Search

Journey Beyond Rail · Rail & wildlife adventure package

Perth & Ningaloo Reef Escape 2027

Sydney to Perth by Indian Pacific, then Ningaloo Reef whale swim

Illustration of Perth & Ningaloo Reef Escape 2027

Journey Beyond Rail runs this 10-day trip from Sydney to Ningaloo Reef on the remote Indian Ocean coast of Western Australia. The first three days are spent aboard the Indian Pacific, crossing the Blue Mountains out of Sydney, stopping in Broken Hill and Adelaide, and crossing the Nullarbor Plain with a signature dinner at Rawlinna, before arriving in Perth on day 4. Two nights at the Pan Pacific Perth include a full day on Rottnest Island, touring by bus to the Wadjemup Lighthouse and meeting the island's quokkas. A flight to Exmouth then leads to three nights at Sal Salis, a 16-tent safari camp inside Cape Range National Park, with a guided whale shark or humpback whale swim, reef snorkeling, and gorge walks included. The pace slows once travelers leave the train, with two or three nights at each stop. This suits travelers who want one long rail crossing paired with a guided wildlife stay, rather than a multi-city itinerary, and who are comfortable with tented, eco-luxury accommodation at the reef.

What to know before you look closer

  • The whale swim is seasonal: whale sharks run March through July and humpback whales August through October; a February departure falls outside both windows, so confirm with Journey Beyond Rail what marine life will be present.
  • The Indian Pacific covers the Sydney to Perth leg only; reaching Ningaloo Reef and returning to Perth is by economy flight between Perth and Exmouth, not by train.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Indian Pacific (night 1 of 3)

    Board the Indian Pacific in Sydney

    Depart Sydney's Central Station through the Blue Mountains; first regionally inspired dinner on board.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Indian Pacific (night 2 of 3)

    Indian Pacific, Broken Hill and Adelaide

    Off Train Experience in Broken Hill; late afternoon arrival in Adelaide with a choice of curated experiences.

  3. Day 3overnight: Indian Pacific (night 3 of 3)

    Indian Pacific, Nullarbor Plain

    Cross the Nullarbor Plain; call at Cook; signature dinner at Rawlinna.

  4. Day 4overnight: Pan Pacific Perth (night 1 of 2)

    Indian Pacific, Perth

    Arrive into Perth after 4,352km; transfer to accommodation, where the connection with the Indian Ocean begins.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Pan Pacific Perth (night 2 of 2)

    Rottnest Island

    Rottnest Express ferry from Barrack Street Jetty; bus tour including Wadjemup Lighthouse; lunch and free time to meet the quokkas; return ferry in the afternoon.

  6. Day 6overnight: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef (night 1 of 3)

    Perth to Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef

    Flight to Exmouth; transfer to Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, a 16-tent beachside safari camp in Cape Range National Park.

  7. Day 7overnight: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef (night 2 of 3)

    Ningaloo Reef

    Swim with whale sharks (March-July) or humpback whales (August-October) aboard a spotter-plane-guided luxury vessel; snorkels and wetsuits provided.

  8. Day 8overnight: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef (night 3 of 3)

    Ningaloo Reef

    Snorkel the coral reef, or join a guided walk through Mandu Mandu and Yardie Creek Gorges, kayaking or fishing.

  9. Day 9overnight: Pan Pacific Perth (1 night)

    Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth to Perth

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

  10. Day 10

    Farewell

    Breakfast and check out; journey ends.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Indian Pacific departs Sydney's Central Station and crosses the Blue Mountains on the first night aboard.
  • Day 3The train crosses the Nullarbor Plain, calls at Cook, and hosts a signature dinner at Rawlinna.
  • Day 5A Rottnest Express ferry and bus tour reach Wadjemup Lighthouse, with free time to meet the island's quokkas.
  • Day 7A spotter-plane-guided vessel takes guests to swim with whale sharks (March to July) or humpback whales (August to October).

Included

  • 3 nights aboard the Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth) with all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences
  • Transfer from Rail Terminal to hotel
  • 3 nights' accommodation in Perth, including breakfast daily
  • Full day Discover Rottnest tour, including lunch
  • Transfer from hotel to Perth Airport
  • Return economy flights from Perth to Exmouth
  • 3 nights' accommodation at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef including airport transfers, chef-prepared meals, snacks and beverages, national park entrance fees and guided wilderness activities
  • 1 day Whale Shark Swim (March-July) or Humpback Whale Swim (August-October) including luxury vessel, wetsuits and snorkel gear, morning tea, lunch and beverages
  • Transfer from Perth Airport to hotel
  • 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?
From A$8,590 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $6,161 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is the train travel included?
Yes. 3 nights aboard the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth are included, with all meals, beverages, and Off Train Experiences in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook, and Rawlinna.
Which train is used?
The Indian Pacific, in Platinum, Gold Premium, or Gold class depending on the price tier booked.
What hotels are included?
3 nights at the Pan Pacific Perth and 3 nights at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, a 16-tent beachside safari camp in Cape Range National Park.
Is transport to Ningaloo Reef included?
Yes. Return economy flights between Perth and Exmouth are included, along with airport transfers.

Similar journeys