Overview
From world-class food and wine to a range of immersive excursions, the hardest decision you’ll need to make is what to have for lunch and which experience to join. Add to that, a sumptuous Christmas lunch in Adelaide, a day trip to the stunning Barossa Valley, and a few days touring the Sunshine Coast, we’ve created the perfect escape over the festive season.
The Train Journey’s…“Indian Pacific” from Sydney to Adelaide. Timeless travel between two great cities, we experience the tremendous beauty of the Nullarbor on this epic three-day, two-night journey. Leaving Perth, the soft, green rolling hills slowly give way to the flatter, drier and harsher, but every bit as beautiful, desert plains. After enjoying stops in the landmark township of Kalgoorlie, and the deserted ghost town of Cook, the scenery is replaced by softer and more graceful contours as we arrive in Adelaide.
“The Great Southern” from Adelaide to Brisbane. Leaving Adelaide behind, we can relax, unwind and enjoy world-class service as the stunning landscapes glide by. Lap up the spectacular scenery passing by your window, beginning in the magical Adelaide Hills and onto the ancient Grampians region in Victoria. Delve into the art, history and culinary culture of Canberra, and discover the nation’s capital. Feel the sand between your toes in the picturesque coastal town of Coffs Harbour. Then enjoy stunning views of northern New South Wales as we roll into the final destinations in Queensland.
Train travel will be in “Gold Service” cabins which include:- Elegant twin (upper and lower berths) or single sleeper compartments converting to seating for daytime use.
- Twin compartments have private ensuite facilities while single compartments have their own wash basins with shower and toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage
- All compartments fully serviced by dedicated cabin stewards
- Luxurious “Outback Explorer” lounge and bar car for relaxation and socialising with Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic drinks included
- Stylish “Queen Adelaide” restaurant dining car. Freshly prepared delicious meals prepared on board included
- Sound system in each compartment for musical entertainment or journey commentary
Itinerary
Friday 20 December Auckland – Perth (D)Today, tour members fly to Perth. On arrival, we transfer to our central city accommodation for a 2-night stay. We enjoy dinner together this evening. Saturday 21 December Perth (B.L)This morning, we make our way by ferry to Rottnest Island. Here, we enjoy a special tour as we learn all about the Island’s major habitats and Rottnest’s cultural and historical heritage. We explore the stunning beauty of Rottnest Island, commencing with a unique historic train ride. Then onto the island’s must-see locations such as Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Oliver Hill Gun Fortification and Tunnels, and Mabel Cove. In the afternoon, we join the ferry back to Perth and the remainder of the day is at leisure. Sunday 22 December Perth – Nullabor (Indian Pacific) (B.L.D)A leisurely mid-morning departure from Perth is soon followed by a regionally inspired, gourmet lunch with views of the beautiful patchwork hills of the Avon Valley. The soft, green rolling hills slowly give way to the flatter, drier and harsher, but every bit as beautiful, desert plains. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and socialising with fellow guests in anticipation of our late-night arrival into the landmark township of Kalgoorlie. After a fascinating Off Train Excursion we return to our cabins for a restful night’s sleep. Monday 23 December Nullabor Plain (B.L.D)We arrive refreshed for a superb sunrise on the Nullarbor. Back on the train, we enjoy regionally inspired modern Australian cuisine for brunch, before alighting at the once vibrant but now deserted ghost town of Cook. Watch the passing parade of ever-changing landscape before dinner and share stories with friends in the lounge. Tuesday 24 December Arrive Adelaide + City Tour (B.D)After another comfortable night’s sleep, the beautiful but unforgiving scenery is now replaced by softer and more graceful contours as we make our way to Adelaide for a morning arrival. We disembark the train and are met by our coach. We then enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. Adelaide is an elegant, clean and gracious city that has preserved its heritage and links with the past. Our tour will show us many of the lovely parks and gardens that surround the city, the grand sandstone homes and cottages and the many churches that are spread throughout the city. In the afternoon, we are transferred to our hotel, to check in for our 3-night stay. Wednesday 25 December Free day (B)Today is yours to spend as you wish. Enjoy some Boxing Day retail therapy, or simply relax and enjoy your surroundings. Thursday 26 December Christmas Day! (Barossa Tour) (B.L)Another great day today as we set off for the Adelaide Hills, through a patchwork of orchards and vineyards to