Indian Pacific: Gems of the South West (Tour code: 13100)

Indian Pacific - 2 Gems of the South West & Indian Pacific

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.

Sydney

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 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.

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, 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.

Barossa Valley

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, where your 8 Day Gems of the South West tour begins. This afternoon, enjoy an introduction to the city of Perth as you take an informative tour of the city, including Kings Park, with the opportunity to take a walk through the Botanical Gardens.

Overnight stay at The Westin Perth.

Indian Pacific passing through Avon Valley

This morning, travel south following the Darling Escarpment, heading to the Northern Jarrah Forest where you visit the Forest Discovery Centre in Dwellingup for a history lesson on the industry in Western Australia. Continue south passing Collie and onto Harvey, a large dairy and fruit growing area. From here, explore deeper into the orchard country, onto Donnybrook and into the vast Karri and Marri Forests of the Manjimup region where you will visit the stunning Blackwood Emporium 1864 for a delicious high tea style lunch.

Later this afternoon arrive at Karri Valley Resort on Lake Beedelup where you will stay in lakeside rooms for the next two nights. 

Overnight stay at Karri Valley Resort.

Lake Beedelup

This morning, take a trip to the Cascades in Gloucester National Park. The Lefroy Brook is an impressive sight as it tumbles over the Cascades. Carry on through the National Park to the Gloucester Tree with an opportunity for the energetic to climb to the top for a view of the surrounding region. This was once the second highest fire lookout tree in the world; however, it is no longer used for this purpose. After some free time in Pemberton, you’ll head to Silkwood Estate. Perched lakeside with panoramic views of the Karri Forest, this is the perfect place to enjoy award winning wines and lunch.

Head back to Karri Valley Resort to enjoy the wonderful facilities of the property; a canoe trip on the lake or a walk to the falls. 

Overnight stay at Kerri Valley Resort.

Gloucestor National Park

Farewell Karri Valley and head to the most southwesterly point of the Australian mainland, Cape Leeuwin. Here you will take a guided tour of the historic lighthouse and view the changing colours of the meeting point of the Indian and Southern Oceans – where the Leeuwin Current flows. Travel via Caves Road and take in several of the famous surfing beaches of this region, including Prevelly Beach and Gracetown before arriving into Yallingup where you will visit the Caves House Hotel for lunch. Later this afternoon, arrive at Bunker Bay Resort on the Naturaliste Peninsula, your home for the next two nights. 

Over night say at Bunker Bay Resort.
 

Yallingup

Margaret River is Western Australia’s premium wine growing region which boasts over 40 world- class wineries. First up you’ll visit Margaret River Dairy Company followed by the Margaret River Chocolate Company for self-guided tours. For lunch experience the combination of fine wine, food, art, and music at Leeuwin Estate Winery.

This afternoon enjoy some free time in the Margaret River township before returning to Bunker Bay for your second night.

Overnight stay at Bunker Bay Resort.

Beach in Margaret River

Today, travel to Busselton on Geographe Bay and take time to visit and walk the famous 1.7 kilometre jetty – the longest in Australia. Travel north through to the port city of Bunbury where you can take in the impressive views over the harbour and city, through Australind and onto Mandurah. Here, there will be a stop at the Redmanna Restaurant for lunch and an opportunity to take in the beautiful views of Mandjar Bay.
This afternoon, head out on the water with Mandurah Cruises for a unique experience with dolphin spotting a possibility! Continue north along the coastal highway towards your hotel in preparation for your Rottnest Island adventure the following day.  Dinner is on the wharf at the award winning Char Char Restaurant.

Overnight stay at Esplanade Hotel Fremantle (or similar)

Bunker Bay

Early this morning, you’ll depart Fremantle and take a Rottnest Express ferry to Rottnest Island. Here, you will experience all that Rottnest has to offer, this pocket-sized paradise has something for everyone! Take an informative coach tour around the island's most spectacular locations with insightful commentary, and you might even meet a quokka or two along the way! After lunch, enjoy some free time before setting sail back to Fremantle to enjoy dinner at the hotel with your fellow travellers.

Overnight stay at Esplanade Hotel Fremantle (or similar) 

Quokkas spotted at Rottnest Island

Your 8-day Gems of the South West tour comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Farewell.