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- Essential Australia by Rail: Two spectacular Rail Journeys across the Continent
Essential Australia by Rail: Two spectacular Rail Journeys across the Continent
INTRODUCTION
Highlights: Perth | Indian Pacific Train | Adelaide – Barossa Valley | Northern Territory | Kakadu National Park | The Ghan Train | Uluru (Ayers Rock) | Sydney
This tour combines a kaleidoscope of experiences, each authentic to Australia in their own unique way.
From the city streets of Perth to the moon-like landscape of Yanchep National Park, no two activities can be compared, be it stargazing under a velvety night sky, exploring two fantastic wine regions with a glass in hand or witnessing koalas and kangaroos in their own natural environments. .
At different points in your adventure, you’ll ride the rails aboard two iconic trains: The Ghan and The Indian Pacific.
While one cuts north to south the other rolls east to west, giving you an all-encompassing front seat to this awe-inspiring country.
Indulge in gourmet meals and embark on once-in-a-lifetime excursions – from riding a camel at sunset around Uluru to exploring Sydney from the water, this trip simply outdoes itself with one glorious surprise after the next.
MAP

DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrive Perth Welcome to Perth, Australia’s westernmost city! Perth has great weather and fabulous beaches, with more hours of sunshine than any other Australian capital city. Full of museums, parks and shopping arcades, Perth is an ideal destination for off-the-beaten-track urban touring and getting into the countryside to enjoy fine wines, eco-tours and river cruising.
Day 2 Morning at leisure, afternoon/Evening Pinnacles Sunset & Night-time Stargazing
This morning is at leisure. If you wish, we can arrange an Aboriginal guided tour of the expansive Kings Park, where you can learn about the flora and fauna of the region and hear the dreamtime legends of Australia’s native peoples. Visit one of Perth’s incredible beaches, or simply explore the city center. Then this afternoon begins at Yanchep National Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to see koalas and kangaroos before continuing to the Pinnacle Desert. Arriving in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat, you can view the mystical limestone rock formations and watch the moon-like landscape come to life as the sun sets. As darkness falls, head on to the fishing town of Cervantes and enjoy a delicious and authentic dinner in a traditional Western Australia tavern. By the time the night sky starts dazzling with stars, you’ll be at the observation deck to experience the tranquility of your location and the enormity of the sky.
Day 3 Depart Perth onboard the Indian Pacific Train Your journey from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific begins with the gentle tug of the train leaving Perth mid-morning. Gliding through the picturesque hills of the Avon Valley, enjoy a superb Australian lunch and watch the landscape transform before your eyes. In the evening, sip on a glass of fine wine over your three-course dinner – by late night you’ll have arrived in Kalgoorlie, a famed Wild West township. Here you’ll embark on an off-train excursion before retiring back to the comforts of your cabin.
Day 4 Nullarbor Plain onboard the Indian Pacific Train Awaking to the spectacular expanse of the Nullarbor Plain today, enjoy breakfast off the train before continuing on your journey. As the ever-changing landscape rolls past your window, you’ll find it easy to reflect on the harsh yet captivating beauty of the region – a thought you can chat about over your regionally-inspired lunch menu. After a visit to the once thriving community and now ghost town of Cook, it’s time for another mouthwatering meal. Dinner is followed by relaxed conversation in the lounge, and as you tuck in for sleep the train continues to Adelaide.
Day 5 Arrive Adelaide, full day wine tour
After breakfast this morning, say goodbye to the Indian Pacific feeling refreshed and ready to explore. The wine regions of South Australia are yours for the day, and you can experience a premium tour in either the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale.
Barossa Valley Wine Region
Today’s tour of the Barossa Valley begins with a city orientation, then takes you to the scenic Torrens Gorge and onwards to the vineyards. A wine lover’s dream destination, start with visits to smaller wineries like Schild Estate or Trevor Jones’ Kellermeister, or sample wines made in traditional Barossa methods like Rockfords and Charlie Melton. Stop at Tanunda to discover the local arts and crafts shops, then enjoy a picturesque drive up to Menglers Hill for unsurpassed views of the valley. Continuing into historic Angaston, visit Angas Park for fine dried fruits and award-winning cheese, but be sure to save room for lunch beneath the vines or indoors at Vintners restaurant. True wine enthusiasts can continue the day with a visit to Henschkes winery – a fifth-generation German winery combining the best of old world and state of the art winemaking – or to Yalumba, the biggest family run winery in Australia.
