Australia's Indian Pacific Rail Journey: Sydney, Adelaide, Nullarbor Plain & Perth - 8 Days

Day 2: Panoramic Sydney Sights Tour, Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk 

It's a good morning because you're in Sydney! Rise ready to explore the city with a local guide, who will share fascinating stories as you learn about early convict history in The Rocks area, then see postcard-worthy views of the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Do a spot of shopping at the Queen Victoria Building and explore the trendy Oxford Street district. Head east for a walk around Bronte, and enjoy a refreshing drink at the famous Bondi Beach while admiring bronzed Aussie lifeguards. Wave goodbye to your guide and find somewhere for lunch by Bondi Beach.

After eating, lace up your sneakers and walk the famous clifftop walk from Bondi to Coogee, a 3.7-mile (6 km) coastal route with dazzling views. It usually takes two to three hours to complete, depending on how often you stop—there's the temptation of a swim at every beach you pass! Begin at Sydney's Bondi Beach, pass the Art Deco Bondi Icebergs swimming club, admire 2,000-year-old traditional Aboriginal rock carvings at Marks Park, grab a coffee at Tamarama Beach, walk past the heritage-listed Waverly Cemetery, see Gordons Bay and finish at Coogee Beach. 

Day 5: The Indian Pacific Train: Adelaide to Nullarbor Plain

Set an alarm to rise early and witness spectacular views of the Nullarbor Plain at sunrise. This vast outback plain, which takes its name from the Latin for "no trees," spans 77,000 square miles (200,000 sq km) across South Australia and Western Australia. This rugged stretch of the outback is an experience that has inspired travelers for generations. Today, the train will stop at a forgotten outpost of the country's past in Cook, a ghost town in South Australia's vast interior. Established in 1917 as a support town for the railway, it's now a quiet reminder of Australia's pioneering history.

Soon, the train will chug across the border into Western Australia. Celebrate reaching the west with a traditional long-table dinner under the starry night sky of the outback in remote Rawlinna. This is sure to be a dining experience to remember. Following dinner, board the train again for your final slumber aboard the Indian Pacific.

Day 6: The Indian Pacific Train: Nullarbor Plain to Perth, Swan Valley Wine Tour

Enjoy a slow breakfast on board while relishing the last few hours on the Indian Pacific. Watch as the scenery changes from the vast plains and rugged outback to the rolling green hills of the Avon Valley as you roll toward Perth, Australia's sunniest state capital. This laid-back coastal city combines the urban landscape with its natural surroundings. When the train pulls into Perth, wave goodbye to your travel companions and set off to discover the Swan Valley wine region on a half-day tour.

Sample some of the finest wines and local produce as you visit award-winning wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the area's most renowned eateries, and take in sweeping views of the valley. Learn about new grape varieties, uniquely suited to Swan Valley's warm climate, before returning to the city later in the day. Catch the sunset at Perth's Kings Park, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, or from the golden sands of Cottesloe Beach.

Day 7: Day Trip to Rottnest Island

Begin your day with a ferry ride to Rottnest Island, a tranquil paradise located 11 miles (18 km) off the coast of Perth. With its 63 sandy beaches and 20 picturesque bays, this car-free island offers the perfect escape. On arrival, you'll join a comprehensive four-hour guided island tour. Take in the unique island fauna and flora as you explore in an air-conditioned vehicle. You'll carve a full lap of the island, stopping at all must-see locations, including Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Oliver Hill Gun Fortification and Tunnels, and plenty of lookout points.

Your guide will share details about the island, its stunning white-sand beaches, woodlands, and salt lakes. The tour ends with a half-hour ride on a unique historic train, then you'll have a light lunch before enjoying free time. By now you will have seen many adorable quokkas, the island's beloved native marsupials that have gained fame on Instagram! Spend the afternoon enjoying ocean swims and relaxing in the shade. Just don't miss your return ferry back to the mainland!

Day 8: Depart Perth

It's your final morning in Australia. Do as the locals do and take yourself out for a chic breakfast or brunch at a trendy café before taking a private transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!