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Journey Beyond Rail · Rail & touring package

Southwest Escape 2026

Indian Pacific rail crossing Sydney to Perth plus Margaret River touring

Illustration of Southwest Escape 2026

Journey Beyond Rail operates this 9-day package that opens with a 3-night crossing of Australia aboard the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth. Day 1 departs Sydney's Central Station through the Blue Mountains, day 2 stops at Broken Hill before reaching Adelaide, and day 3 crosses the Nullarbor Plain with a seasonal dinner at Rawlinna. After arriving in Perth on day 4, the trip continues by road to Margaret River for three days of touring, including Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, Mammoth Cave, the Boranup Karri Forest, and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, along with winery, coffee, and olive oil tastings. The trip returns to Perth for a Rottnest Island day trip by ferry, with a bus tour to Wadjemup Lighthouse and time to meet the quokkas, before concluding on day 9. This suits travelers who want the classic Indian Pacific crossing extended with a food and wine focused stay in Western Australia's southwest, rather than a train-only itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • No price is listed in the operator's materials for this package; confirm current pricing and departure dates directly with Journey Beyond Rail.
  • The Margaret River hotel is one of two options, Margaret's Beach Resort or Margaret In Town, so your specific property depends on availability.
  • Only 3 dinners are included across the 9 days, against 8 breakfasts and 6 lunches, so plan to pay for dinner on most nights in Perth and Margaret River.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: 3 nights Indian Pacific

    Board The Indian Pacific in Sydney

    Depart Sydney's Central Station mid-afternoon through the Blue Mountains. First regionally inspired dinner on board.

  2. Day 2rail

    Indian Pacific, Broken Hill and Adelaide

    Off Train Experience in Broken Hill (Miners' Memorial or a tour with Shelita Buffet). Arrive Adelaide late afternoon for a choice of curated dining experiences (McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Icons of Adelaide, or Adelaide Central Market).

  3. Day 3rail

    Indian Pacific, Nullarbor Plain

    Cross the Nullarbor Plain on the world's longest straight railway track, calling at Cook. Signature dinner under the stars at Rawlinna (seasonal).

  4. Day 4overnight: 1 night DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront

    Indian Pacific, Perth

    Final brunch on board through the Avon Valley before arriving Perth; transfer to accommodation.

  5. Day 5overnight: 2 nights Margaret's Beach Resort or Margaret In Town

    Perth to Margaret River

    Drive south via Mandurah, Bunbury's Featured Wood Gallery, Busselton Jetty, Margaret River Chocolate Company, Surfers Point and Prevelly.

  6. Day 6

    Margaret River

    Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and Mammoth Cave, Boranup Karri Forest, Hamelin Bay, and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse guided tour.

  7. Day 7overnight: 2 nights DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront

    Margaret River to Perth

    Yahava Koffee Works, two winery tastings, Olio Bello olive oil farm and lunch, return to Perth.

  8. Day 8

    Rottnest Island

    Ferry to Rottnest Island, bus tour including Wadjemup Lighthouse, lunch, free time to meet the quokkas, return by ferry.

  9. Day 9

    Farewell

    Check out of accommodation, tour concludes.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Indian Pacific departs Sydney's Central Station in the afternoon and crosses the Blue Mountains before the first dinner on board.
  • Day 3The train crosses the Nullarbor Plain on the world's longest straight railway track, calling at Cook, with a seasonal signature dinner under the stars at Rawlinna.
  • Day 6A day in Margaret River visits Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, Mammoth Cave, the Boranup Karri Forest, and a guided tour of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
  • Day 8A ferry to Rottnest Island includes a bus tour to Wadjemup Lighthouse and free time to meet the island's quokkas.

Included

  • 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Transfer from Rail Terminal to hotel

Questions travellers ask

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.
What happens after Perth?
A 3-day Margaret River touring extension follows, visiting Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, Mammoth Cave, wineries, and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, before returning to Perth for a Rottnest Island day trip.
What hotels are included?
3 nights at the DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront (split across two stays) and 2 nights in Margaret River at Margaret's Beach Resort or Margaret In Town.
What meals are included?
8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 3 dinners across the 9 days; the Indian Pacific segment includes all meals and beverages on board.
When does it run?
No departure dates are listed in the evidence; confirm availability with Journey Beyond Rail.

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