Trip Highlights

Starting in Sydney aboard the beautiful Indian Pacific, you'll embark on a journey of contrasts, from lush vineyards to vast goldmines, majestic mountains to the barren expanse of the Nullarbor, from cities of four million to ghost towns of four. Arriving at your Perth destination, you’ll disembark for a five-night resort or hotel stay, experiencing the highlights of Perth and its beautiful surrounds.

Enjoy these highlights*:

• 3 nights on board the unforgettable Indian Pacific
• All-inclusive, meals, fine wines, beverages and off train excursions
• 5 nights Gold standard accommodation in Perth.
• All breakfasts included
• 48-hrs hop-on hop-off bus tour, Perth
• Swan river cruise
• Hop-on hop-off tram tour, Fremantle
• Fremantle prison tour
• Lunch at Fishing Boat Harbour
• Rottnest Island full day tour
• 4 days car hire
• 3 nights Gold standard accommodation in Margaret River
• Return flight to Sydney

* Two packages are available. Gold star package highlights shown. See Inclusions for details of Silver star package option.

Member Pricing

RETAIL VALUE $5,653pp GETAWAY CASH CREDITS APPLIED -$1,954 YOU PAY* $3,699

DISCOUNT OFF RETAIL VALUE: 35%

	AUSTRALIAN ESCAPES FREE FLIGHTS VOUCHER (FFV) PACKAGES USE FREE FLIGHTS VOUCHERS TO SAVE AN EXTRA $100 PER PERSON (YOU PAY $3,599)
	USE YOUR FREE FLIGHTS VOUCHERS TO GET THE LOWEST PRICE! REQUEST PRICING FOR YOUR TRAVEL DATES TODAY...

* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price, Getaway Cash travel credit usage, Free Flights Voucher usage and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available here.

Not yet a member?

Simply submit a booking enquiry and we'll automatically provide you with a 3-month Travel Club Trial account. No payment is required and you get instant access to member prices.

Inclusions

This is a great opportunity for you to experience this exquisite part of Australia in all its splendour with a combination of a luxurious all-inclusive rail journey, off-train excursions as well as guided and self-guided tours in Perth. Your included Lonely Planet guide provides you with lots of additional information to help plan your free time.

This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.

You'll have the time of your life. Sit back, relax and take a look at this...

Click/tap to watch this short video and learn about the sights and beauty and that await you.

Package inclusions:

Gold star package:

• 3 nights on board the unforgettable Indian Pacific
• All-inclusive, meals, fine wines, beverages and off train excursions
• 5 nights Gold standard accommodation in Perth.
• All breakfasts included
• 48-hrs hop-on hop-off bus tour in Perth
• Swan river cruise
• Hop-on hop-off tram tour of Fremantle
• Fremantle prison tour
• Lunch at Fishing Boat Harbour
• Rottnest Island full day tour
• 4 days car hire
• 3 nights Gold standard accommodation in Margaret River
• Return flight to Sydney after rental car drop-off

Silver star package:

• 3 nights on board the unforgettable Indian Pacific
• All-inclusive, meals, fine wines, beverages and off train excursions
• 6 nights Silver standard accommodation in Perth.
• All breakfasts included
• 48-hrs hop-on hop-off bus tour in Perth
• Swan river cruise
• Hop-on hop-off tram tour, Fremantle
• Fremantle prison tour
• Lunch at Fishing Boat Harbour
• Rottnest Island full day tour
• Return flight to Sydney with airport transfer

All packages include:

• Lonely Planet guide for West Coast Australia
• No fees to alter the itinerary (you just pay for the adjusted itinerary)
• Extra nights at industry wholesale price (using GCash travel credits)
• Google Drive folder with soft copies of all travel documents
• Comprehensive, printed itinerary
• Personal travel consultant to help plan and customize your holiday
• Option for best-in-class travel insurance at member price

Carefully selected accommodation:

Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.

Fully customisable:

This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.

Special value:

Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.

You will receive this guide to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guide with you in your luggage.

---

* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard (retail) price comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what would be payable by a non-member for the same package. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on requestTravel insurance pricing if stated is based on comprehensive travel insurance for two travellers aged 69 years or less as at the date of departure from Australia. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Valid for 2019 and 2020 travel subject to availability. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)

Your Itinerary

By embarking on this journey, you’ll be following in the footsteps of those who have dared to venture beyond the city limits - the legendary adventurers, goldrush prospectors and bush pioneers who forged their lives in Australia’s spectacular yet unforgiving interior. This once in a lifetime experience allows you to really immerse yourself in outback Australia and everything it has to offer. From spectacular mountain ranges, inspiring desert plains and remote towns to picturesque beaches and coastlines.

This holiday has been meticulously prepared from first-hand experience to make sure you take in all of the highlights. A part self-guided, part tour-guided travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.

"Travel isn't always pretty. It isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that's okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind." - Anthony Bourdain

DAY 1: BOARD THE INDIAN PACIFIC, SYDNEY

Today is the first day of an incredible journey as you make your way to Sydney Central Station. With a 3pm departure, there’s no need to rush. After settling in, savour your first meal, a regionally inspired dinner paired with all-inclusive fine wines and beverages. After dinner, join fellow guests for a late-night drink or head back to your cabin for your first night onboard.

DAY 2: INDIAN PACIFIC, BROKEN HILL, BAROSSA VALLEY & ADELAIDE SURROUNDS

Wake up on board the Indian Pacific. Arriving in the 'Silver City' of Broken Hill as the day begins, where you embark on a morning of Off Train Excursions to discover the mining history and artistic culture of this unique town where the streets are wide and there's a pub on every corner. Lunch is served onboard as we enter the southern tip of the spectacular and ancient Flinders Ranges.