McLaren Vale Wine Region
Today you will find yourself in the picturesque town of Clarendon, where your food and wine tour awaits. Coriole winery tempts an outstanding range of wines, olive oils and cheeses, or you can visit a small producer called Samuels Gorge where winemaker Justin MacNamee will showcase exceptional wines with the enthusiasm and pride of his craft. D’Arenberg winery boasts an impressive range made by Chester Osbourne’s fourth-generation family, or for a more modern cellar and Italian style wines Primo Estate will fit the bill. Other stops for the tour include Wirra Wirra winery, one of the premium wine producers in the area; Penny’s Hill, which includes a visual art exhibition of fine Australian artists; and Cascabel or Hamiltons winery, both newer destinations in the area. If time permits, you can stop in at the almond, flower, herb, venison and cheese producers, or simply take a leisurely journey back to Adelaide via the hills. An interesting stop along the way is historic Willunga, a charming old slate mining town.
Day 6 Adelaide to Darwin, Transfer to Wildman Wilderness Resort This morning, fly to Darwin to experience the ‘tropical outback’ and capital city of the Northern Territory. Transferring to Wildman Wilderness Lodge in the Mary River region, you’ll be situated on the edge of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, which is known for its fascinating, diverse, and culturally rich landscape. Wildman will be your home for the next 2 nights, in one of the standalone cottages or ‘habitats’ offering premium accommodation in a remote and wild setting.
Day 7 Wildman Wilderness Resort full Day Kakadu National Park Tour Enjoy a full-day wildlife and wilderness adventure today in Kakadu National Park. You may recognize this unspoiled landscape from the film Crocodile Dundee, what with its rugged escarpments, lush rainforests, roaring waterfalls, and Aboriginal rock art galleries – some of which date back more than 50,000 years. Stop at South Alligator River before continuing past lush floodplains and billabongs to Ubirr. Here you’ll see one of Kakadu’s most famous rock art sites as well as panoramic views of the surrounding floodplains and Arnhem Land escarpment. Enjoy a tasty picnic lunch near the East Alligator River, then take a short walk to Cahills crossing to spot one of the many saltwater crocodiles in the area. The last stop in the park is at Mamukala Wetlands for stunning views and an incredible variety of birdlife.
Day 8 Wildman Wilderness Resort to Alice Springs onboard the Ghan
Following breakfast, transfer back to Darwin to embark on The Ghan for one of Australia’s most iconic rail journeys. Stepping aboard the legendary luxury train at noon, make your way to the classically styled Queen Adelaide Restaurant carriage for a delicious lunch. Watch the striking Top End landscapes roll by whilst enjoying the solitude of your cabin, reading a good book or mingling with fellow travelers in the lounge car. Upon arrival in Katherine you have the choice of 1 of the following 3 excursions:
Nitmiluk Gorge Cruise
Discover the grandeur of one of the Northern Territory’s most monumental natural wonders while relaxing on this leisurely boat cruise.
Nitmiluk First Gorge Rock Art Cruise
Learn more about the rich history and culture of the Katherine region through fascinating interpretations of Indigenous rock art dating back 40,000 years.
Katherine Outback Station Experience
This experience provides a unique window into the real Australian outback and the inner workings of life on a cattle station.
This evening, continue onboard the Ghan for an overnight ride to Alice Springs. Your Gold Service accommodation includes a spacious sleeper cabin with power outlets, all-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant and all-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.
Day 9 Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayres Rock) This morning you’ll have time for a full breakfast before arriving in Alice Springs. Transferring to Uluru/Ayers Rock, you’ll have a chance to experience the spiritual heart of Australia, and spend two days discovering the culture that surrounds it. You have the afternoon and evening to relax at the fabulous Sails in the Desert Hotel, so perhaps take a dip in the pool or browse the Mulgara Gallery onsite to see indigenous art.
