Day 1: Sydney to Broken Hill

Today you depart Sydney in the afternoon and start a true journey of contrasts - it 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, and from cities of 4 million to ghost towns of just four citizens. Named for the two oceans the train encounters on its journey, the Indian Pacific travels between Perth and Sydney, via Adelaide, in a spectacular 4352km journey. Get acquainted with staff and your cabin, and settle in for the journey. As you venture beyond the city limits, settle back, open a book or switch on your onboard radio upon approach to the spectacular Blue Mountains. If you’d rather be social, make your way to the Outback Explorer Lounge to meet fellow guests and help yourself to a welcome drink.

Day 2: Broken Hill to Adelaide

Wake up with a coffee as you arrive in Broken Hill, a classic mining town where the streets are wide and there is a pub on every corner. On your Off Train Excursion, explore the beauty of this Silver City and discover the history of mining that makes the town what it is today and the artistic culture that also abounds in the area. Visit the Pro Hart Gallery, where you can learn all about one of Australia's most iconic and enduring artists, whose art captures the spirit of the outback. Stepping back on board, head straight to Queen Adelaide Restaurant for breakfast. An extensive menu caters to all tastes – from light fare such as bagels, cereals and juices to the traditional cooked Australian breakfast. Take your time as you have a full day onboard to yourself. By the time lunch is served, you’ll already be well into South Australia on the southern tip of the Flinders Ranges. What better way to celebrate than digging into a beautifully prepared South Eastern Australian beef medallion, served with dauphinoise potato, broccolini onion jam and red wine jus?

Day 3: The Nullabour

Wake up and marvel at the raw beauty of the Nullarbor. Taking its name from the Latin meaning ‘no trees’, the ancient Nullarbor conjures the sense of limitless space and time. Take some time to reflect on the changing landscapes in your journey and to enjoy the hospitality of the Outback Explorer Lounge as you travel across Australia’s longest single stretch of railway. Your sense of wonder will be well and truly ignited when it comes time to set foot at Rawlinna that evening. Under brilliant desert stars, enjoy an evening stop at a place where even the most intrepid of travellers have never ventured.

Arrive into the cosmopolitan western capital of Perth after lunch. You'll be transferred to your hotel to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions and get to know them over a delicious meal.

Journey to the Golden Outback passing through Corrigin to Hyden and visit fascinating Wave Rock at lunch time. This magnificent rock formation resembling a gigantic wave, was formed over three million years ago. Once you've seen Wave Rock, grab a spot of lunch and why not wander through the visitor centre's eclectic collection of lace and the largest collection of toy soldiers in the world. Continue through the Wheatbelt and the former ghost town of Coolgardie on your way to Kalgoorlie. This town in the gold fields is surrounded by some of the most dazzling spring wildflowers (seasonal).

Day 6: Kalgoorlie – Esperance

This morning you’ll join a local guide on a tour of the Super Pit gold mine. The Super Pit produces up to 850,000 ounces of gold every year and is the largest open-pit gold mine in Australia. Afterwards, discover the character and stories of this historic gold mining town on an orientation tour. Why not sneak in to the Exchange Hotel for lunch in Kalgoorlie's most iconic pub. Later, stop to look out over the impressive salt lake, Lake Lefroy, then continue through Norseman and on to Esperance for a two night stay at this picturesque seaside town.

Day 7: Esperance

 Visit Cape Le Grand National Park for breathtaking views of the wild coastal scenery, rugged granite peaks and sweeping heathlands. Stop at awe-inspiring Thistle Cove and marvel at its jaw dropping white sand and crystal clear blue water. At Lucky Bay, one of the most unique and stunning bays in Australia, you may see grey kangaroos that like to laze on the pristine beach. Just magic! This afternoon is yours to do as you wish. Maybe kick back and relax with a book by the water or take a wander through this seaside hamlet. 

See the mysterious Pink Lake and travel through Ravensthorpe and the Fitzgerald Biosphere to Bluff Knoll Lookout to witness the rugged beauty of the Stirling Ranges National Park. The National Park is one of the richest areas for flora in the world. Continue to Albany, rich in Anzac history, and settle in to your hotel for the night.

Day 9: Albany – Margaret River

In 1914, 41,000 Australians and New Zealanders left Albany bound for WWI. This morning why not visit the National Anzac Centre which opened in 2014 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the first convoys departing. Afterwards you'll  journey to Valley of the Giants to explore the canopy of the Tingle forest along the Tree Top Walk. Continue to Margaret River, one of Australia’s premier wine growing regions. The region's scenery and fresh air will leave you invigorated.

