The below itinerary is only a suggestion, we offer tailor-made personal service and solutions to help you plan your perfect vacation. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.
Day 1 Arrive Sydney
Welcome to Sydney! Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your fabulous Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Sydney within walking distance to all the major attractions, including Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Day 2 Morning Panoramic Sydney Sights
This morning’s tour takes you through Sydney’s impressive sights, beginning with the Rocks district where you can learn about its early convict history. Enjoy magnificent views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, then head onto the Queen Victoria Building to visit the shopping heart of the city and the trendy Oxford Street district. The terrace houses of elegant Paddington are next on the list, as is the superb coastal cliff walk around Tamarama and Bronte. Traveling to the famous Bondi Beach you can visit the beachfront promenade for a coffee or cool drink (own expense), then take in Sydney’s best panoramic view from Dover Heights. Return to the city via Double Bay, Kings Cross and Mrs Macquarie’s Point for a final magical viewpoint of the harbor, then conclude it at either Circular Quay or Darling Harbour.
Day 3 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 4 Depart Sydney onboard the Indian Pacific Train bound for Adelaide
Your transcontinental adventure begins as the train pulls away from the platform in Sydney mid-afternoon. As you wind your way through the truly breathtaking Blue Mountains, a sumptuous dinner is served alongside an array of fine wines. After dinner, feel free to relax with a nightcap before heading off for a restful night’s sleep.
Day 5 Arrive Adelaide Mid Afternoon
This morning you’ll arrive in the ‘Silver City’ that is Broken Hill to embark on one of two off-train excursions. Whether you learn more about the mining and cultural history of the city or view an impressive piece of art, both options end with a leisurely breakfast back onboard the train as you make your way west. Relax, sit back and take in more astounding views as the train barrels on – before you know it, lunch will be served and you’ll be entering the southern tip of the Flinders Ranges. By mid-afternoon, arrive in Adelaide (known as the cosmopolitan capital of Australia) where you can spend the evening exploring charming colonial streets, selecting unique souvenirs at the Adelaide Central Markets and uncovering hidden gems among the many bars and restaurants.
Day 6 Fleurieu Food, Wine and Wildlife Tour
This tour takes you south to the picturesque McLaren Vale Wine Region, known for its distinctly Mediterranean feel thanks to its location so near to the coast. The area features some of the most beautiful scenery in the state, and includes wineries such as Wirra Wirra, d'Arenberg, Coriole and the historic Hardy's winery. Other attractions include the Olive Grove or cheese and wine trail, or you can journey south to the town of Goolwa for a possible glimpse at a Southern Right whale. Down by the sea, visit one of the local brew houses or stop in Victor Harbor for a ride along the causeway. Australia’s only horse-drawn tram links the mainland to Granite Island, home of the Little penguins.
Day 7 Adelaide to Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Today you’ll say goodbye to Adelaide and hello to the Outback! Ayers Rock (or Uluru) sits prominently in the Red Centre and is renowned as the spiritual heart of Australia. Rich in Aboriginal culture, you’ll find that it truly encompasses the beauty of its surroundings, including your accommodation, Sails in the Desert Hotel. After your transfer from the airport, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore.
Day 8 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 9 Private transfer Uluru to Alice Springs & board the Ghan
Enjoy one last inspiring sunrise or morning stroll today before departing on a private transfer to Alice Springs. Heading north through spectacular desert scenery to arrive by mid-afternoon, it’s here that you will step aboard the legendary Ghan train in the evening. Take time acquainting yourself with our friendly staff and your comfortable private cabin. 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 10 Katherine to Darwin onboard the Ghan
This morning you’ll arrive to Katherine, a town where the outback meets the tropics. Enjoy breakfast before leaving the train for a day of delights, be it a leisurely cruise on the Katherine River or an exclusive cultural experience with Nitmiluk and the Jawoyn people. Spend the day sharing their culture, learning their ways and trying some of the skills developed over thousands of years. Activities include basket weaving, spear throwing, fire lighting, painting, and learning a musical instrument called the Didgeridoo. A late lunch awaits back on board – possibly the grilled goldband snapper fillet and steamed asparagus spears, with orange, cranberry, parsley and papitas cous cous with a saffron aioli. Once you’re satisfied, kick back and savor the last few hours of this epic journey before arriving in Darwin by late afternoon.
Day 11 Darwin, Transfer to Wildman Wilderness Resort
The morning is yours to explore Darwin before transferring to Wildman Wilderness Lodge in the Mary River region. Situated on the edge of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, it’s 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 this remote and wild setting.
Day 12 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 13 Wildman Wilderness Resort to Darwin
After a wonderful vacation, it’s time to say goodbye to Australia’s Northern Territory. We have included a transfer to the airport to begin your journey home.