Perth and Sydney Luxury Stay

Make your way to Sydney, where your holiday experience starts after checking into your stunning accommodation. The rest of the day is at your leisure to discover the many attractions of this buzzing harbour city. Stay: InterContinental Sydney (3 Nights)

This morning is at your leisure to enjoy the many comforts of InterContinental Sydney or perhaps head out for some self guided exploration. Later today, make your own way to the Sydney Opera House to meet your guide. Your VIP tour will take you on a journey to uncover the untold stories and history. Learn about the magnificent Concert Hall and gain specific access to areas that are usually off limits to the public.

Conclude your tour at Bennelong restaurant where you will indulge in a culturally significant and inspiring 2-course dinner showcasing a most magnificent production of Australian food and wine. (B/D)

Today is yours to explore the harbour city from the CBD to Chinatown, Manly to Newtown, or Barangaroo to Darling Harbour. There are plenty of diverse sights, flavours and experiences to take in, including museums, galleries, aquariums, gardens and more. (B)

This morning, transfer to Sydney Central Station to begin your epic adventure on board the Indian Pacific. Departing Sydney's Central Station, get acquainted with your cabin and fellow travellers. Take in spectacular views as the Indian Pacific winds through the Blue Mountains.

Tonight, you will enjoy your first meal on board – a regionally inspired dinner paired with fine wine and beverages. After dinner, consider a nightcap in the lounge before you retire to your cabin. Stay: Indian Pacific (3 Nights) (B/D)

After breakfast, prepare for your first Off Train Experience in Broken Hill, the Silver City. Explore mining heritage through visiting the Broken Hill Trades Hall and the striking Miners Memorial that stands over the town or for a different take on Broken Hill, go on a tour of the main drag with fabulous local Drag Queen sensation, Shelita Buffet.

Art aficionados may opt to visit the captivating Living Desert Sculpture site or take in the exhibitions at the oldest regional art gallery in New South Wales. Alternatively, ignite a sense of nostalgia at Bells Milk Bar, an icon of Broken Hill, sipping on malted milk while a performance by Cindy and Johnny takes you back to the 50's. Lunch is served back on board as the Indian Pacific enters the southern tip of the ancient Flinders Ranges.

Arriving in Adelaide in the late afternoon, you'll have the opportunity for an Off Train Experience, exploring the South Australian Museum or indulging in an epicurean experience. Visit the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale to sample fine South Australian wines before an indulgent meal, or try a cheese or gin tasting in the charming Adelaide Hills village of Hahndorf before feasting at Haus, a German restaurant showcasing the best in local produce. Alternatively, visit Adelaide Central Markets for a tour and exclusive sit-down dinner. After dinner, return to the train to continue your journey west. (B/L/D)

Today is all about those amazing outback views as you cross this famous stretch of the Australian interior, the ancient Nullarbor Plain, on the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world. En route, the Indian Pacific calls in to Cook, once-bustling, now almost-ghost town that was originally built as a support town for the railway. Travelling further west, the next stop is at Rawlinna on the fringe of Australia's largest sheep station for a signature dinner under a thousand stars (seasonal). (B/L/D)

Admire the delightful undulations of the Avon Valley and enjoy a final breakfast on board as the final stage of your transcontinental crossing unfolds, heading into Perth. Transfer to your accommodation, where your Perth discovery begins with the remainder of the day at leisure. Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Perth (3 Nights) (B)

Enjoy a unique, once in a lifetime experience of harvesting your own Australian South Sea Pearl straight from a Pinctada maxima oyster. The pearls are produced at the Willie Creek Pearl Farm in Broome and brought to Perth for this exclusive experience. The value of the pearl inside remains unknown until the breathtaking moment the oyster is opened. After the pearl has been harvested, you will be taken through the grading process and explore the five key virtues that influence its value. If the pearl is valued between $500 and $3,000 AUD, it is yours to keep.

As part of your tour experience, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the rare and expensive delicacy of pearl meat with a glass of Margaret River sparkling wine. Conclude your tour with a guided introduction to the Willie Creek Pearls showroom and marvel at the stunning range of pearl jewellery. (B)

Today is a day of relaxation, take advantage of the hotel facilities or explore the city of Perth. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation. This signals the end of your epic journey across Australia. (B)