day one

Welcome to Perth!

Start your adventure by flying into Perth on the direct flight with Qantas in 16 hours and 45 minutes. 

Perth, the sun-drenched capital of Western Australia, boasts a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Situated on the banks of the Swan River and framed by the Indian Ocean’s shimmering coastline, Perth offers a lifestyle that seamlessly integrates outdoor adventures with cosmopolitan delights. With its vibrant cultural scene, including museums, galleries, and theatres, the city pulsates with creativity and diversity. From the lush greenery of Kings Park to the trendy cafes of Fremantle, Perth encapsulates the essence of modern Australian living while retaining a laid-back charm. Its warm climate and stunning beaches make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, while its burgeoning food and wine scene satisfies even the most discerning palates.

Spend 4 nights in Perth.

Suggested hotel: Duxton Hotel

day TWO

Explore Perth

Spend your first full day at leisure exploring the sights of Perth.

day three

Adventure Rottnest Express Tour

This morning, leave your hotel for your Adventure Rottnest Express Tour.

Rottnest Island sits just offshore from the city of Perth, in Western Australia. A protected nature reserve, it’s home to the quokka, a small wallaby-like marsupial. White-sand beaches and secluded coves include the Basin, with its shallow waters, and Thomson Bay, the main hub and ferry port. Strickland Bay is known for its surf breaks, while reef breaks occur at Radar Reef, off the island’s far western tip.

Includes: Return ferry transfers to Rottnest Island, Swan River Cruise with commentary between Perth and Fremantle, 90 minute Eco Adventure boat tour around Rottnest Island where you will see the cute island dwellers, the Quokka!

Overnight Perth, Duxton Hotel

day four

Perth and Fremantle City Explorer & Swan River Cruise

This morning, you have your Morning Perth and Fremantle City Explorer & Swan River Cruise (Adams Pinnacle Tours). You will be picked up from your hotel.

Includes: Luxury coach travel, expert commentary, take in all the attractions of the revitalised Perth CBD including the Western Australian Cricket Ground, Kings Botanic Gardens, walk through the tree canopies on the Tree Top Walkways, Millionaire’s Row, Cottesloe Beach, Fremantle, Swan River Cruise.

A great taster tour taking in Perth and Fremantle, affording the opportunity to drive around these iconic cities with various stops. Starting in Perth, the tour takes in all major attractions of the revitalised Perth CBD, including the Western Australian Cricket Ground (WACA). Then on to Kings Park Botanical Gardens, where you have the opportunity to view wildflowers or take in the stunning views from the war memorial looking back over the City skyline. Continue through the affluent Western Suburbs of Perth, known as Millionaire’s Row before reaching Cottesloe Beach where the Indian Ocean sparkles. Travel on into historic Fremantle, viewing the impressive facades of this heritage-listed city including a brief stop.

The tour concludes at Barrack Street Jetty in the afternoon, from there you have the rest of the day exploring Perth.

Overnight Perth, Duxton Hotel

day five

Collect your hire car and drive to Mandurah

Drive to Mandurah a journey of about 1 hour.

Spend 1 night in Mandurah.

Suggested hotel: Seashells Mandurah

day SIX

Dolphin and Scenic Canal Cruise

This morning, make your way to the jetty in front of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on the Mandurah Boardwalk for your one hour dolphin and scenic canal cruise. 

Mandurah is Western Australia’s marine capital, just one hour south of Perth. Mandurah Cruises showcase fabulous wild seafood and dolphins. Hosted by expert tour guides on their fresh, modern and light boats, relax and cruise Mandurah’s tranquil canals to the mouth of the U.N protected Peel Inlet, a massive estuary double the size of Sydney Harbour. See one of the 120 resident bottlenose dolphins, who live completely wild in these waterways. Learn about Mandurah’s dolphins, who they are, how they live and how to interact with them from the crew. Spot pelicans, ospreys and rare migratory birds (March to October).

Dolphins are in their natural environment; sightings are not guaranteed. Cruises depart in most weather conditions so please dress appropriately and there are very rare occasions that they do have to cancel. If cancelled passengers will be offered an alternative.

Overnight Mandurah, Seashells Mandurah

day seven

Drive to Dunsborough

The drive from Mandurah to Dunsborough should take around 2 hours

Spend 2 nights in Dunsborough, 

Suggested hotel: Pullman Bunker Bay Resort Margaret River

day eight

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

Spend the day at leisure and visit the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. Tours depart on the hour every hour and can be booked either before you travel online or when you get there at AUD15 per person.

