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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Treasures of Australia & the Indian Pacific

Cross-country Australia: Perth to Sydney to Melbourne on the Indian Pacific

Illustration of Treasures of Australia & the Indian Pacific

Treasures of Australia & the Indian Pacific is a 16-day escorted tour operated by Great Rail Journeys that crosses the continent from Perth in the west to Sydney and Melbourne in the east. The journey opens with three nights in Perth, including a visit to Rottnest Island to meet the quokkas and a Swan River cruise. The centrepiece is a four-night voyage aboard the Indian Pacific in Gold Class cabins, with all meals and drinks included. Travellers cross the Nullarbor Plain, passing the world's longest straight stretch of railway at 297 miles, stop at the ghost town of Cook for a bonfire under the stars, taste wines at Seppeltsfield Winery in the Barossa Valley, and explore the Blue Mountains with optional excursions including the Katoomba Scenic Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway. After Sydney, including a harbour dinner cruise, the tour continues by rail to Melbourne, then concludes with a full-day coach journey along the Great Ocean Road, visiting the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. The itinerary balances guided sightseeing with free time and optional activities. Most nights are in four and five-star hotels. This tour suits repeat rail travellers seeking luxury sleeper-train travel, couples interested in scenic rail journeys and wine, and food-and-wine enthusiasts.

What to know before you look closer

  • Single supplement is substantial: GBP 12,099 from a base price of GBP 6,999, nearly double the double-occupancy rate.
  • Lunch and dinner on the XPT Interstate from Sydney to Melbourne are available to purchase on board but not included in the tour price.
  • Only two departure dates in 2027: March and November.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: In flight

    Overnight flight via Singapore to Western Australia

    Your incredible discovery of Australia begins at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager and fellow travellers. Board a flight via Singapore to Western Australia.

  2. Day 2overnight: Perth

    Arrival in Perth

    Landing in the capital of Western Australia, transfer to a five-star hotel overlooking the Swan River, base for three nights. Perth blends a modern skyline with natural beauty and is known for its relaxed, outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Dine independently this evening.

  3. Day 3overnight: Perth

    Perth and Fremantle sightseeing

    Breakfast at the hotel, then a sightseeing tour of Perth covering the city centre, skyscrapers and colonial architecture, concluding at Kings Park. Travel to nearby Fremantle for free time at the harbour or Victorian markets. Sail along the Swan River back to Perth and dine at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Perth

    Meeting the quokkas of Rottnest Island

    Sail to Rottnest Island after breakfast for a guided tour including the historic Captain Hussey train, Wadjemup Lighthouse, Jeannies Lookout, Oliver Hill Battery and Mabel Cove. Meet the famous quokkas. Return to Perth by ferry; evening free to explore and dine independently.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  5. Day 5railovernight: Indian Pacific (in transit)

    Boarding the luxury Indian Pacific

    Morning at leisure after breakfast, then transfer to board the Indian Pacific in Gold Class cabins (twin cabins with ensuite bathrooms and picture windows). All meals and drinks included on board. Enjoy the first dinner in the Queen Adelaide restaurant as the train departs Perth.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Indian Pacific (in transit)

    Crossing the Nullarbor Plain from Kalgoorlie to Cook

    First breakfast on the Indian Pacific, then optional excursions in Kalgoorlie including a visit to the Super Pit mine and gold-mining heritage sites. Mid-morning brunch, then enjoy views of the Nullarbor Plain, featuring the world's longest straight stretch of railway track at 297 miles. In the evening, the train stops at the ghost town of Cook for a late-night bonfire and nightcap under the stars.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Indian Pacific (in transit)

    Wine-tasting in the renowned Barossa Valley

    The Indian Pacific rolls through South Australia past pastoral lands and Flinders Ranges. Breakfast and lunch on board, then disembark at Two Wells for a coach transfer to Seppeltsfield Winery in the Barossa Valley. Enjoy a 'Firing of the Barrel' display and a food and wine pairing curated by executive chef Owen Andrews. Platinum class guests enjoy a special tasting of 100-year-old port. Return to the train and continue eastwards through the night.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8railovernight: Indian Pacific (in transit)

    The artistic outback town of Broken Hill

    Wake up in New South Wales. Breakfast on board, then choose from included off-train experiences: a tour of Australia's first heritage-listed city, a painting lesson at Pro Hart's original studio, a visit to Day Dream Mine near Silverton, a tour with local drag queen Shelita Buffet, or a bushtucker lesson with local chef Lee Cecchin. Return to the train for the final night on the Indian Pacific.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9railovernight: Sydney

    Blue Mountains and arrival in Sydney

    The Indian Pacific's final stop before Sydney is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. After breakfast, disembark and explore with included excursions: Scenic World (Scenic Skyway, Scenic Cableway), guided walks, high tea, or the Katoomba Scenic Railway (world's steepest passenger railway). Alternatively, stay on board to travel directly to Sydney Central Station. Board a specially chartered train to Sydney Central Station and transfer to the four-star hotel near Darling Harbour. Rest of the day free to explore and dine independently. Note: For the 21st September departure, accommodation is at the Novotel Sydney Darling Square.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  10. Day 10overnight: Sydney

