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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Australia's Indian Pacific Perth-Sydney

Indian Pacific rail crossing Australia from Perth to Sydney in ten days

Illustration of Australia's Indian Pacific Perth-Sydney

Vacations By Rail's Australia's Indian Pacific is a 10-day independent rail vacation crossing Australia by train from Perth to Sydney. The journey begins with a day exploring Perth, known for its beaches, parks and arts scene, and a ferry excursion to Rottnest Island for wildlife viewing and heritage history. On day 3 you board the Indian Pacific in Gold Service, spending 4 nights on the train as it travels across the continent. You will cross the Nullarbor Plain, stop in the mining town of Kalgoorlie, visit a ghost town called Cook for stargazing, disembark for dinner and wine pairings at a Barossa Valley winery, and explore Broken Hill with your choice of four guided activities. The route passes through the World Heritage Blue Mountains before arrival in Sydney, where you enjoy a luxury harbor lunch cruise and free time to explore the city. Accommodations throughout are in 4 and 5-star hotels, with all meals on board the train, regional wines and drinks, and most transfers included.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights to and from Australia are not included; budget accordingly for international airfares.
  • The itinerary offers multiple optional excursions (Sydney Opera House tour, Blue Mountains activities, cricket ground tours) and hotel choices, so confirm final arrangements with the operator.
  • Day 6 in Broken Hill presents a choice of four off-train experiences; the specific tour you receive depends on availability and your selection.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Perth

    Arriving in Perth

    Transfer to your chosen hotel on arrival; free day in Perth, known as Australia's nature capital with long beaches, parks and a thriving arts and culinary scene.

  2. Day 2overnight: Perth

    Rottnest Island

    Ferry from Barrack Street Jetty to Rottnest Island for a 90-minute tour covering its history, culture and wildlife, then an afternoon at leisure before the ferry back to Perth.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Train

    The Indian Pacific

    Transfer from the hotel to board the Indian Pacific train; relax on board with fine dining made from locally sourced ingredients and included wines and drinks, departing Perth toward the outback.

  4. Day 4overnight: Train

    Kalgoorlie & Cook

    Sunrise over the Outback mining town of Kalgoorlie with a visit to the Super Pit; reboard for brunch and views of the Nullarbor Plain, crossing into South Australia before dinner; late-evening stop in the ghost town of Cook for a nightcap, bonfire and stargazing.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Train

    Barossa Valley

    Travel past the Flinders Ranges with breakfast and lunch on board; disembark at Two Wells and transfer by coach to the Barossa Valley for an evening dining experience at Seppeltsfield Winery, including a 'Firing of the Barrel' display and food and wine pairing, before returning to the train.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Train

    Broken Hill

    Arrive in Broken Hill, New South Wales, with a choice of four off-train experiences including a tour of Australia's first heritage-listed city; return to the train for lunch and dinner as it continues through rural New South Wales.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Sydney

    Blue Mountains & arrival in Sydney

    Disembark the Indian Pacific after breakfast to explore the Blue Mountains, with options including Scenic World's Skyway, Cableway and Railway, or a guided walk, ending with a light lunch at Echo Point Lookout; continue by chartered rail service into Sydney Central Station, or stay aboard the Indian Pacific direct to Sydney. Transfer to hotel on arrival.

  8. Day 8overnight: Sydney

    Sydney Harbor Cruise

    All-inclusive lunch cruise aboard a 78ft luxury vessel from Darling Harbor, passing Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera House, with a long, lavish à la carte lunch paired with New South Wales wines.

  9. Day 9overnight: Sydney

    Sydney at leisure

    Free day in Sydney, or choose a pre-bookable optional excursion such as a Panoramic City Tour, Sydney Cricket Ground tour, or Sydney Opera House tour.

  10. Day 10

    Homeward bound

    Transfer from the hotel to Sydney Airport for the flight home, or extend the vacation to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, or Uluru and the Red Centre.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Ferry to Rottnest Island for a 90-minute heritage and wildlife tour, then afternoon leisure before returning to Perth.
  • Day 4Sunrise over Kalgoorlie and a visit to the Super Pit mining site; late evening stop in the ghost town of Cook for stargazing around a bonfire.
  • Day 5Coach transfer from the train to Barossa Valley for dinner at Seppeltsfield Winery, featuring the Firing of the Barrel display and wine pairing.
  • Day 7Optional Blue Mountains exploration including Scenic World's Skyway, Cableway, and Railway, or a guided walk, ending with lunch at Echo Point Lookout.
  • Day 8All-inclusive lunch cruise aboard a 78ft luxury vessel from Darling Harbor, passing Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera House with New South Wales wines.

Included

  • 5 nights in 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
  • All rail and transfers throughout your tour
  • 4 nights on board the Indian Pacific in Gold Service
  • 8 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Regionally inspired dining on board the Indian Pacific and all-inclusive Australian beers, wines, base spirits and soft drinks

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes all rail travel on the Indian Pacific in Gold Service for 4 nights, plus all transfers by coach and chartered rail service.
Is this an escorted or independent trip?
Independent. Vacations By Rail provides a well-planned itinerary that you follow on your own, with free time in Perth, Sydney, and optional day excursions.
What is included in the price?
5 nights in 4 and 5-star hotels, 4 nights aboard the Indian Pacific, 8 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 5 lunches, 3 dinners, and regionally inspired wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks on board the train.
What is not included?
International flights to and from Australia, travel insurance (available separately), and optional excursions such as tours of the Sydney Opera House or Cricket Ground.
How much time does the Indian Pacific spend crossing Australia?
4 nights and 3 full days aboard the train, traveling from Perth departing day 3 to Sydney arriving day 7.
What hotel standard can I expect?
The package includes 5 nights in 4 and 5-star hotels, with choice of hotels in Perth (Quay Hotel or Fraser Suites) and Sydney (Crown Plaza Darling Harbour Hotel).

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