Day 10: Margaret River Sights

Get ready for a day that will delight your taste buds! Margaret River is known not only for its fabulous wine but also for it's fresh produce and boutique producers. First up you'll visit a berry farm for a delicious devonshire tea in a picturesque cottage garden. You'll have the chance to taste the farm's homemade jams, preserves and more at the cellar door before continuing to Laurance Wines for lunch. Next you'll visit a boutique brewery with spectacular views of the surrounding farms, National park and vineyards. Enjoy a tasting paddle of their finest craft beer to top off your day. Your evening is free to do as you wish.

Day 11: Margaret River – Fremantle

This morning, why not grab a coffee and wander around Margaret River township before you travel north to Busselton, a popular holiday resort on the shores of Geographe Bay. On arrival in Fremantle you'll have a chance to grab a bite to eat for lunch before joining a local guide for a private tour of Fremantle Prison. Step inside and take a journey back in time where you can view life as it was for prisoners and discover how time was passed in the yards, while you marvel at original prisoner works of art. From its convict origins in the 1850’s until its closure as a maximum-security gaol in 1991, your entertaining guide will show you the lighter side of prison humour. 

Day 12: Fremantle

With a free day to explore this wonderful town, you could visit the colourful Fremantle Markets. There are 150 stalls under one roof and you’ll have a chance to purchase local arts and crafts and taste local delights. You may like to wander along the Fremantle foreshore and enjoy some Aussie fish and chips with views of Freo’s famous fishing fleet or sip a cooling ale at Little Creatures Brewery. Whatever it is you choose to do, you're bound to enjoy every second.

Today you'll travel along the coast to the port of Geraldton.

 Heading north to Yanchep National Park, you’ll enjoy a fantastic Aboriginal cultural experience in a bush setting. Meet your Aboriginal guide who’ll share with you their way of life and will treat you to the enchanting sounds of the didgeridoo. It's a hands on experience where you'll have the chance to touch and feel traditional Aboriginal tools and it will have you rolling around with laughter. Continue along the coast to the seaside hamlet of Lancelin at lunchtime and then to Nambung National Park, home of the marvelous Pinnacles, a series of intriguing limestone formations. On arrival in Geraldton you'll visit the evocative HMAS Sydney Memorial and have the chance to discover the seaside township.

Day 14: Geraldton – Monkey Mia

Travel to Hamelin Pool to see the world’s best known colony of Stromatolites. Dating back to the beginning of life on earth, while they may not appear alive, these living structures have helped scientists unravel the history of life on earth! Later visit fascinating Shell Beach, one of only two in the world, formed from billions of coquina bivalve shells up to ten metres deep. Continue to the crystal blue waters and the pristine white shell and sandy beaches of Monkey Mia where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Day 15: Monkey Mia Sights

Every morning, Monkey Mia's wild dolphins swim to shore to be fed and mingle with the people. After a leisurely breakfast overlooking the calm waters of the bay, watch the dolphins swim into shore (Note: As dolphins are wild their appearance cannot be guaranteed.) Today is yours to do as you choose. Why not take a scenic flight over Shark Bay Marine Park or after a lazy morning take an afternoon wildlife cruise aboard a catamaran to spot sea creatures great and small. In the evening, there's nothing like sitting back with a cocktail or a cool beer watching the world go by as the sun goes down over the water. 

Today, travel to Kalbarri. 

 Venture into Kalbarri National Park and view the spectacular scenery of Murchison River Gorge from the vantage point of Hawks Head Lookout and keep an eye out for graceful Peregrine Falcons hunting along the gorges and cliffs. During wildflower season, the National Park is a bloom with many a variety of wildflower. You'll spot Acacia, Banksia, Caladenia and more! Later visit Red Bluff Lookout for incredible views over the Indian Ocean. Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Today you'll travel back to your final destination, Perth. On the way you'll stop at New Norcia, a Benedictine community owned and operated by a group of Roman Catholic monks since 1847. It's Australia's only monastic town, where the monks live and work. You'll have a chance to explore the town's museum and art gallery. Tonight join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. What a great opportunity to share a few laughs as you recount stories from the last 14 days together! 

Bid farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday concludes after breakfast.