Coast to coast: Indian Pacific Perth to Sydney

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights Perth
• 2 nights on board the Indian Pacific
• 3 nights Adelaide
• 1 night Robe
• 1 night Port Fairy
• 1 night Apollo Bay
• 2 nights Mornington Peninsula
• 2 nights Melbourne
• 4 nights Sydney

Day 1: Depart the UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flight

Day 2: Arrive Perth

You will be greeted on arrival in Perth and transferred to your hotel.

Use the rest of your day to explore Perth City, situated on the Swan River, Perth is Australia’s westernmost capital city and is known for its stunning beaches and warm climate.

Included: Arrival transfer & hotel

Day 3: Free Day Perth

Today you have a full day to explore Perth. Make sure to visit Cottesloe Beach, one of Perth’s most famous beaches and an ideal place to soak up some rays and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. We also recommend a visit to Fremantle, quirky and cool this is a must-see, be sure to visit the Little Creatures Brewery for some beer tasting.

Included: Hotel

Day 4: Margaret River Day Tour

Today we’ve included a day trip to the stunning Margaret River region. Known as one of Australia’s finest wine regions, Margaret River is blessed with natural beauty. The coastline is spectacular and you’ll stop in Busselton for views over Geographe Bay and visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse where the Southern Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. Enjoy tastings at a local winery and stop off in the township of Margaret River.

Included: Day tour, lunch & hotel

Day 5: Indian Pacific – Perth to Adelaide

Check out of your hotel and head to East Perth railway station to board the legendary Indian Pacific for your expedition across the desert to Adelaide – it’s the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world!

Your meals, drinks and off-train excursions are all included, and you’ll stay in a well-appointed private sleeper cabin with ensuite facilities. Watch as the ever-changing views glide past and get ready for your first off-train excursion in the wild west town of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Included: Departure transfer, train ticket, lunch & dinner 

Day 6: Indian Pacific

You’ll wake up to views of desert landscapes as you cross the Nullarbor Plain. After breakfast, there’s a stop in the now virtually deserted town of Cook – you’re definitely in the middle of nowhere here! After a short tour where you’ll learn of the history of this once bustling town, you’ll hop back on the train. Once back onboard, you’ll enjoy the hospitality while watching the ever-changing landscape, and be sure to keep an eye out for the local wildlife.

Included: Train ticket & all meals

Day 7: Arrive in Adelaide

This morning, the desert views will be replaced by the rolling South Australia countryside, and you’ll arrive in Adelaide bright and early. You’ll be met and taken to your hotel to drop off your luggage.

The rest of the day is at leisure so you can explore.

Included: Arrival transfer & hotel

Day 8: Barossa Valley Food & Wine Experience

Today you’ll join your guide to travel northwards to the world-renowned Barossa wine region. You’ll stop in the following places:

• Te Aro Estate - for morning tea sourced from the local bakery and wine tastings
• Kellermeister - enjoy tastings of a wide variety of their international award-winning wines
• Maggie Beer's Farm Shop - an absolute must visit - full of local gourmet goodies
• Saltram Wine Estate – for a delicious 2-course Barossa restaurant lunch
• Wolf Blass Visitor Centre - enjoy tastings of award-winning wines and learn more about them
• Pindarie – visit an award-winning cellar door, before being dropped back at your Adelaide hotel.

If wine isn’t your thing, we can switch this to an alternative day tour – that’s the great thing about our tailor-made tours to Australia, they are fully flexible and tailored to your interests!

Included: Day tour, lunch & hotel

Day 9: Arrive in Adelaide

Today is a free day to relax. You could hop on a tram and head to the beach at Glenelg or visit Adelaide Central Markets for a wander around the maze of products on display and a chance to sample some of the hundreds of different cuisines on offer.

Included: Hotel

Day 10: Drive to Robe (337km – Approximately 4 hours)

In the morning, make your way to the city depot to collect your rental car to begin your self-drive.

The drive to Robe will take you along the south coast and through the Coorong National Park until you reach the seaside town of Robe. Famous for its seafaring past, Robe is now a popular holiday destination for those keen to enjoy the beautiful beaches, stunning cliff walks and heritage listed sights.

Included: Car hire & hotel

Day 11: Drive to Port Fairy   (284 km – approximately 3 ½ hours)

Today you will drive through Mount Gambier – the perfect spot to enjoy a spot of lunch or if you’re particularly adventurous you can climb the mountain in a few hours and enjoy the spectacular views from the top.

Port Fairy is a charming fishing village located at the start of the Great Ocean Road. With a diverse array of boutiques, antique and art & crafts shops this is a lovely place to walk around – be sure to head to the local port to watch the fishermen unload their catch. At certain times of the year you may be lucky enough to spot some whales, seals or dolphins.

