Description

Set sail on an expedition along Southern Australia’s rugged coast and the wild nature, rich history and delicious produce of the region. Cast off from Melbourne to learn the history of Port Fairy with its Georgian style merchant homes and visit the character-filled township of Robe. Enjoy many opportunities to sample the freshest produce straight from the source with oysters at Coffin Bay and abalone at Flinders Island. As we round the southwest edge of Australia, enjoy time ashore with walks at Woody Island, a visit to extraordinary Jewel Cave, swimming with stingrays at Hamelin Bay and walk amongst the vines and enjoy a wine-tasting at the award-winning Leeuwin Estate in the Margaret River region.

From east to west and back again, the Indian Pacific has been crossing the Nullarbor and traversing the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track for over 50 years. In 2025, Gold Premium will be introduced on this epic journey, ushering in a new style of transcontinental travel, with contemporary cabins and a range of added benefits. Added to this is the new, extended, five-day eastbound itinerary, this means more time on board, new immersive experiences, and more options when it comes to exploring Australia by train.

Your Fly, Cruise & Rail Package Includes:

• $500 flight credit per person
• 1 night 4-star accommodation in Melbourne with breakfast
• 15 night Southern Australia expedition cruise onboard Coral Adventurer, Melbourne to Fremantle
• Includes all meals, select beverages, all excursions, entrance fees, daily lectures plus more
• 4 night Indian Pacific rail journey in a Platinum cabin, Perth to Sydney
• Includes all meals, fine wines & beverages, off train experiences, a signature dining experience in the Barossa Valley plus more
• Select private transfers

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 30 January – 19 February 2025

Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1: Depart Melbourne

Arrive at Outer East Station Pier, Melbourne at 4:00pm, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 5:00pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard before joining your fellow explorers on the Sun Deck for Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

Port Fairy

Spend the morning exploring Port Fairy at your leisure. Walk the heritage trail to view grand public buildings which sit side by side with restored whalers’ cottages and Georgian-styled merchant homes. Or visit Griffiths Island: with its colony of shearwater seabirds, winding pathways, and the spectacular lighthouse at the eastern tip, it is a great place to explore. Continue to the infamous Shipwreck Coast. This stretch of coastline is a graveyard of around 700 submerged wrecks, leaving behind their fascinating stories. Captain Matthew Flinders notably said he had never seen a ‘more fearful section of coastline’.

Robe

Spend time today in the historic and picturesque town of Robe. Located on the Limestone Coast, it offers incredible views and unique food, drink and shopping opportunities. One of Australia’s most character-filled small towns, Robe is known for its cottage industries. Spend your day exploring through the quaint shops and craft breweries or relax on the beach and watch surfers catching a wave.

Victor Harbor

Located on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Victor Harbor lies in the traditional lands of the  Ngarrindjeri  people. Rich in history, nearby Encounter Bay was so called by Captain Matthew Flinders after he and Nicolas Baudin both sheltered their vessels here and compared notes on their expeditions in 1802.

Take in the natural beauty of this coastline on a train ride to Goolwa, and later follow the Kaiki Trail on Granite Island for spectacular views of Encounter Bay and the Bluff.

Kangaroo Island - Seal Bay

Kangaroo island is Australia’s third largest and was once part of the Australian mainland before rising see levels separated it some 10,000 years ago. Also known as Karta Pintingga, or ‘Island of the Dead’ in the local indigenous language, the island was later named Kangaroo Island by British explorer Matthew Flinders in 1802.  

Today enjoy a truly unforgettable wildlife experience at Seal Bay. After traversing the scenic interior of Kangaroo Island by coach from American River, we will visit the heart of the third largest colony of endangered Australian Sea lion, and share the beach with these magnificent animals. This is the only place in the world you can see Australian sea lions at close quarters and walk on a beach where pups frolic, bulls battle for supremacy and resting mothers suckle their young.

Cape Donington

A headland at the most northerly part of the Jussieu Peninsula on the east coast of Eyre Peninsula, Cape Donington is a great spot to enjoy refreshing sea views and rocky coastline. Take a dip at Cape Donington Beach before heading along the 2km trail over to September Beach. Keep an eye out for western grey kangaroos, emus or goannas near the Cape Donington lighthouse, or head out to Donington Island to view long-nosed fur seals or Australian sea lions from the Xplorer.

Coffin Bay

Bordered by sea and National Parks, Coffin Bay is a stunning destination. The pristine waters of the bays in this area are home to numerous pods of dolphins, sea lions, seals, and many seabirds. Emus and kangaroos roam and the natural beauty of the turquoise sea, white sand dunes, and bright blue sky is a wonderful backdrop to our day’s adventures.

