Margaret River & Rottnest Discovery - Indian Pacific from Sydney

DAY 1 

BOARD THE INDIAN PACIFIC IN SYDNEY

Departing Sydney’s Central Station, the anticipation builds for the trip ahead as you settle into your first evening on the Indian Pacific enjoying the fabulous food, wine, service and social atmosphere of this much-loved rail journey.

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Indian Pacific (D)

DAY 2 

INDIAN PACIFIC, BROKEN HILL AND ADELAIDE

After breakfast, prepare for your first Off Train Excursion in Broken Hill exploring the beauty of this Silver City, and discover the history of mining that makes the town what it is today and the artistic culture that also abounds in the area. As you approach the southern tip of the Flinders Ranges, the train weaves its way into Adelaide, and you’ll have more afternoon Off Train Excursions to choose from before returning to the train. (B,L,D) 

DAY 3 

INDIAN PACIFIC, NULLARBOR PLAIN

Today, wake up and marvel at the raw beauty of the Nullarbor. Taking its name from the Latin meaning ‘no trees’, the ancient Nullarbor conjures the sense of limitless space and time, making this journey all about those amazing outback views as you cross this famous stretch of the Australian interior. Dinner this evening is under an outback sky on the edge of the country’s largest sheep station at Rawlinna (seasonal). (B,L,D)

DAY 4 

INDIAN PACIFIC, PERTH

Admire the delightful undulations of the Avon Valley and enjoy a final breakfast on board as the final stage of your transcontinental crossing unfolds, heading into Perth. Transfer to your accommodation, where your 6 day Margaret River and Rottnest Island Explorer tour begins. This afternoon, enjoy an introduction to the city of Perth as we take an informative tour of the city, including Kings Park, with the opportunity to take a walk through the Botanical Gardens. This evening, share a special welcome dinner at Reel Restaurant overlooking the Swan River.

OVERNIGHT: 1 night DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront (or similar) (B,D)

DAY 5 

PERTH TO MARGARET RIVER

This morning, we leave the city and head south to the picturesque Margaret River Region. Renowned for its world class wines and unspoilt coastline, stunning inland rivers, tall timber forests and ancient underground caves, making it one of the most unique destinations on earth. With a short stop enroute, we head to Leeuwin Estate winery for lunch, where we experience a combination of fine wines, food, art and music. Later we head to the tall timber Karri forests of Boranyup and marvel at the sight of these enormous trees, some over 60 metres in height. After a feast of the senses with the forest floor tumbling with wildflowers and ferns, together with the sounds of native birds and the fresh smell of eucalypt, we head to our hotel. Dine tonight at the Margaret River Brewhouse.

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Margaret in Town (B,L,D)

DAY 6 

MARGARET RIVER

We spend some free time this morning enjoying the Margaret River township before heading to Gabriel Chocolate, Western Australia’s first bean to bar chocolate maker. Taste the latest range of chocolate bars being made, hear the techniques used to create this delicious chocolate and take a sample with you. Next, we head to Mammoth Cave for a self-guided tour that offers a unique window into the past, over 10,000 fossils once accumulated inside the cave. When exploring this incredible cave system, you will come face to face with a 50,000-year-old “zygomaturus” jawbone Embedded in the cave wall. From here, we make our way to Yallingup and take in the majestic coastal views out to the Indian Ocean. There is time to wander along the sandy beach and take in the breathtaking scenery. Tonight, dine at a local Margaret River restaurant. (B,L,D)

DAY 7

MARGARET RIVER, BUSSELTON, FREMANTLE & ROTTNEST ISLAND

Leaving the Margaret River Region, we travel to Busselton on Geographe Bay and walk the famous 1.7-kilometre jetty – the longest in Australia. We travel north passing the port city of Bunbury, Australind to Mandurah. Enjoy a fish and chip lunch on the beach at Mandurah before heading to Fremantle. Undertake a sights tour before joining the Rottnest Express ferry to Wadjemup, Rottnest Island. Here, we experience and learn all that Rottnest Island has to offer from ancient history, nature and wildlife, spectacular scenery, walking trails and around 10,000 adorable quokkas. We check-in to our hotel for a 2-night stay.

OVERNIGHT:  2 nights Rottnest Island (B,L,D)

DAY 8 

 ROTTNEST ISLAND

Today we spend the day exploring Rottnest Island, renowned for its 63 stunning beaches and home to the ever-smiling quokka. After a leisurely start, we’ll take an informative bus tour around the island’s most spectacular locations, with insightful commentary. You might even meet a quokka or two along the way. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch (with bubbles!), before spending the afternoon at your leisure back at the resort. Enjoy dinner tonight at the hotel with fellow travellers and reminisce about your amazing trip. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 

 ROTTNEST ISLAND TO PERTH

This morning after breakfast at the hotel, we board the Rottnest Express ferry back to Fremantle. Rejoin our coach before being transferred to Perth where you exploration of Perth, Margaret River and Rottnest Island comes to an end (B)