Indian Pacific: Southwest Escape (Tour code: 14944)

Departing Sydney’s Central Station, get acquainted with your cabin and fellow travellers. Take in spectacular views as the Indian Pacific winds through the Blue Mountains. 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.

Overnight stay aboard Indian Pacific.

Three Sisters, Blue Mountains

Prior to 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 Wales. 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.

Breakfast is served back on board as the Indian Pacific departs the Silver City. Travel south west through Ngadjuri country for lunch onboard as the Indian Pacific enters the southern tips 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 indulge 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, 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.

Overnight stay aboard the Indian Pacific.

Indian Pacific in Broken Hill

Today is all about those amazing outback views as you cross this famous stretch of the Australian interior, the ancient 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). 

Overnight stay aboard the Indian Pacific.

Nullarbor Plain

Admire the delightful undulations of the Avon Valley and enjoy a final breakfast on board as the final stage of your transcontinental crossing unfolds, heading into Perth. Transfer to your accommodation, with the remainder of the day free to start exploring.

Overnight stay in Perth at DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront.

View of Perth

Your day starts with a picturesque drive south to the fabulous Margaret River region, with several stops along the way. In Mandurah, a coffee break by the foreshore is followed by a visit to the Featured Wood Gallery in Bunbury. At Busselton, walk off your delicious lunch with a stroll along the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

Next is a visit to everyone's favourite, the Margaret River Chocolate Company, with its beautiful handmade chocolate truffles and more.

From here, travel along the coast and see the action at Surfers Point, where the world's best surfers come to compete. You'll also see where the Margaret River meets the Indian ocean.

Visiting the quaint coastal town of Prevelly, learn of the fascinating wartime connection with Crete and see Prevelly's charming Greek memorial chapel. (Please note: sometimes, there might be a need to switch this around and include this on Day 6 or 7).

Continuing along the coast, to arrive at your overnight accommodation. The evening is at leisure. Your guide will suggest options for dinner, which is at your own expense.

Overnight stay at Margaret’s Beach Resort or Margaret In Town.

Busselton

Today is all about exploring the region’s stunning scenery and fantastic natural and cultural attractions. You'll start by visiting Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and see remainsof megafauna over 50,000 years old found at Mammoth Cave, a gigantic, underground limestone cave.

Next is a scenic drive through the majestic Boranup Karri Forest, where awe-inspiring trees tower over 65m tall. This forest is a feast for the senses, with the forest floor carpeted with wildflowers, orchids and fungi (in season), together with the sounds of native birds and the fresh smell of eucalyptus.

Continue south to picturesque Hamelin Bay, where a jetty once stood. Built for exporting timber, this old jetty has been in ruins for many years. The bay is now known for the friendly stingrays that cruise the shallow waters.

Passing through the hilltop coastal town of Augusta, you'll have views of the Blackwood River on the way to the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Australia's tallest mainland lighthouse. Here, you will be able to see the Southern Ocean meeting the Indian Ocean. Learn what life was like for the lighthouse keepers and their families on a guided tour.

Lunch will be at either The Colour Patch, overlooking the beautiful Blackwood River, or at Hamelin Bay Wines, with magnificent views over there Karridale vineyard. Both have delicious options for lunch to match with a glass of wine or beer.

This afternoon, there is time to explore the town of Margaret River before returning to your accommodation. Your evening is at leisure, with dinner at your own arrangements.

Overnight stay at Margaret’s Beach Resort or Margaret In Town.

Sunset at Margaret River region

Today is all about food and wine. Visit Yahava Koffee Works, where the proprietors are so passionate about coffee that they travel the world looking for the best coffee beans, which are then roasted in house. Indulge in tastings while you learn how to make the perfect cup of coffee.

Margaret River is famous for award-winning wineries and cellar doors. Today, visit two wineries for tastings. At the second winery, your premium wine tasting will be paired with local cheeses from the Margaret River Dairy Co.

Your gourmet day continues at Olio Bello, an olive oil farm. Experience first-hand the subtle flavours of extra virgin olive oil, including citrus pressed oils and enjoy a tasing ofthe incredible range of condiments. The Olio Bello Café has a menu inspired by their award-winning oils and fresh farm produce and this is where you will sit down for a delicious lunch accompanied by a glass of wine, beer or juice.

After lunch, your Margaret River Escape concludes as you return to your Perth accommodation.

Overnight stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront.

Margaret River

Make your way to Barrack Street Jetty and board Rottnest Express, bound for Rottnest Island, 22kms offshore. A 90- minute air-conditioned bus tour around ‘Rotto’ takes you to some spectacular locations, including Wadjemup Lighthouse and the boardwalk lookout at the rugged west end. Feast on a delicious lunch before exploring the island at your leisure – make sure you meet a quokka. Return to Perth by ferry in the afternoon.

Overnight stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront.

A quokka

It’s time to check out of your accommodation concluding, your rich and rewarding discovery of the south west of Western Australia.