Opera Australia on Sydney Harbour

Your transcontinental adventure begins in Perth, where you'll gather with fellow travellers for a warm welcome and a celebratory start to your journey. As the Indian Pacific readies to depart, anticipation builds for the days ahead – crossing the country from ocean to ocean, along the world's longest stretch of straight railway track. With the sun dipping low over the west, settle into your cabin, meet new friends in the lounge, and savour your first dinner on board. Stay: Indian Pacific (4 Nights) (D)

Awake to see the sunrise across the vast Nullarbor before arriving in Kalgoorlie, Australia's largest outback town. This morning, delve into the region's fascinating past and present with a visit to its gold-rush heritage and the modern-day Super Pit mine. Choose your Off Train Experience to explore Kalgoorlie in your own way, with morning refreshments included.

Reboarding mid-morning for brunch, spend the afternoon at leisure on board. Relax with fine hospitality as the endless sweep of the Nullarbor passes by. Crossing borders and time zones, you'll arrive late evening in the near-ghost town of Cook, South Australia. Once bustling, today only a handful of residents remain, yet its stories endure. Step into this outback outpost to explore the ghost-like town, and as evening falls look skyward – here, under a canopy of stars unspoiled by light, you'll join a guided stargazing experience to spot the Southern Cross and other constellations that shine bright with dazzling clarity.

Later, return to the train for a regionally inspired dinner and the gentle rhythm of the rails as you continue eastward. (B/L/D)

Spend the morning travelling through the pastoral heart of South Australia, with sweeping views of the Flinders Ranges, Spencer Gulf, and the Adelaide Plains unfolding beyond your window. A leisurely breakfast and lunch are served on board, inviting you to savour the relaxed rhythm of train travel.

In the afternoon, disembark at Long Plains and transfer by comfortable coach to the world-renowned Barossa Valley. Here, at the historic Seppeltsfield Estate, an evening of fine wine and dining awaits. Enjoy a signature culinary experience in the vintage cellar, created exclusively for Indian Pacific guests, complete with a spectacular ‘Firing of the Barrel' and a food-and-wine pairing designed by Executive Chef Owen Andrews. Platinum guests are also invited to taste a rare 100-year-old tawny, a true highlight of the region.

After dinner, return to the train, where the Indian Pacific rolls eastward into the night. (B/L/D)

Overnight the Indian Pacific crosses another border, arriving in Broken Hill, New South Wales – the famed Silver City. After a hearty breakfast, set out to explore this legendary outback town.

Choose your own adventure: visit the Miners' Memorial and Sulphide Street Railway and Historical Museum for a fascinating look at the region's mining heritage, or venture underground on a Daydream Mine tour for an authentic glimpse into the life of early miners. Art lovers can head to the Pro Hart Gallery for a ‘paint and sip' session in the artist's original studio, while foodies will enjoy a native ingredients masterclass with Chef Lee Cecchin, followed by a cook-off at The Old Salt Bush restaurant. Or, see Broken Hill's vibrant personality shine with a lively main-street tour hosted by Shelita Buffet, Queen of the Outback.

Returning to the train for lunch and admire the changing landscapes of regional New South Wales. Tonight, savour your final dinner on board, raising a glass to an unforgettable journey exploring Australia by train. (B/L/D)

Your final day begins in the majestic Blue Mountains, where soaring sandstone cliffs and eucalypt valleys create a World Heritage–listed landscape unlike any other. After breakfast, farewell the Indian Pacific and step into this extraordinary bushland for your Off Train Experience.

At Scenic World, choose from four iconic adventures: glide above ravines on the Scenic Skyway, descend into the forest aboard the Scenic Cableway, or ride the world's steepest passenger railway. Alternatively, stretch your legs on a guided walk to soak up the views, or savour a decadent high tea at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel, framed by sweeping mountain panoramas.

To complete your journey, board our chartered New South Wales rail service, fully hosted by your Indian Pacific crew, into Sydney Central Station. For those preferring an earlier arrival, the option to remain on the Indian Pacific and reach Sydney before lunch is also available.

On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel to check in and make the most of being in this beautiful harbourside city. For those preferring an earlier arrival, the option to remain on the Indian Pacific and reach Sydney before lunch is also available. Stay: Swissotel Sydney (3 Nights) (B/L) (B)

Experience one of the world's most iconic cities on an all-inclusive lunch cruise with Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney on an exclusive 78ft luxury vessel. Enjoy a premium two-course menu featuring regionally sourced ingredients. Departing Darling Harbour, we cruise towards Sydney Harbour Bridge and pass the iconic Sydney cityscape and Sydney Opera House. We believe lunch should be a long, lavish affair, so expect a generous al a carte meal inspired by local and regional produce, paired with a selection of beers, wines from some of the finest wine-producing regions in New South Wales, soft drinks and tea or coffee.

Tonight may very well be the highlight of your stay in Sydney, seeing the celebrated Phantom of the Opera on the iconic Sydney Harbour. With an outdoor stage forming part of the incredible vista that includes the city skyline, Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the setting for this evening is one to remember. Whether you are a first timer or an opera buff, this unique Sydney experience will captivate the senses. The open-air floating stage comes to life when the sun goes down, and the spectacular performance begins. (B/L)

Please Note: A coach has been arranged to transfer guests from the hotel to the Opera Australia Performance venue and back to the hotel at the end of the performance. Should you prefer to make your own way to or from the venue at a time more suitable for your plans, please kindly advise at time of booking or advise your Journey Beyond host in Sydney at time of travel.

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 enjoy, including museums, galleries, aquariums, gardens and more. Make your way to the Sydney Opera House for your afternoon guided tour* of this iconic venue, giving you insight into the history and architecture of the site. Discover the magic beneath the sails via an immersive digital experience and visit to selected venues and theatres within the centre. (B)

*Tour time and day are subject to change.

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation. Say your final farewell to the iconic Harbour city and the end of your journey exploring Australia by train. (B)