Overnight Dunsborough, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort Margaret River

day nine

Drive to Albany

Drive today to Albany a journey which should take around 4 hours. 

Suggested hotel: The Beach House at Bayside

day ten

Visit Torndirrup National Park

Drive to Torndirrup National Park which should take no more than half an hour from your hotel.

Why not take a tour, they depart from the whaling station every hour? The only food outlet in the whole park is actually at the whaling station so might be worth stocking up whilst you are here.

Also worth a visit here are the Natural Bridge, the Gap and the Blowholes

Overnight Albany, The Beach House at Bayside

day eleven

Drive to Esperance

After breakfast begin your drive to Esperance this shouldn’t take any longer than 5 hours without stops. However, why not make the most of the scenery and stop off en route. The fastest route is along National Route 1, which passes through Ravensthorpe, but you will notice that along the way, most of the best sights will be a detour from the main road, as the highway runs inland, and most of the towns and national parks are all found along the coast. They are all totally worth the extra mileage though.

Spend 2 nights in Esperance.

Suggested hotel: Comfort Inn Bay of Isles

day twelve

Relax in Esperance

Take a walk to West Beach and Blue Haven Beach.

Suggested hotel: Comfort Inn Bay of Isles

day fourteen

Drive back to Perth

The drive today will take around 4 hours. Drop off your hire car and spend one more night in Perth.

day fifteen

Board the Indian Pacific to Adelaide

A leisurely mid-morning departure from Perth is 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 before reaching the mining town of Kalgoorlie.

Platinum Service:

– Platinum cabins are spacious (almost twice the size of Gold Service cabins), with an oversized panoramic window and private ensuite bathroom.

– Ensuites are equipped with separate shower, vanity with cupboard space, toilet and Australian organic bathroom amenities.

– Picture windows offering views out both sides of the train.

– During the day the cabins are a private lounge with a moveable table and 2 ottomans.

– By night cabins convert to a comfortable double bed.

– Cabin Steward Service to cater for guest’s needs.

– Lockable door, power outlets and in-cabin safe.

– In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary available.

– All inclusive dining and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

– Platinum Club for dining, beverages and socialising.

– Refreshments served in-cabin.

– Freshly prepared continental in-cabin breakfasts served upon request. (Note: breakfast packs will be delivered to cabins on some services to cater for early morning destination arrivals and off-train tour requirements.)

Tonight, there is an evening excursion to Kalgoorlie

day sixteen

At leisure on board the Indian Pacific

Arrive refreshed and eager to experience morning on the Nullarbor at Rawlinna. Back on the train enjoy regionally-inspired modern Australian cuisine for brunch, before alighting at the once vibrant but now deserted town of Cook. Watch the passing landscape before dinner and share stories with friends in the lounge.

day seventeen

At leisure on board the Indian Pacific

Arrive in Adelaide in the morning to complete your epic Nullarbor train crossing.

Private transfer to your hotel provided by the train company, where you would leave your bags and perhaps have some light refreshments before you depart for you half day Adelaide Highlights and River Cruise. 

Board your Popeye Cruises vessel at Popeye Jetty, Elder Park (close to Adelaide Festival Centre) to commence an afternoon river cruise on the Torrens River. Picturesque scenery and birdlife provide a beautiful backdrop to the city of Adelaide. After the cruise join your Gray Line coach at the rotunda located alongside on King William Road, the departure point of your coach tour. At 1.20 pm depart by coach for an afternoon tour of Adelaide and enjoy sights such as historic and spectacular North and East Terraces, trendy Hutt Street where Adelaide meets, drinks and relaxes and the leafy eastern suburbs. Travel to the Mount Lofty Ranges for spectacular views over Adelaide from Glenelg to the Gulf St Vincent followed by a visit to Australia’s oldest German settlement – Hahndorf. Stroll the Elm tree-lined main street, and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in delightful surrounds. See quaint cottages, historic inns, artisan food producers, craft shops and tea rooms, before heading back to Adelaide. Tour concludes at approximately 5.15 pm, at which time hotel drop offs will commence.

Overnight Adelaide. 

Suggested hotel: Majestic Roof Garden Hotel

day eighteen

Drive to Halls Gap

Drive to the DULC cabins at Halls Gap, and I advise you pick up some provisions en route. This is a very long journey taking around 5.5 hours if you take it all in one go. Be alert to kangaroos possibly jumping in front of you, mainly around dusk and dawn.