the town of Hahndorf, one of the most popular towns in the area originally settled by German immigrants in 1839. The town retains much of its Germanic heritage and is home to some of the regions finest cellar doors. Then, we travel across to the world-famous Barossa Valley, the heartland of the Australian wine industry which retains much of its diverse European cultural heritage. We enjoy a sumptuous Christmas lunch and some wine tasting before returning to Adelaide later this afternoon. Friday 27 December Adelaide – Grampians (Great Southern) (B.L.D)We depart Adelaide this morning, on our next train journey. As we leave Adelaide, take your time to settle in and get familiar with your cabin. Enjoy morning tea and then savour a relaxed lunch on board while watching the ever-changing landscape glide by. In the afternoon, the train will arrive in regional Victoria where we’ll have a chance to experience the spectacular wilderness of the Grampians region. Saturday 28 December Canberra (B.L.D)Today is yours to spend in Australia’s political and cultural capital, Canberra. After breakfast on board, enjoy a scenic coach ride to Canberra to experience a truly memorable lunch and immersive touring at your pick of cultural institutions, including the National War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House, before returning to the train in time for dinner. Enjoy another sumptuous dinner on board before retiring to the lounge for a nightcap. Sunday 29 December Coffs Harbour & Surrounds – Brisbane (B.L)Choose your own adventure today (included) with a variety of options to suit your fitness level and interests. The Urunga Boardwalk excursions starts from the small station of Urunga, where a local Indigenous guide will meet you. Stroll the boardwalk, look for stingrays and herons as your guide interprets this unique ecosystem, highlighting local wildlife and bush tucker. After the boardwalk, immerse yourself in the rich cultural history of the Gumbaynggirr people, with a demonstration of traditional tools and weaponry, and the opportunity to see and taste bush tucker.The Coffs Explorer experience travels up to Sealy Lookout offering views for miles from the Forest Sky Pier. After drinking in the sights, travel to the North Coast Regional Botanical Garden to explore this green oasis in the heart of Coffs Harbour. The botanic garden features a range of self-guided discovery walks amongst natural forests, planted garden areas including Australian plants, rainforests, sensory garden, international plants from seven regions, a tropical glasshouse and shadehouse, ponds and lakes.After your Coffs Harbour morning, enjoy a final lunch on board with your fellow travellers before arriving into Brisbane early evening. We are met on arrival in Brisbane and transferred to our hotel for our overnight stay. Monday 30 December Brisbane – Australia Zoo – Sunshine Coast (B.D)We depart Brisbane and travel north to Australia Zoo, home to the television’s “Crocodile Hunter”, the late Steve Irwin. At the zoo, your day is filled with a range of activities and shows for you to experience. In the afternoon, we continue to our hotel, located in the centre of the Sunshine Coast, where we stay for two nights. Tuesday 31 December Noosa Everglades (B.D)Enjoy the morning at leisure, before we embark on our afternoon activity. We visit Noosa’s best-kept secret, the Noosa Everglades wilderness area with its dark waterways and myriad of wildlife. The Everglades include the upper reaches of the Noosa River, Hidden within the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park. The everglades are a tranquil oasis with Paperbark trees reflecting perfectly in the dark, tannin-stained fresh waters. More bird species make the Everglades their home than in Kakadu and the mystical waters are rich in aquatic life. There are only two everglades systems in the world – the Noosa Everglades and the Florida Everglades. But the Noosa Everglades are the only one representing an ancient waterway that has existed unchanged for thousands of years, courtesy of the Noosa Biosphere project. Our cruise vessel will gently glide through the tranquil waterways also known as the “river of mirrors”, home to 44% of native birdlife found in Australia. The flora and fauna throughout the ancient landscapes are truly spectacular and our expert guides provide full commentary throughout the journey, showcasing the rich history of this region.We return to our accommodation late afternoon and enjoy dinner together this evening. Keep an eye out for the fireworks displays tonight, celebrating the end of 2024 and the beginning of a new year! Wednesday 01 January Sunshine Coast – Brisbane (B.D)We make our way back down the coast to Brisbane today, stopping at points of interest en route. Arriving early afternoon, there is time to rest and relax, before we enjoy one final dinner together this evening. Thursday 02 January Brisbane – Auckland (B)Time to say our farewells and head back to the airport in time to join our flight home.
