Perth, Sydney & Indian Pacific

Day 1: Arrive Perth 

On arrival into Perth International Airport, you will be transferred privately to Pan Pacific Perth hotel, where you will stay for four nights. Perth is Australia's sunniest capital city and effortlessly blends urban cool with raw natural beauty. The city is bustling with new bars, restaurants, and outlets, and exploring these is the perfect way to spend your first night. Perth is also home to Kings Park - one of the world's largest inner-city parks - a visit here is definitely recommended to see the Perth Skyline and Swan River.

Day 2: Perth 

Today is at leisure. Perhaps visit one of the beaches close to the city to bask in the Perth sunshine. Cottesloe and Scarborough beaches are both popular for swimming with tourists and locals alike and have many stylish eateries nearby, from which you can enjoy the sea views.

Day 3: Rottnest Island  

This morning you will head out on a full-day coach tour to Discover Rottnest Island. You’ll be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Rottnest Island by ferry, where you’ll then enjoy a tour around the island, exploring its beauty and tranquillity. The tour will provide you with an insight into Rottnest’s cultural and historical heritage and diverse wildlife, and you will see some of Rottnest’s most spectacular locations including the Wadjemup Lighthouse. You’ll return to Perth via ferry, where you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.

Day 4: Perth 

Enjoy another free day at leisure in Perth. Perhaps venture to the charming port town of Fremantle, one of Perth’s most historic neighbourhoods. Wander the streets filled with historic buildings, buskers, street art, markets, and trendy cafés, or visit the Fremantle Prison Museum. Another option for your day is to explore the nearby Swan Valley wine region.

Day 5: Indian Pacific Journey

Today, step aboard the Indian Pacific and acquaint yourself with the friendly staff and facilities on board. Lunch is served in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant as the suburbs of Perth roll past the windows and the bright greens of the Avon Valley come into view. Relax in your cabin or mingle with fellow travellers in the Lounge car. Arrive in Kalgoorlie this evening for an off-train excursion and see the 3.6km-wide Super Pit; an open-cut gold mine that has been in operation since 1989.

Day 6: Indian Pacific Journey

Wake up to the wonders of the Nullabor Plain as the journey continues towards Cook, with a population of four, for a quick stretch of your legs. Today, travel Australia's longest single stretch of railway and marvel at the raw beauty of the Nullarbor which gets its name from the Latin meaning 'no trees'. The ancient Nullarbor conjures the sense of limitless space and time. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served on board in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant.

Day 7: Indian Pacific Journey

Enjoy breakfast on board, before arriving in Adelaide this morning. Embark on one of the off-train excursions, which include a visit to Adelaide Central Market, a mecca for locally-grown produce, multicultural treats, and gourmet delights; or take an Adelaide city highlights coach tour including a visit to Haigh's chocolate factory and a stop at Mt Lofty lookout. Lunch is served on board The Indian Pacific as the journey continues to Broken Hill, where you will discover the history of mining in Broken Hill and the artistic culture that abounds the area. Visit the Pro Hart Gallery and learn about one of Australia's most iconic artists. Dinner is served on board in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant.

Day 8: Arrive Sydney

Take in the beauty of the Blue Mountains as you breakfast in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant with sweeping views of the valleys below. Enjoy the small townships as you amble towards the bustle of Sydney and farewell your fellow travellers as you enter Sydney late morning. Make your way to Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites, where you will spend the next four nights. You then have a full free day ahead in one of the world’s most famous harbour cities.

Day 9: Blue Mountains 

You’ll be picked up at your hotel early this morning for your full-day Blue Mountains Deluxe Tour. En route, stop at Calmsley Hill, a working farm home to kangaroos, emus, wombats and koalas. Enjoy morning tea and time to wander at leisure. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley to see beautiful vistas and enjoy a stress and hurry-free environment. Arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout point away from the crowds for views of the Blue Mountain’s famous Three Sisters. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colours. Stop at Blackheath and enjoy a two-course lunch with tea/coffee (other beverages can be purchased at your own expense from the bar). Visit a selection of lookouts and experience the view of Govetts Leap and the magnificent waterfall. Stop briefly to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens, where you will enjoy sweeping views across to Sydney, before travelling down the Bells Line of Road to Sydney. Upon arrival in the city, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Day 10: Sydney 

Today, you have a free day in Sydney to spend as you like. Perhaps learn to surf at Sydney’s most famous beach – Bondi Beach, or head for the calmer waters of Coogee Beach. Riding the ferry to Manly is also a great and inexpensive way to experience Sydney from the water.

Day 11: Sydney Opera House Tour 

Today, you will discover the story behind one of the greatest buildings of all time – the Sydney Opera House. This one-hour tour brings to life the saga behind the making of this world-famous building, designed by Jorn Utzon. Your guide will take you on an emotional journey inside this modern masterpiece, putting Jorn Utzon on centre stage, paying tribute to his creative genius. You will discover how, against a landslide of political and public criticism, he created the youngest building ever to be World Heritage listed. You will be taken inside one of the working venues to experience the magic behind the world’s most extraordinary opera, ballet, symphony, and dramatic performances. Finish at Opera Bar to indulge like a local Sydney-sider with a choice of Australian-inspired dishes and drinks (own expense), then perhaps continue exploring Sydney’s harbour area at your leisure.

Day 12: Depart Sydney

Your holiday comes to an end today. Take your private transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK