Australia Coast to Coast

Welcome to Melbourne. Collect your luggage and clear Customs & Immigration and then proceed outside the Customs hall where you will find your driver who will take you directly to your accommodation.

Melbourne is a wonderful city to visit any time of year with its beautiful gardens and majestic buildings. It's an ideal start to any visit to Victoria. Melbourne is recognized as the sporting capital of Australia, and you will visit sporting areas that include the famous M.C.G, Melbourne Park and Albert Park Grand Prix circuit. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, or tour the Shrine of Remembrance and learn more of Australia's wartime history. Visit bay-side areas, including St Kilda (Melbourne's summer playground) and take a walk along the beach-side promenade. Other attractions you will see in this tour include the Yarra River, Royal Exhibition Building, Parliament House and Fitzroy Gardens. The luxury of this private half-day city tour enables you to get a very comprehensive look at the city through a local's eyes.

Have you ever been to a city and wondered what all the fuss was about? Or wasted time trying to find that cool local café you were told of, then ended up missing everything? Melbourne's arcades and laneways hide many of these answers. Join this indulgent morning walk through Melbourne's beautiful back streets, and become orientated in the life of the city that locals love. Discover local designers and specialty retailers that often are only found in the city. Some of the quirkiest cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture, and historical tales are found in these walkways, there is something for everyone, locals and visitors alike.

Takeoff to Perth and continue on the next stage of your adventure. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Perth city is exciting with a unique blend of old and new architecture. One of the most isolated cities in the world vibrant Perth is a rapidly growing modern city powered by Western Australia's mineral resources boom and vast agriculture industry. See the Governor's residence, Council House, and historic Barracks Arch. At South Perth take a look at the expanding city from across the Swan River.

Kings Park boast a mixture of parkland, botanical gardens and native bushland a total area of 400 hectares with panoramic views of Perth city, Swan River and the Darling Range. Kings Park is home to over 300 native plant varieties and 80 bird species and also contains the State War Memorial. Enjoy lunch at elegant Indiana Tea House overlooking sparkling Cottesloe Beach on the Indian Ocean.

Fremantle is distinguished by its unique heritage, cosmopolitan culture and maritime charm with historic port buildings, many shops, cafes and restaurants and markets all humming with crowds of people adding to its vibrant nautical atmosphere. At Fremantle Harbour board a cruise to return to Perth on the scenic Swan River, seeing fabulous homes and parks along the way.

Perth, the go-ahead capital of Western Australia, gives a feeling of space and light - set on the banks of the sparkling Swan River, a few miles from the magnificent beaches of the Indian Ocean. Fremantle, 11 miles southwest of Perth, is a colorful, busy port at the mouth of the Swan River, easily accessible by bus, train, ferry and taxi. Attractions include the Fremantle Arts Centre, the Maritime Museum, the Round House, the market and the lively town center - affectionately known as the cappuccino strip. There is also the Perth Mint, where visitors can see how coins are made. And located in the city center is the Art Gallery of Western Australia, which houses a collection of Aboriginal art and Australian and international paintings. The Scitech Discovery Centre is a unique hands-on minds-on science and technology center. Outdoor activities include picnics in Kings Park with its walking trails and a 12-hectare botanical garden that is famous for its spring wildflower displays. The park is a pleasant walk from the center of Perth and is well served by public transport and the Perth Tram. Also visit some of the magnificent white-sand, Indian Ocean surfing beaches. The closest is City Beach, but Cottesloe, Floreat, Scarborough, and Sorrento are also popular.

Your afternoon begins with a welcome gathering, in celebration of the start of your journey across the country and along the world's longest stretch of straight railway track. Spend a relaxed afternoon getting to know your fellow travelers after you board the Indian Pacific and pull away from Perth, leaving the Indian Ocean behind and cruise toward the Pacific. Tonight, a delectable dinner is service on board, featuring contemporary Australian cuisine with seasonal and regional flavors.

Awake to see the sunrise unfold across Australian's largest outback town, Kalgoorlie. This morning, delve into this mining town's fascinating past and present, with a visit to the region's gold-rush eras, now modern-day, Super Pit mine. Decide how you want to explore Kalgoorlie on your choice of Off Train Experiences, including morning refreshments.

Reboard the train mid-morning for brunch, the remainder of the day is on board at your leisure. Sit back and enjoy the hospitality as you take in spectacular views of the seemingly endless expanse of the Nullabor Plain. You'll cross borders and time zones, entering South Australia before dinner. Late evening, the train will pull into the almost-ghost-town of Cook for a nightcap, late-night bonfire and stargazing experience.

