Day 1

ARRIVE IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. Welcome to Sydney, Australia’s largest city. Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. Please schedule flights to arrive by 3 pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and special dinner at a WATERFRONT RESTAURANT. (D)

NOTE:
Early check-in does not include breakfast. You may purchase breakfast directly from the hotel at an additional cost.

Day 2

SYDNEY. Enjoy sightseeing in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. First stop, a guided tour of the interior and theaters of the world-famous SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, travel to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the City’s BOTANIC GARDENS for great photo opportunities and sweeping views of the harbor. Visit one of Sydney’s famous beaches, BONDI BEACH, where there is time for lunch, souvenir shopping, or a stroll on the white sands. Return to Sydney Harbour and enjoy a CRUISE to see the sites and skyline of this incredible city. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, dining, and shopping. (B)

Day 3

SYDNEY. A full free day to explore Sydney. You may wish to climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge for unrivaled views, spend the day in the Hunter Valley sampling some of Australia’s best wines, or take the ferry to nearby Manly Beach for a day of sun and fun. (B)

Day 4

SYDNEY–MELBOURNE. Fly to Melbourne, where you’ll explore the city’s famous lanes and arcades on a [LF] WALKING TOUR. See trendy boutiques and cafés, unique street art, and architecture while hearing historic tales of Melbourne along the way. Evening is at leisure in this cosmopolitan city. (B)

Day 5

MELBOURNE. This morning, sightseeing includes the city’s landmarks of Parliament House, beautiful FITZROY GARDENS, Queen Victoria Market, and more. The remainder of the day is free to explore more on your own. You may wish to travel to Phillip Island Nature Park to see the nightly Penguin Parade, where you can experience the magic of the little penguins returning home at sunset to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia. (B)

Day 6

MELBOURNE. More time for independent exploration today. Your Tour Director suggests shopping at Melbourne Central, a trip to the top of the Eureka Sky Deck for 360-degree views of the city below or an excursion to explore the spectacular Great Ocean Road and the “Twelve Apostles.” (B)

Day 7

MELBOURNE–ADELAIDE. This morning, fly to Adelaide, known for its mild Mediterranean climate. A city tour includes St. Peter’s Cathedral, the Adelaide Oval, North Adelaide, and the city’s Central Market—a thriving hub for food and culture for over 148 years. Next, enjoy a [LF] tasting at HAIGH’S CHOCOLATES, an Adelaide chocolate-maker since 1915. With the remainder of the day at leisure, you may wish to explore the Art Gallery of South Australia, stroll the streets of the beachside neighborhood of Glenelg, or enjoy Adelaide’s vibrant restaurant scene. (B)

Day 8

ADELAIDE. EXCURSION TO KANGAROO ISLAND. Early this morning, depart Adelaide and travel by motorcoach and ferry to KANGAROO ISLAND, one of the world’s last unspoiled habitats. See a colony of rare Australian sea lions and enjoy a walk on the beach with a national park ranger at SEAL BAY CONSERVATION PARK. Visit FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK to see REMARKABLE ROCKS, large granite boulders formed over 500 million years of rain, wind, and pounding waves. Also, visit ADMIRAL ARCH to see a colony of New Zealand fur seals playing in the waves below. Keep your camera ready and eyes open to spot Australia’s native animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas that call the island home. Return to Adelaide late this evening. (B,L)

Day 9

ADELAIDE. BOARD INDIAN PACIFIC TRAIN. Visit CLELAND WILDLIFE PARK, where you can wander among some of Australia’s famous animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, emus, echidna, and various water birds. There is also the chance to see dingoes, wombats, koalas, and the infamous Tasmanian devil. A special FLAVOURS OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA dinner experience will be served at the Adelaide Train Terminal. The dinner will showcase South Australia’s fine food and wine as curated by the exceptional Indian Pacific culinary team. Afterward, board one of the few truly transcontinental trains in the world, the INDIAN PACIFIC. (B,D)

NOTE:
Plan to pack an overnight bag with necessities for the train portion of this tour, including medications, eyeglasses, and other important items. Your other baggage will be checked and you will not be able to access it until arrival in Perth.

Day 10

INDIAN PACIFIC TRAIN. Awaken to the spectacular expanse of the Nullarbor Plain before enjoying a leisurely breakfast. Relax onboard today as you marvel at the ever-changing landscape passing by your window. A special [LF] DINNER UNDER THE STARS awaits you at Rawlinna, the remote and beautiful outpost that borders a sheep station of 2.5 million acres. (B,L,D)

NOTE:
Dinner Under the Stars is weather-dependent. Off train activities are subject to change and will be advised by the Tour Director while on tour.

Day 11

INDIAN PACIFIC TRAIN–PERTH. Continue across the remote yet beautiful region of Australia. Onboard you may wish to relax in the lounge car and share stories with fellow travelers, snap a few shots from the large picture windows, or just relax with a glass of Australian wine. Glide through the Avon Hills before arriving in Perth mid-afternoon. Transfer to your hotel for a 3-night stay. (B,L)

Day 12

PERTH.EXCURSION TO FREMANTLE. This morning, explore Perth on a sightseeing tour. Learn more about this isolated capital city of Western Australia and see some of the city’s famous sites such as Kings Park Botanic Gardens, the iconic Swan Bell Tower, and the Perth Mint. Next, it’s on to the historic port of Fremantle with its marinas, charming heritage buildings, and many shops and restaurants. The remainder of the day is yours to explore. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for shopping, dining, and additional sightseeing. (B)

Day 13

PERTH. A full day to explore Perth. You may wish to visit one of Perth’s many beaches, see the extensive collection of Aboriginal art at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, or enjoy an optional trip to Rottnest Island, home to over 60 beaches, historic buildings, and the friendly quokka—a marsupial only found in Western Australia. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow traveling companions for a festive farewell dinner, the perfect ending to your trip across Australia! (B,D)

Day 14

PERTH. Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)