Indian Pacific and Tropical Queensland

Day 1 - UK to Cairns to Port Douglas

Arrive into Cairns airport and transfer to your Port Douglas hotel, spending the rest of your day at leisure. 

Day 2 - Explore Port Douglas

A day at leisure to explore Port Douglas alternatively speak to your consultant about Port Douglus experiences we have available to enhance your holiday. 

Day 3 - Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Today we have included a spectacular experience out to the Great Barrier Reef. Your guide will take you to Agincourt Reef, at the very outer edge of the Barrier Reef. Here, special reefs known as ‘ribbons' run parallel to the Continental Shelf.  Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognised as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef's environment.   Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth and supports spectacular marine life. As the region's outer reef pioneer, we chose the best location available to show you nature's finest.

Day 4 - Explore Port Douglas

Another day at lesuire to explore Port Douglas. 

Day 5 - Cape Tribulation, Daintree & Mossman

Begin your tour at Mossman Gorge Centre: Visit Mossman Gorge Centre and enjoy morning tea before boarding the shuttle for your transfer into Mossman Gorge. Discover secrets of the world's oldest tropical rainforest as your driver takes you on a guided walk through the Gorge boardwalk, sharing their knowledge and the history of this World Heritage listed region. Guided tour and morning tea included.

Daintree River Cruise: Hop aboard the Daintree River Cruise and reach an understanding of the intricate Daintree eco-system. Keep an eye out for wildlife including the elusive Saltwater Crocodile. Lunch: Enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch in the rainforest of Noah Valley - this area is renowned for the existence of primitive flowering plants including the Idiospermum which links back to the most ancient lineages of plants found in the world today.

Cape Tribulation: Where the Rainforest meet the Reef. Walk on this world-renowned rainforest beach named by Captain James Cook on his voyage of discovery in 1770; admire the coastline and fringing Coral Reef from the Kulki Lookout. Daintree Ice Cream Company: Stop for an afternoon refreshment included at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. 

Alexandra Lookout: After winding through the rainforest, enjoy this spectacular lookout over the Daintree River Estuary, Snapper Island and beyond to the Coral Sea. Upon completion of the tour, you will be returned to your hotel.

Day 6 - Explore Port Douglas

Final day in Port Douglas at your leisure. 

Day 7 - Port Douglas to Melbourne

After checking out of your hotel, transfer to Cairns airport for your flight to Melbourne. Once arrived in Melbourne transfer to your downtown hotel spending the remainder of your day at leisure. 

Day 8 - Explore French and Philip Island

Spend the day with us Island hopping from French Island to Phillip Island getting up close and personal with some of Australia's cutest and cuddliest native wildlife. Take in the breathtaking ocean views and join us for a day that will be hard to forget for years to come. 

Ferry crossing across Western Port Bay to French Island We start off our journey with a short trip across Western Port Bay to French Island. Crossing the Crystal Blue Sea to our first destination taking in the picturesque scenery of the day.  4WD adventure French Island Arriving on this hidden treasure of wilderness that is French Island, we will be participating in a guided tour around the island where our tour guide will share their knowledge of the natural environment whilst we observe the Koala's and array of wildlife that inhabit the island.

Ferry crossing across Western Port Bay to Phillip Island This next leg of our journey we'll see us travelling to world renowned and locally enjoyed Phillip Island and one of Australia's most amazing locations. Home to some of the greatest surf conditions, amazing beaches, native Australian wildlife and the world-famous motorbike circuit.

Town Stroll Cowes Walk the Pier and Esplanade or Main St with Restaurants, Cafes, Micro brewery & boutiques. The Nobbies Boardwalk We take off on a short adventure to Point Grant also known by the locals as ‘Nobbies' where we'll take in the remarkable natural sights and home to a seal colony, dramatic sea bluffs, and panoramic ocean views.  Penguin Parade To finish of our journey be inspired by the natural elements of the surrounding landscape, get up close and personal with some cute little penguins and have expert ranger commentary on the lives of these delightful creatures.

Day 9 - Great Ocean Road

Departing Melbourne in the morning, we cross the Westgate Bridge, enjoying views of the city and Port Phillip Bay before heading toward the Surf Coast and stopping in Torquay for a beach visit and complimentary morning tea. Following the scenic Great Ocean Road, we admire coastal views and pause for photos at the Memorial Arch at Eastern View. In Kennett River, we take a detour into eucalyptus forests to spot local koalas and colourful birdlife.

 

After a lunch stop in Apollo Bay, we journey into the Otway Ranges, where a guided rainforest walk reveals ancient trees and cool, lush surroundings. Continuing to Port Campbell National Park, we marvel at the Twelve Apostles’ towering formations and, at Gibsons Beach, enjoy close-up views of these rock giants. At the historic Loch Ard Gorge, we hear the captivating story of its shipwreck history and explore formations like the Razorback and Island Archway. The day concludes with a dinner stop before returning to Melbourne, crossing the illuminated Westgate Bridge.

Day 10 - Explore Melbourne

A day at leisure to explore Melbourne, speak to your consultant if you would like to add on one of our Melbourne experiences. 

Day 11 - Melbourne to Sydney

Transfer to Melbourne airport for your onward flight to Sydney. Transferring to your downtown hotel spending the rest of your day leisure. 

Day 12 - Sydney Harbour Cruise

Spend your morning at leisure, explore Sydney's Rock area and Circular Key before embarking on your lunch cruise of Sydney Harbour. Discover the secrets of one of the world's most famous and spectacular natural harbours including icons such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Sydney Botanical Gardens and more. We give you a chance to see the city from a new perspective and marvel at the sights that decorate its coastline. Owing to our educated live commentator, you will get to learn something new about Sydney, its history and about each of the sights that you can see from the deck.

