Day 1
ARRIVE PERTH
This afternoon enjoy an introduction to the city of Perth aswe take an informative tour of the city including Kings Park with the opportunity to take a walk through the Botanical Gardens. (D)
OVERNIGHT: 1 Night (D)
Day 2
PERTH TO KARRI VALLEY
This morning we travel south following the Darling Escarpment, heading to the Northern Jarrah Forest where we visit the Forest Discovery Centre in Dwellingup for a history lesson on the industry in Western Australia. Continue south passing Collie and onto Harvey, a large dairy and fruit growing area. From here we explore deeper into the orchard country, onto Donnybrook and into the vast Karri and Marri Forests of the Manjimup region where we visit the stunning Blackwood Emporium 1864 for a delicious high tea style lunch. Later this afternoon we arrive at Karri Valley Resort on Lake Beedelup where we will stay for the next two nights. (B,L,D)
OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Karri Valley Resort
Day 3
GLOUCESTOR TREE AND PEMBERTON
This morning we take a trip to the Cascades in Gloucester National Park. The Lefroy Brook is an impressive sight as it tumbles over the Cascades. We carry on through the National Park to the Gloucester Tree with an opportunity for the energetic to climb to the top for a view of the surrounding region. This was once the second highest fire lookout tree in the world; however, it is no longer used for this purpose.After some free time in Pemberton, we head to Silkwood Estate. Perched lakeside with panoramic views of the Karri Forest, this is the perfect place to enjoy award winning wines and lunch. We head back to Karri Valley Resort to enjoy the wonderful facilities of the property; a canoe trip on the lake or a walk to the falls. (B, L, D)
Day 4
KARRI VALLEY TO CAPE LEEUWIN AND BUNKER BAY
We farewell Karri Valley and head to the most south westerly point of the Australian mainland, Cape Leeuwin.Here we will take a guided tour of the historic lighthouse and view the changing colours of the meeting point of the Indian and Southern Oceans – where the Leeuwin Current flows. We travel via Caves Road and take in several of the famous surfing beaches of this region, including Prevelly Beach and Gracetown before arriving into Yallingup where we visit the Caves House Hotel for lunch. Later this afternoon, we arrive at Bunker Bay Resort on the Naturaliste Peninsula, our home for the next two nights. (B, L, D)
OVERNIGHT: 2 night Bunker Bay Resort
Day 5
MARGARET RIVER REGION
Margaret River is Western Australia’s premium wine growing region which boasts over 40 world- class wineries.First up we visit Margaret River Dairy Company followed by the Margaret River Chocolate Company for self-guided tours. For lunch experience the combination of fine wine, food, art, and music at Leeuwin Estate Winery. This afternoon enjoy some free time in the Margaret River township before returning to Bunker Bay for our second night. (B,L,D)
Day 6
BUNKER BAY TO PERTH
Today we travel to Busselton on Geographe Bay and take time to visit and walk the famous 1.7 kilometre jetty – the longest in Australia.We travel north through to the port city of Bunbury where we take in the impressive views over the harbour and city, through Australind and onto Mandurah. Here we stop at the Redmanna Restaurant for lunch and take in the beautiful views of Mandjar Bay.This afternoon we head out on the water with Mandurah Cruises for a unique experience with dolphin spotting a possibility! We continue north along the coastal highway towards our hotel in preparation for our Rottnest Island adventure the following day. (B,L,D)
OVERNIGHT: 2 Perth or Fremantle Hotel
Day 7
ROTTNEST ISLAND
Early this morning we depart Perth and take a Rottnest Express ferry to Rottnest Island. Here we experience all that Rottnest has to offer, this pocket-sized paradise has something for everyone! We take an informative coach tour around the island's most spectacular locations with insightful commentary, and you might even meet a quokka or two along the way!After lunch, enjoy some free time before heading back to our hotel. Enjoy a late dinner with your fellow travellers and reminisce about your amazing trip! (B,L,D)
Day 8
PERTH – BOARD THE INDIAN PACIFIC
Tour 8 Day Gems of the South West tour comes to an end this morning. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out. Your afternoon begins with a welcome gathering, in celebration of the start of your journey across the country and along the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track. Spend a relaxed afternoon getting to know yourf ellow travellers after you board the Indian Pacific and pull away from Perth, leaving the Indian Ocean behind and cruising toward the Pacific. Tonight, a delectable dinner is served on board, featuring contemporary Australian cuisine with seasonal and regional flavours. (B,D)
OVERNIGHT: 4 nights Indian Pacific
Day 9
INDIAN PACIFIC, NULLARBOR PLAIN
Awake to see the sunrise unfold across Australia’s largest outback town, Kalgoorlie. This morning, we’ll delve into this mining town’s fascinating past and present, with a visit to the region’s gold-rush era, now modern-day, Super Pitmine. Decide how you want to explore Kalgoorlie on yourchoice of Off Train Experience, including morning refreshments. Reboarding the train mid-morning for brunch, the remainder of the day is on board at your leisure. Sit back and enjoy the hospitality as you take in spectacular views of the seemingly endless expanse of the Nullarbor Plain. You’ll cross borders and time zones, entering South Australia before dinner. Late evening, the train will pull into the almost-ghost-town of Cook for a night cap, late-night bonfire and stargazing experience. (B,D)
Day 10
INDIAN PACIFIC, BAROSSA VALLEY
Spend the morning travelling through the pastoral lands and communities of remote South Australia as the Indian Pacific cruises past the Flinders Rangers, Spencer Gulf and the Adelaide Plains. Breakfast and lunch are both served onboard. Mid-afternoon, the train pulls into Two Wells, where you’ll disembark and transfer in comfortable coaches for a short ride to the world-renowned, wine-producing region of the Barossa Valley. You’ll spend the evening at Seppeltsfield Winery, delighting in a signature dining experience in the vintage cellar. A traditional ‘Firing of the Barrel’ display kicks off the evening, followed by a food and wine pairing curated by Executive Chef Owen Andrews, highlighting regional produce and traditional methods that reflect the story of the Barossa. Here, Platinum guests are also treated to a special 100-year-old wine tasting experience. After dinner, you’ll return to the Indian Pacific, continuing your rail journey through the night. (B,L,D)
DAY 11
INDIAN PACIFIC, BROKEN HILL
Crossing another border during the night, you’ll wake up in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, ready for the day’s activities in the Silver City. You’ll have a
choice of four Off Train Experiences, including guided history, art and cultural experiences that showcase the highlights of Australia’s first heritage-listed city. Returning to the train for lunch, admire the scenery as the Indian Pacific travels through regional New South Wales. Tonight, dinner is served on board as you make the most of your final night exploring Australia by train. (B,L,D)
DAY 12
INDIAN PACIFIC, BLUE MOUNTAINS AND SYDNEY
Wake this morning to take in the full spectacle of the Blue Mountains on Sydney’s doorstep. After your arrival into Katoomba, select from a number of Off Train Experiences to take in the beauty of the region. See the majestic Three Sisters at Echo Point and the views at Jamison Valley before finishing your epic transcontinental crossing in Sydney. (B,L)