Perth & Ningaloo Reef Escape

Your adventure begins at Sydney's Central Station, where the iconic Indian Pacific waits to carry you across the continent. As the train eases away from the platform and city skylines fall away, you'll soon be surrounded by the soaring sandstone cliffs and deep valleys of the Blue Mountains. Settle into your cabin or join fellow travellers in the lounge for a drink as the journey unfolds.

This evening, take your seat in the dining car for your first regionally inspired dinner, thoughtfully paired with fine Australian wines and beverages. Afterward, return to the lounge for a nightcap or retreat to your cabin as the train rolls westward.

Your morning begins in Broken Hill, the fabled Silver City. Step off the train for your first Off Train Experience – explore the outback towns mining legacy, taking time to reflect at the Miners' Memorial, or for those interested in the curiosities of Broken Hill, join Shelita Buffet, Broken Hill's famous Drag Queen for a morning of fun, creativity and food. Refreshments are included before reboarding the Indian Pacific.

Back on board, enjoy breakfast and lunch as the train sweeps past the southern tip of the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. By late afternoon, you'll arrive in Adelaide for a choice of curated experiences. Savour McLaren Vale wines before dining at the cliffside Star of Greece, or sample gin and cheese in the Adelaide Hills followed by a feast at Haus, a German restaurant showcasing the best of local produce.

In the city, Icons of Adelaide includes a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at Coopers Brewery, a scenic drive, and a teppanyaki dinner at Shiki capped by a twilight stroll to Adelaide Oval. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the Adelaide Central Market, finishing with an exclusive sit-down dinner, in the markets and all to yourself. After a memorable evening, return to the train to continue your westward journey.

Today is all about the vast, unforgettable views of the Nullarbor Plain. You'll journey across this legendary expanse on the world's longest stretch of straight railway track, with endless horizons unfolding outside your window. Along the way, the train pauses at Cook – once a bustling railway town, now a near-ghost outpost with stories etched into its weathered buildings.

By evening, you'll reach Rawlinna, on the edge of Australia's largest sheep station. Here, the outback comes alive as you dine beneath a canopy of stars at a spectacular signature long-table dinner (Sept–May). In the cooler months, gather around a roaring bonfire with drinks and canapés, soaking up the atmosphere of this remarkable setting.

Wake to the soft light over Western Australia's Avon Valley, its rolling green hills a fitting finale to your transcontinental adventure. Savour a leisurely brunch on board as the train makes its final approach into Perth. Soon, you'll step off the Indian Pacific, farewelling fellow travellers and crew after sharing 4,352 unforgettable kilometres between Australia's coastlines. Transfer to your accommodation, where your connection with the Indian Ocean begins.

Make your way to Barrack Street Jetty and board Rottnest Express, bound for Rottnest Island, 22kms offshore. On arrival, a 90-minute air-conditioned bus tour around ‘Rotto' takes you to some spectacular locations, including Wadjemup Lighthouse and the boardwalk lookout at the rugged west end. Feast on a delicious lunch before exploring the island at your leisure – make sure you meet a quokka. Return to Perth by ferry in the afternoon.

You will be transferred to Perth Airport, where your flight to Exmouth transports you to another world. Your eco-luxury accommodation for the next three nights, Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, is a beachside safari camp with just 16 wilderness tents, surrounded by the pristine bush and beaches of the Cape Range National Park. Enjoy the day exploring this beautiful location, which teems with native wildlife.

Prepare for a life-changing experience. Depending on the time of year, you have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks (March to July) or humpback whales (August to October) on spectacular Ningaloo Reef. These opportunities are restricted to small groups, and you will be escorted the whole way, travelling aboard a luxury vessel guided from above by a spotter plane. Snorkels and wetsuits are provided, and lunch is included. This is an encounter with nature that you'll never forget.

Today is yours to enjoy more of Ningaloo from your Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef base. Go snorkelling along the coral reef on your doorstep and swim among 500 species of fish, 250 species of coral and 600 species of mollusc. Alternatively, join a guided walk through spectacular Mandu Mandu and Yardie Creek Gorges, go kayaking or try your hand at fishing.

Your morning flight back to Perth leaves the afternoon free to take in more of the Western Australian Capital once you are transferred to your hotel from Perth Airport.

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation with memories made for sharing.