Day 13 - Blue Mountains Experience

Leaving the city, our first stop is at Calmsley Hill, a working farm where you can encounter kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas while enjoying morning tea. We then ascend the Blue Mountains, stopping at a quiet Jamison Valley viewpoint for stunning vistas away from the crowds.

At Eaglehawk Lookout, enjoy unobstructed views of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, with your guide sharing the legends behind it and ample time for photos. We continue to Blackheath for a 2-course lunch at the Hydro Majestic, offering a relaxed setting with beautiful mountain views.

The afternoon includes a visit to Govetts Leap, where a 180m waterfall and sweeping valley views captivate visitors. Our final stop is the Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens, where we toast with sparkling wine or juice while admiring views across to Sydney, returning to your hotel in the evening.

Day 14 - Explore Sydney

Day at leisure to explore Sydney, speak to your consultant if you wish to add on one of our Sydney Experiences. 

Day 15 - Indian Pacific - Depart Sydney

Departing Sydney’s Central Station, get acquainted with your cabin and fellow travellers. Leaving city skylines and the fast-paced urban lifestyle behind, the Indian Pacific winds through the Blue Mountains with spectacular views to the left and right. Relax in your cabin or socialise in the lounge with a cup of coffee or afternoon tipple on request. Tonight, you will enjoy your first meal on board – a regionally inspired dinner paired with fine wine and beverages. After dinner, consider a nightcap in the lounge before you retire to your cabin.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 16 - Indian Pacific - Broken Hill & Adelaide

After breakfast, prepare for your first Off Train Experience in Broken Hill, the Silver City. Explore mining heritage through visiting the Broken Hill Trades Hall and the striking Miners Memorial that stands over the town or for a different take on Broken Hill, go on a tour of the main drag with fabulous local Drag Queen sensation, Shelita Buffet.

Art aficionados may opt to visit the captivating Living Desert Sculpture site or take in the exhibitions at the oldest regional art gallery in New South. Alternatively, ignite a sense of nostalgia at Bells Milk Bar, an icon of Broken Hill, sipping on malted milk while a performance by Cindy and Johnny takes you back to the 50’s.

Lunch is served back on board as the Indian Pacific enters the southern tip of the ancient Flinders Ranges.

Arriving in Adelaide in the late afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity for an Off Train Experience, exploring the South Australian Museum or indulging in an epicurean experience. Visit the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale to sample fine South Australian wines before an indulgent meal, or try a cheese or gin tasting in the charming Adelaide Hills village of Hahndorf before feasting at Haus, Haus – a German restaurant showcasing the best in local produce. Alternatively, visit Adelaide Central Markets for a tour and exclusive sit-down dinner.

After dinner, return to the train to continue your journey west. 

Meals Included; breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 17 - Indian Pacific - Nullarbor Plain

Today is all about those amazing outback views as you cross this famous stretch of the Australian interior, the Nullarbor Plain, on the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world. En route, the Indian Pacific calls in to Cook, once-bustling, now almost-ghost town that was originally built as a support town for the railway.

Travelling further west, the next stop is at Rawlinna on the fringe of Australia’s largest sheep station for a signature dinner under a thousand stars (seasonal).

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 18 - Indian Pacific - Arrive Perth

Admire the delightful undulations of the Avon Valley and enjoy a final breakfast on board as the final stage of your transcontinental crossing unfolds. On arrival in Perth, take the opportunity to say goodbye to fellow travellers and the crew. You’ve just crossed 4,352 kilometres together on the Indian Pacific. 

Meals Included: breakfast and lunch

Day 19 - Pinnacles Experience

Today, enjoy a memorable day tour to the Pinnacle Desert.

Our journey begins as we head north from the city, stopping at Yanchep National Park for a quick break and a chance to spot koalas and kangaroos. We then continue to Nambung National Park for a leisurely walk through the enchanting Pinnacle Desert, where you can fully immerse yourself in this unique landscape.

If time allows, visit the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre to learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

After exploring the Pinnacles, we head to the lobster town of Cervantes. Here, take a behind-the-scenes tour of a lobster processing facility, followed by a delicious fish and chips lunch.

In the afternoon, we return toward Perth with a visit to the iconic Swan Valley. Sample local specialties such as chocolate, nougat, and gourmet nuts from some of the region’s renowned providores.

With Swan Valley’s flavours enjoyed, we travel back down Guildford Road, arriving in Perth in the evening.

Day 20 - Rottnest Island Experience

Discover the stunning Rottnest Island, the “Emerald Isle in a Sea of Sapphire,” located just 19 kilometres off the mainland. Embark on the island’s most comprehensive guided tour, offering air-conditioned comfort as you explore this pristine A-Class nature reserve. Enjoy the island’s diverse wildlife, beautiful beaches, woodlands, and unique salt lakes, starting with a memorable historic train ride.

This all-inclusive 4-hour tour covers all of Rottnest’s must-see spots, including the Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Oliver Hill Gun Fortification and Tunnels, and the breathtaking viewpoints at Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh.

You’ll experience all of Rottnest’s key habitats, along with insights into its cultural and historical heritage, from maritime and military history to future developments. Conclude your day by exploring the island settlement or relaxing with a drink at the Rottnest Quokka Arms Pub.

Day 21 - Explore Perth

Spend today exploring Perth at your own leisure, alternatively speak to your consultant about adding on one of our Peth Experiences. 

Day 22 - Perth to UK

Transfer from your Perth hotel to the airport for your onward flight home.