Join a guided tour of a local oyster farm surrounded by crystal-clear water brimming with wildlife. A veteran oyster farmer will share with you the history of oyster farming, and describe how premium Coffin Bay oysters are produced & how the pure Coffin Bay waterways create world-renowned oysters. You’ll also be taught how to shuck like a pro and enjoy fresh oysters straight from the source. Later this afternoon there is time for walks ashore at one of the many pristine beaches of the bay.

Two Sea Days - Crossing the Great Australian Bight

Our crossing of the Great Australian Bight is an exciting moment for those who love the sea. This iconic marine area includes the Great Australian Bight Marine Park, which protects an area of global importance for endangered southern right whales. These waters also support important populations of the endangered Australian sea lion, with up to 80% of the population found here. Spend two days crossing bight to Western Australia, with time to relax and reflect ahead of the next leg of your expedition.

Recherche Archipelago - Woody Island

After a morning cruising through the Recherche Archipelago, we will explore Woody Island. Located just 15km off the coast of Esperance, Woody Island’s stands of tall trees have given it its name. Surrounded by pristine, clear waters, you will have the opportunity to experience the snorkel trail in Shearwater Bay. The cool southern waters provide excellent visibility for your journey of discovery. There are several beautiful walks on the island, from easy to moderate, and you will appreciate the spectacular views across the archipelago along the way.  Bird lovers will have the opportunity to observe a variety if species.

Cape Le Grand National Park - Lucky Bay

Along quiet Lucky Bay, kangaroos are known to laze on the whitest sand in Australia. Enjoy time on the beach meeting the friendly wildlife and the turquoise water is wonderful for a quick swim. If time permits, enjoy a walk to Thistle Cove, taking in the peaceful beauty of the national park, which is home to pygmy possums, western grey kangaroos and many colourful native wildflowers.

Albany

Albany is the oldest colonial settlement in Western Australia, predating Perth and Fremantle by over two years. For many years, it was the colony’s only deep-water port, having a place of eminence on shipping services between Britain and its Australian colonies. The town has a role in the ANZAC legend, being the last port of call for troop ships departing with infantry and cavalry horses from Australia in the First World War.

Today guests will have the opportunity to visit the National ANZAC centre or Albany’s Whaling Station, exploring an intact whale processing factory and whale chasing ship, fully restored and ready to discover. Guests also have the option to enjoy free time in Albany, with opportunity to view the Museum of the Great Southern.

Two Days - Margaret River Region

Spend two days visiting the highlights of the Margaret River Region. Over two days we will visit its key attractions, including the breathtaking Jewel Cave and Australia’s tallest lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin. See stingrays and eagle rays swim in the shallows at Hamelin Bay, and walk under towering Karri trees in the Boranup Forest. Finally enjoy some of Margaret River’s best drops at the award winning Leeuwin estate.

Cape Naturaliste

Cape Naturaliste is the northernmost point of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, located on the western edge of Geographe Bay. As part of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, the Cape is known for its spectacular coastal scenery and some of the best walking tracks in the Margaret River Region.

Today we will spend the day exploring these walking trails, with options to suit all levels. In the afternoon we visit the stunning Meelup Beach, ahead of Captain’s Farewell Drinks looking out to a Western Australian sunset.

Day 16: Arrive Fremantle

Arrive in Fremantle as we say goodbye to fellow travellers and crew before a 8:00am disembarkation. A complimentary post-cruise transfer to the airport or Perth/Fremantle CBDs will be available.

Rail Itinerary:

Day 01

PERTH

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 your fellow 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. (D)

Day 02

KALGOORLIE & COOK

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 Pit mine. Decide how you want to explore Kalgoorlie on your choice 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 nightcap, late-night bonfire and stargazing experience. (B,L,D)

Day 03

BAROSSA VALLEY

Spend the morning travelling through the pastoral lands and communities of remote South Australia as the Indian Pacific cruises past the Flinders Ranges, 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 is part of the evening, as well as 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 vintage Tawny tasting experience.

After dinner, you’ll return to the Indian Pacific, continuing your rail journey through the night. (B,L,D)

Day 04

BROKEN HILL

Crossing the 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 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 05

BLUE MOUNTAINS & SYDNEY

The Blue Mountains is known for its soaring sandstone ridges wrapped in native flora. This World Heritage-listed area marks your final stop before arriving in Sydney. Say goodbye to the Indian Pacific after breakfast, to travel deep into the mountains for this afternoon’s Off Train Experiences.

Scenic World includes four phenomenal mountain experiences, from the Scenic Skyway, which takes you over ancient ravines, with 360-degree vistas to the Scenic Cableway that glides over the forest to the valley floor and the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world. Alternatively, stretch your legs on a guided walk with spectacular views from numerous lookouts along the trail. Both experiences end at Echo Point Lookout, perched on the edge of the escarpment in Katoomba, where a light lunch is served.

Complete your journey on our chartered New South Wales rail service (fully hosted by your Indian Pacific train crew) into Sydney Central Station. (B,L)