Continuing on into the city of Adelaide in the afternoon, you have the choice of the following off-train excursions: tour of the city, a visit to the world famous Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale wine regions (seasonal), or a trip to the beautiful Adelaide Hills featuring the culinary delights of Hahndorf.

DAY 3: INDIAN PACIFIC, NULLARBOR & RAWLINNA

Today you'll awake to the inspiring and seemingly endless expanse of the Nullarbor Plain. As breakfast is served as you travel along the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world. If travelling in winter your sense of wonder will be ignited as you enjoy the tranquillity of dinner under the brilliant desert stars in the remote and beautiful Rawlinna Station. During summer you'll enjoy a regionally inspired fine-dining experience.

DAY 4: INDIAN PACIFIC, AVON VALLEY & PERTH

Enjoy your last breakfast onboard as you glide through the mild skies and marvel at the cool green vales of the Avon Valley on your way to Perth, arriving after an onboard lunch. The end to an unforgettable rail journey and the start to adventure in Perth & it's stunning surrounds.

DAY 5 & 6: PERTH CITY, HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS

Start your Perth experience with a 2-day hop-on hop-off bus pass. Giving you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. Admire the sights atop a double-decker bus.

This hop-on hop-off adventure hits the city's top attractions, giving you plenty of time to visit sights like The Bell Tower, Kings Park, and Water Town.

Highlights:

• Freedom to explore the entire city at your own pace
• Route includes Kings Park, the Bell Tower and Perth Mint
• Children’s channel to entertain the kids
• No limit to the number of times you can hop on & off
• Multilingual commentary on board

DAY 7: ROTTNEST ISLAND FULL DAY TOUR

Start your day with a cruise over the Swan River to Rottnest Island - affectionately dubbed Rotto by locals - to tour this idyllic paradise by bus and on foot. Gaze out at dolphins from the West End lookout, learn about the island's stint as a penal colony, and get up close to its tiny, native kangaroo - the quokka.

Highlights:

• Sandy beaches & rocky shoreline of idyllic Rottnest Island
• Insight into the island's natural history & storied past
• Whale spottings from West End lookout & Wadjemup Lighthouse
• Local wildlife like fur seals, dolphins & sacred kingfishers
• Chance to see the quokka, a tiny kangaroo native to the isle
• 90-minute guided tour of Rottnest Island by bus
• Roundtrip ferry ride on the Swan River between Perth and Rottnest Island

DAY 8: FREMANTLE TRAM, PRISON TOUR, RIVER CRUISE AND LUNCH

Today you will have a fantastic day of self-guided and guided touring around Perth and Fremantle. Experience everything from the rich history of the area giving you a great insight into the city to the alfresco lifestyle Perth people enjoy today.

Highlights:

• The Bell Tower, Barrack Square, Swan River Foreshore
• Kings Park and Botanic Garden
• WACA Ground
• Cottesloe Beach
• Hop on the Fremantle Tram
• Fremantle Prison Tour (Choice of: 'Convict Prison', 'Behind Bars' or 'True Crime' Tours)
• Fishing Boat Harbour for lunch and free time.
• Scenic cruise on the Swan River from Fremantle to Barrack Street Jetty
• Driver/guide
• Live commentary on board
• Transport by air-conditioned coach or 4WD
• Hotel pickup

DAY 9: MARGARET RIVER & BUSSELTON FULL DAY TOUR

Venture out of the city after being collected from your central Perth hotel for a delightful day discovering the small-town charm and fine wines of the Margaret River region. On this relaxing tour, soak up Western Australia's quaint landscapes, stop for delectable tastings, and round out your excursion with a visit to the famous Busselton Jetty.

Highlights:

• Day to discover small towns & lovely scenery outside Perth
• Chance to visit the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere
• Stops for tastes of local coffee, chocolate & renowned wines
• Leisurely lunch & time to shop in picturesque Margaret River
• Magnificent drive with views of giant trees & lush vineyards
• Guided tour of Margaret River and Busselton

DAY 10: RETURN TO SYDNEY (SILVER STAR PACKAGE)

Today you will be collected by your private airport transfer service for your return flight from Perth to Sydney after a unique holiday and lifelong memories!

DAY 10: PERTH TO MARGARET RIVER (GOLD STAR PACKAGE)

After checking out of your Perth hotel, you will collect your hire car and start the leisurely 3-hour drive to the beautiful Margaret River Region, full of pristine natural wonders, premium wineries and relaxed microbreweries, gourmet food and sensational dining, inspirational artisans and boutique shopping, and a laid-back persona all of its own.

DAY 11 & 12: EXPLORING MARGARET RIVER AND BUSSELTON

The Margaret River Region is an area of magnificent beauty on the South West Coast of the beautiful state of Western Australia. Stretching from Busselton on the shores of Geographe Bay down to Augusta the most south westerly point in Australia.

The area abounds with spectacular beaches, exquisite caves, adventurous walks and trails, world class surfing spots, welcoming locals, divine cuisine and award-winning wine in nearly every direction! With two full days to explore, consult your included lonely planet guide to find out the best things to see and do as well as restaurant and winery recommendations.

DAY 13: RETURN HOME TO SYDNEY

Today we say goodbye to Margaret River & Perth after an exceptional holiday. We recommend that you get an early start today to ensure you have plenty of time to return your hire car at the airport before your afternoon flight back to Sydney.