in Sydney, departing in the afternoon on a true journey of contrasts that will take you through the heights of the majestic Blue Mountains and across the barren expanse of the Nullarbor Plain to lush vineyards and vast goldmines. Named for the two oceans the train encounters on its journey, the Indian Paci c travels between Sydney and Perth via Adelaide on a spectacular 4,352km journey. Settle into your cabin and relax, or make your way to the Outback Explorer Lounge to meet fellow guests and help yourself to a welcome drink.

Day 2: Indian Pacific: Broken Hill – Adelaide

Wake up to a coffee or tea as you arrive in Broken Hill this morning to explore the beauty of the ‘Silver City’ and discover the history of the mining industry that is at the heart of the town. Step back on board and head to the Queen Adelaide Restaurant for breakfast, where an extensive menu caters to all tastes. By the time lunch is served, you’ll be well into South Australia on the southern tip of the Flinders Ranges.

Day 3: Indian Pacific: The Nullarbor

Marvel at the raw beauty of the vast Nullarbor plains as you awake this morning, and reflect on the changing landscapes that background your rail journey. Your sense of wonder will be aroused when it comes time to set foot in remote Rawlinna later today. Under brilliant desert stars, enjoy an evening stop in a location experienced only by an intrepid few.

Arrive into the cosmopolitan Western Australian capital of Perth after lunch. You’ll be transferred to your hotel. Get to know your Travel Director and travelling companions at dinner this evening.

Today journey through the Golden Outback to Hyden. Join a local guide on a tour of Boddington Gold Mine. Continue to famous Wave Rock. Then take a short walk to Hippo’s Yawn, another fascinating rock formation. Afterwards you may like to wander through the visitor centre’s eclectic collection of lace and the largest collection of toy soldiers in the world, or even take a tour of Hyden Wildlife Park.

This morning you’ll take an exclusive farm tour to hear about life in the Outback with Wave Rock local, Sheena. Take part in the morning cattle feed then explore a collection of vintage cars. Continue to Kalgoorlie, after a visit to the lookout for views in to the open cut mine, discover the stories of this historic town on an orientation tour.

Today visit Cape Le Grand National Park for breathtaking views of wild coastal scenery, rugged peaks and sweeping heathlands. Stop at awe-inspiring Thistle Cove to marvel at its dazzling white sand, crystal-clear blue water, and lazing kangaroos.

Day 8: Esperance – Albany

See the mysterious Pink Lake outside Esperance, and travel through Ravensthorpe and the Fitzgerald Biosphere to Bluff Knoll Lookout to the rugged beauty of the Stirling Ranges National Park, one of the world’s richest in flora. Continue to Albany, a town imbued with Anzac history.

Day 9: Albany

This morning, take your time to explore this historic town. In 1914, 41,000 Australians and New Zealanders left Albany on their way to WWI. This afternoon visit the recently-inaugurated National Anzac Centre

Day 10: Albany – Margaret River

Visit the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk this morning to explore the canopy of the ancient Tingle forest. Stop in Nannup at lunchtime with time to explore, then travel on to Cape Leeuwin, where the Indian and Great Southern Oceans meet. You may like to take a guided tour to the top of the famous lighthouse before leaving for Margaret River, one of Australia’s premier wine-growing regions.

Day 11: Margaret River

First up, see fossils in the impressive Margaret River caves with a local guide. Then get ready to delight your tastebuds! Margaret River is known not only for its fabulous wines but also for its boutique producers. At Vasse Virgin you’ll learn about olive oil, taste gourmet produce, and sample a range of beauty preparations made from the oil of olives grown on the property. Continue to a local winery for wine-tastings and a lunch prepared from local produce.

Day 12: Margaret River – Fremantle

On arrival in Fremantle, the afternoon is yours to explore. You may like to visit the colourful Fremantle Markets to purchase local arts and crafts and taste local produce. Enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel.

Day 13: Fremantle

Join a local guide this morning for a private tour of historic convict-era Fremantle Prison. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You might choose to take a boat trip to nearby Rottnest Island, or a ride on the historic Fremantle Tram.

Travel north along the West Australian coastline, stopping in Yanchep National Park to enjoy an Aboriginal cultural experience in an authentic bush setting. Continue along the coast to the seaside hamlet of Lancelin and then to Nambung National Park, home of the Marvellous Pinnacles, a stunning series of intriguing limestone formations. Explore the seaside township of Geraldton and visit the evocative HMAS Sydney memorial.

Day 15: Geraldton – Monkey Mia

Travel to Shell Beach, one of only two in the world, formed from billions of coquina bivalve shells. Continue north to Denham. Visit the Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery and Visitor Centre with its state-of-the-art displays including soundscapes, historical and contemporary lm footage, interactive multimedia and objects of rare scientific and historical significance. Continue to the crystal blue waters and pristine beaches of Monkey Mia.

Day 16: Monkey Mia

After a breakfast overlooking the tranquil turquoise waters of the bay, watch as the famous Monkey Mia dolphins swim into shore to be fed. (Note: As the dolphins are wild creatures, their appearance cannot be guaranteed.) The rest of the day is at your leisure: why not take a scenic flight over Shark Bay Marine Park or an afternoon wildlife cruise aboard a sleek catamaran? In the evening, relax with a cocktail or a glass of wine and watch the world go by as the sun sets.

Travel to Hamelin Pool to discover a unique colony of Stromatolites. Then, venture into Kalbarri National Park today to the spectacular Murchison River Gorge.

During wildflower season, the National Park is alive with blooms.

Today you’ll travel back to your final destination, Perth. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Farewell Dinner.

Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.