Included: Car hire & hotel

Day 12: Drive to Apollo Bay     (188 km – approximately 3 hours)

Today you will drive along the scenic Great Ocean Road towards Mornington Peninsula.

The Great Ocean Road stretches from Warrnambool to Torquay and can be driven in one stretch in around 4 hours and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. Today you will journey as far as Apollo Bay, midway along the Ocean Road and right at the foothills of the Otway Ranges. Apollo Bay is a great base to see the rock stacks known as the Twelve Apostles – best witnessed at sunset so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get there.

Included: Car hire & hotel

Day 13: Drive to Queenscliff     (135 km – approximately 2 hours) Ferry to Mornington Peninsula

Begin your day by driving along the coast to the historic seaside town of Queenscliff. From here you will take the short ferry ride over to the Mornington Peninsula. The Mornington Peninsula is the perfect spot to enjoy a couple of days of rest and relaxation. Located along the stunning south coastline, the peninsula has become a top destination for holidaymakers with local markets, historic gardens and galleries as well as stunning coastal walks.

Included: Car hire & hotel

Day 14: Free Day Mornington Peninsula  

Today is a free day to explore the region. Take a walk along the coast or through the national parks, partake in some water sports from scuba diving to sea kayaking. Another popular activity to indulge in is visiting one of the many wineries located in the region to enjoy sampling some of the region’s best grapes, along with lunch on the terraces overlooking the vines.

Included: Car hire & hotel

Day 15: Drive to Melbourne     (75 km – approximately 1 hour)

Set off at your leisure to Melbourne.

After dropping off your car at the rental depot, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day familiarising yourself with the city. Enjoy a walk along the Yarra River and be sure to take a trip up the Eureka Skydeck to enjoy 360-degree views over the whole of the city – especially impressive at sunset.

Included: Hotel

Day 16: Half-day Walking Tour Melbourne

This morning, we’ve included a ‘Lanes and Arcades’ walking tour. Discover local designers and speciality retailers, tiny cafés and more. A little history and attention to amazing architecture will allow you to get orientated and you can return to those places you like best in the afternoon, at your leisure.

We've included an Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. This area is culturally significant to the Kulin Nation, the local tribe and a First Nations guide will take you on a journey through rich history and thriving culture to discover the native plants in the Gardens. Learn about the traditional plant use and ongoing connections to Country.

Included: Morning & afternoon tour & hotel

Day 17: Fly to Sydney

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sydney.

On arrival in Sydney, you will be met and taken to your hotel. You will then have the remainder of your day to soak up the Sydney atmosphere and find your way around this exciting and dynamic city. We’d highly recommend a 15-minute seaplane tour over the harbour – we can arrange this for you.   

Included: Domestic flight, arrival transfer & hotel

Day 18: Half-day City Tour & Harbour Cruise

You will be picked up this morning to join a small group tour of Sydney, starting at the historic rocks area.

Enjoy great views of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, visit the shopping districts of Oxford St and Paddington, pass by the famous beaches of Tamarama, Bronte and of course, Bondi. After a trip to Sydney Heads lookout and back via Watsons Bay and Kings Cross, head to the harbour for a relaxing lunch cruise before disembarking at Circular Quay (lunch is included).

The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish; take some time to enjoy the botanical gardens and take a walk through Hyde Park, Australia’s oldest park and home to around 580 exotic and native trees and the ANZAC memorial.

Included: Half-day city tour with lunch, harbour cruise & hotel

Day 19: Free Day Sydney

Time to check out the beaches of Sydney! Bondi Beach is one of the most famous in the world and it doesn’t take long to see why. One of Sydney’s most stunning beaches, Bondi attracts people from all walks of life, from young backpackers to the rich and famous. With outdoor cafes, cool bars and designer shops Bondi has something for everyone. Be sure to try your hand at surfing at one of the schools located right on the beach, or enjoy the stunning coastal walk to Coogee Beach.  

Included: Hotel 

Day 20: Blue Mountains Deluxe Day Tour

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel to commence a three day Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley tour.

Travel to Featherdale Wildlife Park before any other tourists, for close encounters with native Australian animals such as kangaroos, koalas, emus and wombats. Departing Featherdale, your drive to the Blue Mountains takes you through the picturesque village of Wentworth Falls and onto Wentworth Falls Lookout for spectacular views over the Jamison Valley and the magnificent waterfall after which it is named. Enjoy a leisurely 30 minute round trip walk to see the waterfalls. Next stop is the remote Eaglehawk Lookout for views of the famous Three Sisters.

After lunch, visit lookouts such as Govetts Leap and take a walk through Mt. Tomah Botanic Gardens before heading back to Sydney for the evening.

Included: Blue Mountains day trip, lunch & hotel  

Day 21: Depart Sydney

You will be collected from your hotel and taken to Sydney Airport for your international flight home.

Included: Departure transfer & international flight

Day 22: Arrive in the UK