Spend the morning traveling through the pastoral lands and communities of remote South Australia as the Indian Pacific cruises past the Flinders Ranges, Spencer Gulf and the Adelaide Plains. Breakfast and lunch are both served on board. Mid-afternoon, the train pulls into Two Wells, where you disembark and transfer in comfortable coaches for a short ride to the world-renowned wine-producing region of the Barossa Valley. You'll spend the evening at Seppetsfield Winery, delighting in a signature dining experience in the vintage cellar.

A traditional 'Firing of the Barrel' display is part of the evening, as well as food and wine pairing, curated by the executive chef, highlighting regional produce and traditional methods that reflect the story of the Barossa. After dinner, return to the Indian Pacific to continue the rail journey through the night.

Crossing another border during the night, wake up in Broken Hill New South Wales. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, ready for the day's activities in the Silver City. You will have the choice of four Off Train Experiences, including guided history, art and cultural experiences that showcase the highlights of Australia's first heritage-listed city.

Returning to the train for lunch, admire the scenery as the Indian Pacific travels through regional New South Wales. Tonight, dinner is served on board as you make the most of your final night exploring Australia by train.

The Blue Mountains is known for its soaring sandstone ridges wrapped in native flora. This World-Heritage-listed area marks your final stop before arriving in Sydney. Say goodbye to the Indian Pacific after breakfast, to travel deep into the mountains for this afternoons’ Off Train Experiences. Scenic World includes four phenomenal mountain experiences, from the Scenic Skyway which takes you over ancient ravines with 360-degree vistas to the Scenic Cableway that glides over the forest to the valley floor and the Scenic Railway. the steepest passenger railway in the world. Alternatively, stretch your legs on a guided walk with spectacular views from numerous lookouts along the trail. Both experiences end at Echo Point lookout, perched on the edge of the escarpment in Katoonmba, where a light lunch is served.

Complete your journey on a chartered New South Wails rail service (fully hosted by the crew) into Sydney Central Station. Alternatively, if you prefer to arrive in Sydney earlier, stay on board the Indian Pacific to travel directly to Sydney Central Station.

A stunning introduction to Sydney Harbour with personalized commentary and onboard refreshments. This luxury 2 hour morning cruise provides an overview of the city and its famous harbor. See iconic landmarks, opulent waterfront mansions and secluded national park beaches, with refreshments including sparkling water and fresh juices.

BridgeClimb is a 3.5 hour guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It takes you along the outer arch of the bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 400 feet above Sydney Harbour. In climb groups of up to 14 people, you'll be led by a professional BridgeClimb leader on an adventure of the world's most recognizable bridge. The steady incline to the summit leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities to witness 360-degree views of Sydney, including east to the Sydney Opera House, west to the Blue Mountains and the Harbour city surrounds. When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement that you will remember forever - you've conquered an Australian icon recognized the world over! The professional Climb Leaders will take pictures of you on the climb and at the end you will receive a commemorative Climber Certificate, a complimentary Climber Cap and group photograph, with all climbers in the group receiving an identical photo.

It is no surprise that when the British first arrived in Sydney they named the area Botany Bay. Even today, with a population of over 4 million people and a reputation for fun rather than flora, one is still surrounded by bush land in this bustling city. Native Waratah wind their way through the historic Rocks area, palm trees frame long stretches of pristine beach, and Eucalyptus embrace the endless and beckoning bays of Sydney Harbour.

It is Sydney's man-made wonders, however, that draw most visitors. The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the most photographed icons on the continent. Choose a Seaplane Safari experience and enjoy a bird's eye view of the Opera House's signature sails. See the Harbour Bridge up close and personal by climbing the metal monolith to enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the glittering vista below with BridgeClimb as you climb to the top. Whether it is an early morning visit to the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere, or your very first surfing lesson on Bondi Beach, in this vibrant metropolis you will find no lack of energetic escapes and dynamic distractions.

There are many ways to enjoy the harbor: on a small luxury motor cruiser or sailing yacht, or ferries that take you to Taronga Park Zoo or Manly and the harbor suburbs. Take the Darling Harbour Rocket that connects Circular Quay to Darling Harbour where there are many restaurants and attractions such as The Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World, The IMAX Theater and the Naval Museum. For a more leisurely afternoon, take a walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens and Hyde Park, or learn about Australia's National Gemstone, the Opal, at Altmann; Cherny or The National Opal Collection, right in the heart of the city on Pitt Street.