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Firebird Tours · Group tour

Great Western Wonders: Indian Pacific Train

Indian Pacific train from Sydney to Perth, then Ningaloo Reef.

Illustration of Great Western Wonders: Indian Pacific Train

Firebird Tours' Great Western Wonders is a 10-day Australian journey that combines the Indian Pacific train with a stay at an eco-luxury reef resort. The trip departs Sydney, crosses the Nullarbor Plain to Perth aboard the famous Indian Pacific over three days and two nights, then flies to Cape Range National Park for three nights at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef. On the train, you will enjoy regionally-inspired meals, off-train experiences in Broken Hill and Adelaide, and a signature dinner under the stars at Rawlinna on the remote Nullarbor. In Perth, a day trip to Rottnest Island includes a bus tour and free time to spot quokkas. The centerpiece of the reef portion is a small-group guided swim with whale sharks (March to July) or humpback whales (August to October), spotter plane support included. Days at leisure allow snorkeling, gorge walks, kayaking, or fishing from the camp. The itinerary suits repeat rail travelers, couples seeking romance and relaxation, and photographers drawn to Australia's vast landscapes and wildlife. The tour is led by local guides throughout, with a dedicated crew aboard the train.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour spans three time zones across Australia; allow time to adjust to the distances involved.
  • Whale shark season (March to July) and humpback season (August to October) determine which marine animal you will encounter on the Ningaloo Reef swim.
  • The free day at Sal Salis (Day 8) depends on weather for water activities; alternative gorge walks are available if conditions do not permit snorkeling or kayaking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Aboard the Indian Pacific, en route to Adelaide

    Board the Indian Pacific in Sydney

    Depart Sydney Central Station through the Blue Mountains; regionally-inspired dinner and wine on board.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Aboard the Indian Pacific, en route to Nullarbor Plain

    Indian Pacific Train: Broken Hill and Adelaide

    Off Train Experience in Broken Hill (mining heritage, Miners Memorial, or a Drag Queen city tour), then Off Train Experience in Adelaide (South Australian Museum, Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale wine tasting, Hahndorf, or Adelaide Central Markets).

  3. Day 3railovernight: Aboard the Indian Pacific, en route to Perth

    Indian Pacific Train: Nullarbor Plain

    Cross the Nullarbor Plain on the world's longest stretch of straight railway, stopping at the near-ghost town of Cook, then a signature dinner under the stars at Rawlinna (seasonal).

  4. Day 4overnight: Pan Pacific Perth

    Arrival in Perth

    Final leg through the Avon Valley into Perth; transfer to the hotel.

  5. Day 5overnight: Pan Pacific Perth

    Rottnest Island Tour

    Ferry to Rottnest Island, a 90-minute bus tour to Wadjemup Lighthouse and the west end boardwalk, lunch, and free time (including quokka sightings).

  6. Day 6overnight: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef

    Departure to Cape Range National Park

    Transfer to Perth Airport for a flight to Exmouth, then transfer to the eco-luxury Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef safari camp.

  7. Day 7overnight: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef

    Ningaloo Reef Tour

    Small-group swim with whale sharks (March-July) or humpback whales (August-October) on Ningaloo Reef, guided from a spotter plane.

  8. Day 8overnight: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef

    Day at Leisure

    Free day to snorkel the reef, walk Mandu Mandu and Yardie Creek Gorges, kayak or fish from the Sal Salis base.

  9. Day 9overnight: Pan Pacific Perth

    Departure & Arrival in Perth

    Morning flight back to Perth; free afternoon to explore the city.

  10. Day 10

    Farewell

    Check out after breakfast.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart Sydney Central Station and travel through the Blue Mountains on the Indian Pacific, with regionally-inspired dinner and wine served aboard.
  • Day 3Cross the Nullarbor Plain on the world's longest stretch of straight railway, with a signature dinner under the stars at Rawlinna.
  • Day 5Ferry to Rottnest Island for a 90-minute bus tour to Wadjemup Lighthouse and the west end boardwalk, with opportunities to spot quokkas.
  • Day 7Small-group swim with whale sharks (March to July) or humpback whales (August to October) on Ningaloo Reef, guided from a spotter plane.

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 train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price of $6,036 USD includes the 3-day, 2-night Indian Pacific train journey from Sydney to Perth, plus hotels in Perth and Cape Range National Park, guided experiences, and flights to Exmouth.
Is this tour guided or independent?
It is a guided group tour. Firebird Tours provides tour guides and a dedicated crew aboard the Indian Pacific, local guides for off-train experiences, and a guide for the Ningaloo Reef whale shark swim.
What is the Indian Pacific?
The Indian Pacific is a long-distance passenger train that runs from Sydney through Broken Hill and Adelaide across the Nullarbor Plain to Perth, a journey of approximately 2,700 miles.
What will I see on the Nullarbor Plain?
The train crosses the world's longest stretch of straight railway on flat, arid terrain. Firebird includes a signature dinner under the stars at Rawlinna (seasonal) as part of this leg.
What happens at Ningaloo Reef?
You stay three nights at the eco-luxury Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef safari camp. A guided small-group swim with whale sharks runs March to July or humpback whales August to October. Day 8 is free to snorkel the reef, walk gorges, kayak, or fish from the camp base.
When does this tour run?
The evidence does not specify fixed departure dates. Contact Firebird Tours to confirm current availability and to choose a departure aligned with whale shark (March-July) or humpback whale (August-October) season.

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