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Firebird Tours · Private tour

East to West on the Indian Pacific Train

East-to-west Australia crossing on Indian Pacific train with reef and city stays

Illustration of East to West on the Indian Pacific Train

Firebird Tours' 15-day East to West on the Indian Pacific Train crosses Australia from the tropical northeast coast to the southwestern Indian Ocean, combining hotel stays in Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth with a 4-day/3-night overnight train journey in a Gold Twin Cabin. The itinerary balances guided city exploration with natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef catamaran with snorkelling near Cairns, Sydney Harbour sightseeing and a sunset dinner cruise, and coastal wildlife cruises near Perth. The Indian Pacific train departs Sydney on Wednesdays and travels via Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook and Rawlinna across inland Australia's red deserts and outback stations. A private driver handles all transfers and airport connections, while some excursions (the reef catamaran, Lone Pine wildlife sanctuary, and Penguin Island cruise) are conducted as group experiences. Days in the cities include a mix of guided tours and optional leisure time. This moderate-pace private journey suits repeat rail travellers and couples seeking personalized comfort and wildlife encounters across Australia's length.

What to know before you look closer

  • Some excursions are group tours of up to 50 people (Great Barrier Reef catamaran, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary cruise, Sydney dinner cruise, Penguin Island cruise), though your private driver and hotel stays are exclusive to your party.
  • Multiple one-night stops between Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney mean significant flight transfers; only the Indian Pacific leg and Perth stay offer longer anchor points.
  • Single supplement (USD 5144) is minimal above the double rate, but confirm current pricing with Firebird before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Crystalbrook Flynn, Cairns

    Arrival in Cairns

    Private airport transfer to the hotel; free day to explore or rest.

  2. Day 2overnight: Crystalbrook Flynn, Cairns

    Great Barrier Reef

    Full-day luxury catamaran trip to the Great Barrier Reef with snorkelling and a buffet lunch. Group tour up to 50 people.

  3. Day 3overnight: Crystalbrook Flynn, Cairns

    Rainforest & Waterfalls Day Tour in the Atherton Tablelands

    Private day tour to the World Heritage-listed Mabi Rainforest, volcanic crater lakes and Millaa Millaa Falls.

  4. Day 4overnight: Royal On The Park, Brisbane

    Departure to Brisbane

    Private airport transfer and flight from Cairns to Brisbane (approx. 2h).

  5. Day 5overnight: Royal On The Park, Brisbane

    Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Brisbane River Cruise

    River cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary with morning tea, lunch and close encounters with koalas, kangaroos and other native wildlife. Group tour.

  6. Day 6overnight: Paradox Sydney

    Departure to Sydney

    Private airport transfer and flight from Brisbane to Sydney (approx. 1h30).

  7. Day 7overnight: Paradox Sydney

    Sydney Sightseeing Tour with Sunset Dinner Cruise

    4-hour private tour of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, The Rocks and Paddington, followed by an evening Sydney Harbour sunset dinner cruise (group tour).

  8. Day 8overnight: Paradox Sydney

    Sydney Day at Leisure

    Free day; optional Backstage Sydney Opera House Tour or Blue Mountains Full-day Tour recommended.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Aboard the Indian Pacific (Gold Twin Cabin)

    Departure to Perth Aboard Indian Pacific Train

    Transfer to the train station to begin a 4-day/3-night, all-inclusive Indian Pacific Train journey (Gold Twin Cabin) from Sydney to Perth, departing Wednesdays, with Off Train Experiences in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook and Rawlinna.

  10. Day 12railovernight: InterContinental Perth City Centre by IHG

    Arrival in Perth

    Driver transfer from the train station to the hotel; free time to relax after the crossing.

  11. Day 13overnight: InterContinental Perth City Centre by IHG

    Perth Day at Leisure

    Free day; optional Highlights of Perth Tour recommended.

  12. Day 14overnight: InterContinental Perth City Centre by IHG

    Dolphin, Sea Lion and Penguin Island Cruise

    60-minute glass-bottom boat cruise around Penguin, Seal & Bird Islands with a guided wildlife walk on Penguin Island. Group tour.

  13. Day 15

    Perth Departure

    Private airport transfer for departure.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Full-day luxury catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef with snorkelling and buffet lunch.
  • Day 7Private 4-hour Sydney tour of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and Paddington, followed by a sunset dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour.
  • Day 9Depart Sydney aboard the Indian Pacific train in a Gold Twin Cabin, beginning a 4-day/3-night crossing to Perth with Off Train Experiences in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook and Rawlinna.

Included

  • Exceptional downtown hotel accommodations
  • Guided sightseeing tours with expert English-speaking guides
  • Delicious breakfasts at your hotels
  • In-depth exploration of best landmarks
  • Tickets and intercity transportation as per itinerary
  • Professional meeting services at the airport
  • Dedicated support team before and during your trip

Questions travellers ask

Is the Indian Pacific train travel included?
Yes. The 4-day/3-night Gold Twin Cabin aboard the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth, with Off Train Experiences in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook and Rawlinna, is fully included.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is a private tour with a dedicated private driver throughout. Several excursions (reef catamaran, Lone Pine cruise, Sydney dinner cruise, Penguin Island cruise) are group tours run by third parties; other activities are private.
What hotels are included?
Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns (3 nights), Royal On The Park in Brisbane (2 nights), Paradox Sydney in Sydney (3 nights), and InterContinental Perth City Centre by IHG in Perth (3 nights).
What is included in the price?
Downtown hotel accommodations, guided sightseeing tours with expert guides, hotel breakfasts, landmark tickets, intercity transportation (flights and train), airport transfers, and dedicated support before and during the trip.
When does this tour run?
Firebird offers seven departures across 2026 and 2027: July, August, September, October, November, December 2026 and April 2027. Prices range from USD 5144 to USD 20966 depending on departure date.
How much walking or physical activity is involved?
The tour operates at a moderate pace, with walking tours in cities, snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef, and wildlife sanctuary visits. No high-altitude hiking or strenuous activities are described.

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