Southwest Escape 2026 (Indian Pacific) : Sydney to Perth

Departing Sydney’s Central Station mid-afternoon, leave city skylines and the fast-paced urban lifestyle behind. Get acquainted with your cabin and fellow travellers as the Indian Pacific heads west winding through the Blue Mountains. Relax in your cabin or socialise in the lounge, enjoying an afternoon tipple on request. 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. (D) OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Indian Pacific

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. Arriving in Adelaide in the late afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Adelaide and its surroundings. Choose to enjoy a taste of McLaren Vale with a guided wine tasting and indulgent meal at the iconic Star of Greece restaurant overlooking Gulf St Vincent. Opt for 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. Immerse yourself in the heart of the city with Icons of Adelaide, featuring a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at Coopers Brewery, a scenic city drive, and a teppanyaki dinner at Shiki followed by a twilight stroll to Adelaide Oval. Alternatively, visit the Adelaide Central Market 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 brunch on board as the final stage of your transcontinental crossing unfolds, heading into Perth. Transfer to your accommodation, with the remainder of the day free to start exploring. (B) OVERNIGHT: 1 night DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront

Your day starts with a picturesque drive south to the fabulous Margaret River region, with several stops along the way. In Mandurah, a coffee break by the foreshore is followed by a visit to the Featured Wood Gallery in Bunbury. At Busselton, walk off your delicious lunch with a stroll along the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Next is a visit to everyone's favourite, the Margaret River Chocolate Company, with its beautiful handmade chocolate truffles and more. From here, we travel along the coast and see the action at Surfers Point, where the world's best surfers come to compete. We’ll also see where the Margaret River meets the Indian ocean. Visiting the quaint coastal town of Prevelly, we’ll learn of the fascinating wartime connection with Crete and see Prevelly's charming Greek memorial chapel. (Please note we sometimes switch this around and include this on Day 6 or 7). Continuing along the coast, we’ll arrive at our overnight accommodation. The evening is at leisure. Your guide will suggest options for dinner, which is at your own expense. (B,L) OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Margaret’s Beach Resort or Margaret In Town

Today is all about exploring the region’s stunning scenery and fantastic natural and cultural attractions. We’ll start by visiting Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and see remains of megafauna over 50,000 years old found at Mammoth Cave, a gigantic, underground limestone cave. Next is a scenic drive through the majestic Boranup Karri Forest, where awe-inspiring trees tower over 65m tall. This forest is a feast for the senses, with the forest floor carpeted with wildflowers, orchids and fungi (in season), together with the sounds of native birds and the fresh smell of eucalyptus. We’ll continue south to picturesque Hamelin Bay, where a jetty once stood. Built for exporting timber, this old jetty has been in ruins for many years. The bay is now known for the friendly stingrays that cruise the shallow waters. Passing through the hilltop coastal town of Augusta, we’ll have views of the Blackwood River on the way to the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Australia's tallest mainland lighthouse. Here, you will be able to see the Southern Ocean meeting the Indian Ocean. Learn what life was like for the lighthouse keepers and their families on a guided tour. Lunch will be at either The Colour Patch, overlooking the beautiful Blackwood River, or at Hamelin Bay Wines, with magnificent views over there Karridale vineyard. Both have delicious options for lunch to match with a glass of wine or beer. This afternoon, there is time to explore the town of Margaret River before returning to your accommodation. Your evening is at leisure, with dinner at your own arrangements. (B,L)

Today is all about food and wine. Visit Yahava Koffee Works, where the proprietors are so passionate about coffee that they travel the world looking for the best coffee beans, which are then roasted in house. Indulge in tastings while you learn how to make the perfect cup of coffee. Margaret River is famous for award-winning wineries and cellar doors. Today, we visit two wineries for tastings. At the second winery, your premium wine tasting will be paired with local cheeses from the Margaret River Dairy Co. Your gourmet day continues at Olio Bello, an olive oil farm. Experience first-hand the subtle flavours of extra virgin olive oil, including citrus pressed oils and enjoy a tasing of the incredible range of condiments. The Olio Bello Café has a menu inspired by their award-winning oils and fresh farm produce and this is where we sit down for a delicious lunch accompanied by a glass of wine, beer or juice. After lunch, your Margaret River Escape concludes as you return to your Perth accommodation. (B,L) OVERNIGHT: 2 nights DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront

Make your way to Barrack Street Jetty and board Rottnest Express, bound for Rottnest Island, 22kms offshore. 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. (B,L)

It’s time to check out of your accommodation concluding, your rich and rewarding discovery of the south west of Western Australia. (B)