I suggest you stop in Nhill which is situated within a rich wheat growing and sheep grazing district, as well as being surrounded by several state and national parks. The commercial centre of Nhill offers wide boulevards with gardens. Goldsworthy Park has particularly attractive gardens and features a large war memorial and a bronze draught horse monument to signify the important role the breed had in working the wheat fields. A large grain silo, which is apparently Australia’s largest single-bin silo, can be found near the railway line. At the southern end of town is Lake Nhill and adjoining swamplands, although they can dry out in periods of drought. When there’s water about, the lake is ideal for boating and the Boardwalk is an extensive elevated walkway which winds its way through the swampland on the western side of the lake.

Overnight Halls Gap.

Suggested hotel: DULC Cabins

day nineteen

Day at leisure in the Grampians

Take the day at leisure to drive around the Grampian scenic spots such as the Reeds Lookout, The Balconies, The Boroka Lookout and the Fish Falls

Overnight Halls Gap, DULC Cabins

day twenty

Drive to Port Fairy

Set off for Port Fairy this morning, the journey shouldn’t take too long around 2 hours.

Overnight Port Fairy, Oscars Waterfront Boutique

day twenty-one

Day at leisure in Port Fairy

Discover the Wharf area, check out the Merrijig Kitchen, explore Griffiths Island or check out beautiful peaceful East Beach.

Overnight Port Fairy, Oscars Waterfront Boutique

day twenty-two

Day at leisure in Port Fairy

Overnight Port Fairy, Oscars Waterfront Boutique

day twenty-three

Drive to Port Campbell

After breakfast check out and drive the 1hr 20 min journey to Port Campbell. Stop at Tower Hill en-route.

Check in and spend the rest of the day wandering around the local area

Overnight Port Campbell, Best Western Great Ocean Road Motor Inn

day twenty-four

Explore Port Campbell

Spend the day driving through the Port Campbell National park, visiting the Lock Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles.

Overnight Port Campbell, Best Western Great Ocean Road Motor Inn

day twenty-FIVE

Explore The Grotto

Spend today seeing the many sights the area has to hold such as the Grotto which is essentially a sinkhole, where the limestone cliffs fell away to meet the receding cliff line.

Overnight Port Campbell, Best Western Great Ocean Road Motor Inn

day twenty-SIX

Drive to Melbourne

Drive from Port Campbell the short distance to Melbourne. This could be done very quickly but consider this is the Great Ocean road it is well worth setting off early to see and fit in as much as you can. 

Overnight Melbourne, Rendezvous Hotel

day twenty-SEVEN

Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wine Country in Style

Equally passionate about football and ballet, food and fashion Melbourne is cosmopolitan, avant-garde and conservative. Take a tram to the Greek eateries and bargain factory outlet shopping in Richmond or the designer boutiques in style-conscious South Yarra. See world-class performing arts and groovy galleries at Southbank and trendy cafes at the beachside suburb of St Kilda.

The tour includes Puffing Billy Steam Train Ride, Aussie Tucker, Devonshire Tea, Rochford Winery, Dominique Portet Winery, Yering Farm Wines.

At 8.20am join your coach to commence a full day Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wine Country in Style tour. Enroute visit Sherbrooke Forest, hear the call of the local lyrebirds, see crimson rosellas, cockatoos and kookaburras. Enjoy morning tea, then ride the restored Puffing Billy Steam Train through the towering mountain ash and beautiful fern gullies of Sherbrooke Forest. Tour through the Yarra Valley and stop for lunch (own expense) at a local winery. Tantalize your taste buds at Dominique Portet Winery where you may sample and buy a selection of quality local wines. Enjoy a visit to another local winery to sample more Australian wines, then commence the return journey to Melbourne. Tour concludes at approximately 5.30 pm, at which time hotel drop offs will commence.

Overnight Melbourne, Rendezvous Hotel

day twenty-eight

Morning at leisure then visit penguins

Pick up from your hotel for the penguin afternoon tour. Tour departs from Federation Square at 13:15.

The tour includes: Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, Penguin Parade Entry with Penguins Plus Premium Viewing Area, Free WIfi on Coach

Highlights of this tour

Visit Warrook Homestead for afternoon tea (own expense)

Get up close to kangaroos with the opportunity to feed (own expense)

Admire resident koalas

Panoramic views of Western Port and French Island

Phillip Island Nature Park – a natural home for koalas, seals, shearwaters and Little Penguins

Koala Conservation Centre – look for koalas in their natural habitat from treetop boardwalks

Witness the Penguin Parade on floodlit Summerland Beach from the exclusive Penguins Plus premium viewing area for the best views of the Penguins.