    Sightseeing in Sydney

    Free morning to explore Sydney independently. Afternoon guided sightseeing tour covering the historic Rocks area, Mrs Macquarie's Chair, and Bondi Beach with free time. This evening, enjoy a dinner cruise from King Street Wharf with panoramic views of Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  11. Day 11overnight: Sydney

    Sydney at leisure

    Free day to explore Sydney at your own pace. Options include a public ferry under the Harbour Bridge to Circular Quay, a walk along the waterfront to the Opera House and Royal Botanic Gardens, visiting museums and galleries, or a boat ride to Manly. Dine independently this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  12. Day 12railovernight: Melbourne

    XPT Interstate train to Melbourne

    Short coach journey to the train station to board the First Class XPT Interstate to Melbourne. Day-long rail journey past open plains of Australian bush and farmland, with stops at remote stations including Wagga Wagga. Lunch and dinner available to purchase on board. Arrive in Melbourne this evening and check in to the central hotel overlooking the Yarra River. Dine independently.

  13. Day 13overnight: Melbourne

    Melbourne city tour & Yarra River cruise

    Free time in the morning to explore Melbourne independently. Afternoon sightseeing tour past the Old Treasury Building, the Great Exhibition centre of 1880, Melbourne Open venue and the MCG. One-hour Yarra River sightseeing cruise, then a short walk to the Melbourne Skydeck for panoramic views. Evening at leisure; Southbank area restaurants nearby.

    Meals: Breakfast

  14. Day 14overnight: Melbourne

    Along the Great Ocean Road

    Full-day coach excursion along the Great Ocean Road past verdant forests, waterfalls and ocean views. Stops at Lorne, Kennet River (chance to see koalas), Apollo Bay for lunch, the Twelve Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge. Return to Melbourne in the evening; dine independently.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  15. Day 15overnight: In flight

    Farewell to Melbourne

    Free morning after breakfast to explore Melbourne, Fitzroy Gardens, Captain Cook's Cottage, the Conservatory, Royal Arcade or Bourke Street shopping. Later, transfer to Melbourne Airport to begin the journey home via Singapore.

    Meals: Breakfast

  16. Day 16

    Homeward bound

    Land at London Heathrow today. Your unforgettable Australian tour concludes, having crossed the country from Perth in the west to Sydney in the east and Melbourne in the south.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Sail to Rottnest Island and meet the famous quokkas on a guided tour, including a ride on the historic Captain Hussey train.
  • Day 6Cross the Nullarbor Plain on the Indian Pacific, passing the world's longest straight stretch of railway track at 297 miles, then gather at Cook ghost town for a bonfire and nightcap under the stars.
  • Day 7Disembark at Two Wells for a coach transfer to Seppeltsfield Winery in the Barossa Valley, where a 'Firing of the Barrel' display precedes a food and wine pairing curated by executive chef Owen Andrews.
  • Day 9Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Blue Mountains with optional excursions including the Katoomba Scenic Railway, the world's steepest passenger railway.
  • Day 14Travel the Great Ocean Road by coach, stopping at Lorne, Kennet River (spot koalas), Apollo Bay, the Twelve Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 9 nights' 4 & 5-star hotel accommodation
  • 4 nights in a Gold Class cabin aboard the Indian Pacific
  • First Class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise, ferry and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Flights from London Heathrow to Perth and Melbourne to London Heathrow
  • Regional departures available
  • 12 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
  • Beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks included on the Indian Pacific
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Meals not listed in the itinerary (independently dined evenings)
  • Lunch and dinner on the XPT Interstate train (available to purchase on board)
  • Optional excursion upgrades (e.g. Platinum class port tasting in Barossa Valley)

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included in the price?
All rail travel is included except lunch and dinner on the XPT Interstate from Sydney to Melbourne, which are available to purchase on board. Flights from London Heathrow to Perth and from Melbourne to London are also included.
What trains do I travel on?
The Indian Pacific in Gold Class cabins (Perth to Sydney, four nights), the XPT Interstate in First Class (Sydney to Melbourne), the Captain Hussey train on Rottnest Island, and the Katoomba Scenic Railway in the Blue Mountains (optional).
Are meals included?
Great Rail Journeys includes 12 breakfasts, one brunch, five lunches and six dinners. All meals and drinks are included aboard the Indian Pacific. Meals are not included on nights when dining is marked independent in the itinerary, or on the XPT Interstate.
Will there be a tour manager?
Yes, a UK Tour Manager from Great Rail Journeys will accompany the group from London and throughout the tour.
How much walking and activity is involved?
Daily walking includes city sightseeing tours in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne; optional Blue Mountains excursions with guided walks and the Scenic Railway; and a full-day coach trip along the Great Ocean Road. Several days offer free time for independent exploration.
What hotels are included?
Pan Pacific Hotel in Perth (five-star, three nights), ParkRoyal Darling Harbour in Sydney (four-star, three nights), and Pan Pacific Melbourne (three nights). Four nights are spent in a Gold Class cabin aboard the Indian Pacific.

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