Day 10 Uluru Sunrise Tour & Sunset Camel Ride One of the most impressive features of Uluru is the way it shifts colors in the changing light—flaring to life as the sun rises and bathing it in bright red and deep purple tones as it sets. Today you will witness the magnificent spectacle at both times of day, first with a guided trek around the base of Uluru where you’ll embrace the culture, geology, and environment that make up the essence of this amazing natural attraction. Find yourself in awe as you watch Uluru change colors in the sunrise, visit waterholes, view ancient rock art sites, and learn the legends of the native Anangu people. This evening, ride camels through the desert and witness Uluru transform at sunset.
Day 11 Uluru to Sydney Your adventure continues as you fly to Sydney from Uluru today. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your fabulous hotel in the heart of downtown Sydney, within walking distance to all the major attractions like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Day 12 Sydney Harbour Cruise and Opera House Tour Begin your day with a sensational morning tea cruise out on the sparkling Sydney Harbour. Enjoy the company of a small group aboard the 52-foot motor yacht as your personal captain and host shares the harbor’s rich history. Cruise along the foreshore for views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and the beautiful bays and coves lined with luxury homes. Light morning tea with coffee, tea, juice, water and 5-star service is all included. Return to the city and discover the stories, history, and magic of Sydney Opera House with an incredible guided tour taking you underneath the world-famous sails.
Day 13 Day at leisure to explore Sydney Today is yours to explore sunny, cosmopolitan Sydney at your leisure. Mingle with the locals on famous Bondi Beach and take the scenic walk from Bondi to Bronte Beach. Soak up gorgeous views of the city at Circular Quay and explore the bustling neighborhood of Barangaroo just a short walk away. If you’d like to dig a little deeper into Sydney and discover hidden gems, we recommend a private or small-group tour of the city. We also have a fabulous lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour where you can truly live like a local for the day!
Day 14 Depart Sydney After a wonderful vacation it’s time to say goodbye to Sydney, Australia. We have included a private transfer to the airport to begin your journey home.
INCLUDED
Package Includes:
- 2 nights of accommodation at the Intercontinental Perth Hotel, Perth
- 2 nights onboard The Indian Pacific Train in Gold Service with off-train excursions
(Includes: all meals, Australian wines, base alcoholic spirits and non-alcoholic beverages) - 1 night of accommodation at Mayfair Hotel, Adelaide
- 2 nights of accommodation at Wildman Wilderness Resort
(Includes: Daily breakfast & Dinner) - 1 night onboard The Ghan Train in Gold Service with off-train excursions
(Includes: all meals, Australian wines, base alcoholic spirits and non-alcoholic beverages) - 2 nights of accommodation at Sails in the Desert Hotel, Uluru
- 3 nights of accommodation at The Grace Hotel, Sydney
- Private airport transfer in Perth to your hotel
- Afternoon/Evening Pinnacles Sunset & Night-time Stargazing tour
(Includes: afternoon tea and dinner) - Private transfer in Perth to the train station
- Private Premium Wine Experience tour
(Includes: pick-up from the train station, gourmet lunch, wine tastings and refreshments) - Private transfer from your Adelaide hotel to the airport
- Private transfer from Darwin to Wildman Wilderness Resort
- At Wildman Wilderness Resort, a full-day tour into Kakadu National Park including morning tea and picnic lunch
- Private transfer from Wildman Wilderness Resort to the Darwin train station
- Private transfer from Alice Springs to Uluru
- Uluru sunrise tour
- Sunset camel ride at Uluru
- Private transfer in Uluru to the airport
- Private transfer from the Sydney Airport to your hotel
- Sydney cruise with morning tea
- Sydney Opera House tour
- Private transfer in Sydney to the airport
Not Included
- International or domestic airfares (unless specified above)
- Meals other than specified above
- Gratuities/tips
- Travel insurance
STAY AT THESE HOTELS ON THIS TOUR
Essential Australia by Rail: Two spectacular Rail Journeys across the Continent
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