See penguin rookeries from an elevated boardwalk

Explore the Visitor’s Information Centre – an opportunity to learn about the life of the Little Penguins as you walk through the “Penguin Experience”

A dinner stop will be made before or after the Penguin Parade (own expenses) (dependent on the season)

day twenty-nine

Fly Melbourne to Cairns

Melbourne, the cultural heart of Australia, exudes an irresistible charm that captivates visitors and residents alike. Renowned for its eclectic blend of art, music, food, and fashion, this vibrant metropolis thrives on creativity and diversity. From the bustling laneways adorned with street art to the majestic facades of its historic buildings, Melbourne’s landscape is a captivating fusion of old-world elegance and modern innovation. The city’s culinary scene is a testament to its multicultural fabric, with a kaleidoscope of flavours from around the globe tantalizing taste buds at every turn. With its thriving live music venues, world-class museums, and bustling markets, Melbourne pulsates with energy and excitement, offering something for every interest and inclination. 

Overnight Port Douglas, Thala Beach Nature Reserve

day thirty

Relax at Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Make time to enjoy the complimentary activities such as nature and garden walks, bird and butterfly walks, talks with Kuku Yalangi people and of course the beach

Overnight Port Douglas, Thala Beach Nature Reserve

day thirty-one

Relax at Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Enjoy another day at leisure.

Overnight Port Douglas, Thala Beach Nature Reserve

day thirty-two

Relax at Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Enjoy another day at leisure.

Overnight Port Douglas, Thala Beach Nature Reserve

day thirty-three

Relax at Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Enjoy another day at leisure.

Overnight Port Douglas, Thala Beach Nature Reserve

day thirty-four

Relax at Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Enjoy another day at leisure.

Overnight Port Douglas, Thala Beach Nature Reserve

day thirty-five

Fly from Cairns to Sydney

Sydney, Australia’s iconic harbour city, is a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and urban sophistication. Home to the world-famous Sydney Opera House and the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge, the city’s skyline is a symbol of its vibrant spirit and architectural prowess. From the golden sands of Bondi Beach to the lush greenery of the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney’s outdoor offerings are as diverse as they are breathtaking. The city’s cultural scene is equally impressive, with an array of museums, galleries, and theatres showcasing both local talent and international exhibitions. Sydney’s culinary landscape is a melting pot of flavours, with an abundance of world-class restaurants, trendy cafes, and bustling markets offering a gastronomic adventure for every palate. 

Overnight Sydney, Castlereagh Boutique Hotel

day thirty-six

Hop on Hop off Sydney Harbour Explorer Cruise

Board your Captain Cook Cruises vessel at Jetty 6 Circular Quay or Pier 26 Darling Harbour to commence a Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer. Travel aboard a 25 metre motorised Rocket Ferry vessel and enjoy a fun and easy way to explore Sydney including commentary on selected routes. Sit back and relax as your vessel cruises around Sydney Harbour and stops at 9 harbourside attractions including Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Manly, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Barangaroo, Shark Island and Luna Park.

Overnight Sydney, Castlereagh Boutique Hotel

day thirty-seven

Walking tour Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks and this is your chance to truly get up-close. Visit areas off-limits to the public and capture photographs from rare vantage points. Explore theatres and foyers where more than 1600 concerts, operas, dramas and ballets take place each year.

Inclusions:
– Entrance to Sydney Opera House, 1 hour guided tour
– Learn of the history of the Sydney Opera House along with details of the unique architectural design.
– Visit the major performance venues. Learn more about the dramatic world of Australia’s premier performing arts centre.

Overnight Sydney, Castlereagh Boutique Hotel

day thirty-eight

Drive to Lilianfels in the Blue Mountains

Overnight Blue Mountains, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa

day thirty-nine

Enjoy the Blue Mountains

Make use of the Unlimited Discovery Pass. Travel into the Jamison Valley aboard the steepest train in the world the Scenic Railway. Once you reach the valley floor enjoy up to 2.2km of elevated boardwalk through the temperate rainforest and open woodland. Return to the main Scenic World Complex via the Scenic Cableway the steepest cable car in the Southern hemisphere. Glide between cliff tops and gaze at the rainforest canopy through the glass floor of the Scenic Skyway as you take in the views of Katoomba Falls, the Jamison Valley and the world-famous Three Sisters Rock formation.

day forty

Drive back to Sydney

Spend the morning at leisure in the Blue Mountains then take a leisurely drive to Sydney.

Spend one more night in Sydney

day forty-one

Fly back to London

Sadly your adventure has come to an end. Fly back to London via Singapore.