Gems of the South West

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) (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 8 Day Gems of the South West tour begins. This afternoon, enjoy an introduction to the city of Perth as we take an informative tour of the city, including Kings Park, with the opportunity to take a walk through the Botanical Gardens. Stay: The Westin Perth (B/D)

This morning, we travel south following the Darling Escarpment, heading to the Northern Jarrah Forest, where we visit the Forest Discovery Centre in Dwellingup for a history lesson on the industry in Western Australia. Then, we continue south, passing Collie and onto Harvey, a large dairy and fruit-growing area.

From here, we explore deeper into orchard country, on to Donnybrook and into the vast Karri and Marri Forests of the Manjimup region, where we stop at the stunning Blackwood Emporium 1864 for a delicious high-tea-style lunch. Later in the afternoon, we arrive at Karri Valley Resort on Lake Beedelup, where we will stay in lakeside rooms for the next two nights. Stay: Karri Valley Resort (2 Nights) (B/L/D)

This morning, we take a trip to the Cascades in Gloucester National Park. The Lefroy Brook is an impressive sight as it tumbles over the Cascades. We carry on through the National Park to the Gloucester Tree, with an opportunity for the energetic to climb to the top for a view of the surrounding region. This was once the second-highest fire lookout tree in the world, however, it is no longer used for this purpose.

After some free time in Pemberton, we head to Silkwood Estate. Perched lakeside with panoramic views of the Karri Forest, this is the perfect place to enjoy award-winning wines and lunch. In the afternoon, we head back to Karri Valley Resort to enjoy the facilities, perhaps enjoying a canoe trip on the lake or a walk to the falls. (B/L/D)

We farewell the Karri Valley this morning and head to the most south-westerly point of the Australian mainland, Cape Leeuwin. Here we will take a guided tour of the historic lighthouse and view the changing colours of the meeting point of the Indian and Southern Oceans – where the Leeuwin Current flows. We travel via Caves Road and take in several of the famous surfing beaches of this region, including Prevelly Beach and Gracetown, before arriving at Yallingup where we visit the Caves House Hotel for lunch.

Later this afternoon, we arrive at Bunker Bay Resort on the Naturaliste Peninsula, our home for the next two nights. Stay: Bunker Bay Resort (2 Nights) (B/L/D)

Today is a day to experience the fare from the South West. Margaret River is Western Australia's premium wine-growing region and the area boasts more than 40 world-class wineries.

First up, we visit Margaret River Dairy Company, followed by the Margaret River Chocolate Company for self-guided tours. For lunch, experience a combination of fine wine, food, art, and music at Leeuwin Estate Winery. This afternoon, enjoy some free time in the Margaret River township before returning to Bunker Bay. (B/L/D)

Today, we travel to Busselton on Geographe Bay, where we will walk the famous 1.7-kilometre jetty – the longest in Australia. We travel north through to the port city of Bunbury, where we take in the impressive views over the harbour and city, through Australind and onto Mandurah. Here, we stop at the Redmanna Restaurant for lunch and take in beautiful views of Mandjar Bay.

This afternoon, we head out on the water with Mandurah Cruises, with dolphin spotting a possibility. After the cruise, we continue north along the coastal highway, before checking in to the centrally located Esplanade Hotel for the next two nights. Dinner is on the wharf at the award-winning Char Char Restaurant. Stay: Esplanade Hotel (2 Nights) (B/L/D)

Early this morning, we depart Fremantle and take a Rottnest Express ferry to Rottnest Island. Here, we experience all that Rottnest has to offer. This pocket-sized paradise has something for everyone. We take an informative coach tour around the island's most spectacular locations with insightful commentary, and you'll likely meet a quokka or two along the way. After lunch, enjoy some free time before setting sail back to Fremantle to enjoy dinner at the hotel with your fellow travellers. (B/L/D)

Your 8-day Gems of the South West tour comes to an end this morning after breakfast. (B)