Queensland & Indian Pacific Rail & Sail

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby.

This tiny island measures in at just 1,600 feet long by 490 feet wide, though it is the only permanently inhabited island in the Coral Sea Islands Territory. You won’t find any neighborhoods, schools or homes here, however. The only structures on Willis Island comprise a weather monitoring station hosted by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, where just a handful of weather observers reside at any given time.

Willis Island is one of several tropical islands sitting beyond the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea Islands Territory, and is surrounded by thriving reefs where many creatures make their homes. Numbering into the thousands, Willis Island itself caters to many species of seabirds, including Masked, Brown and Red-footed Boobies that cry out nearly 24 hours a day. It is also an important nesting ground for turtles.

In 1877, the aptly named James Venture Mulligan struck pay dirt on Hodgkinson River, igniting the fabled North Queensland Gold Rush. At the height of the boom, Port Douglas boasted 12,000 residents and 27 hotels. Bust inevitably followed boom, and Port Douglas slid into decades of obscurity. Then came a second gold rush in the 1980s as tourists flocked to the North Queensland Coast. Located between the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas provides a perfect gateway to hardy adventurers en route to rainforest and reef.

In addition to its nearby scenic wonders, Port Douglas boasts several resorts ranging from the Sheraton Mirage to the Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa in the heart of the rainforest.

The picturesque town of Yorkeys Knob, dominated by its dramatic headland, is your gateway to Cairns – one of Australia’s hottest vacation destinations. Cairns boasts three of Australia’s great natural wonders. Just offshore, immense bastions of living coral form the Great Barrier Reef. Sixteen miles of superb beaches stretch to the north of the city – the famed Marlin Coast. Inland lays the ancient rainforest of Daintree National Park.

Cairns’ graceful, tree-lined esplanade was once the gateway to the gold fields of North Queensland. A travel tip – Cairns is pronounced “cans.”

Airlie Beach is your gateway to the Whitsunday Archipelago. These 74 islands feature pristine fringing reefs, calm, lagoon-like waters, and superb beaches. The archipelago is one of Australia’s premier playgrounds.

The Whitsundays were once mountains. Rising seas at the end of the Ice Age formed the Whitsunday Passage between the islands and the mainland.

Once considered the “country cousin” among Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation’s third-largest metropolis – and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Lying on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland’s dazzling beaches.

The beaches south of Brisbane form Queensland’s Gold Coast. Travel tip: Brisbane is pronounced “Bris-bin.”

Your cruise arrives in Sydney today. You have 1 night in Sydney before your Indian Pacific rail journey

Departing Sydney’s Central Station mid-afternoon, leave city skylines and the fast-paced urban lifestyle behind. Get acquainted with your cabin and fellow travellers as the Indian Pacific heads west winding through the Blue Mountains. Relax in your cabin or socialise in the lounge, enjoying an afternoon tipple on request. Tonight, you will enjoy your first meal on board – a regionally inspired dinner paired with fine wine and beverages. After dinner, consider a nightcap in the lounge before you retire to your cabin.

This morning prepare for your first Off-Train Experience in Broken Hill, the Silver City. Enjoy light refreshments on your tour as you explore the rich mining heritage of the historic Broken Hill Trades Hall and the striking Miners Memorial overlooking the town. For a different perspective, join Shelita Buffet, Queen of the Outback, for a lively tour along the main drag.
Breakfast and lunch will be served back on board as the Indian Pacific enters the southern tip of the ancient Flinders Ranges.
Arriving in Adelaide in the late afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Adelaide and its surroundings. Choose to enjoy a taste of McLaren Vale with a guided wine tasting and indulgent meal at the iconic Star of Greece restaurant overlooking Gulf St Vincent. Opt for a cheese or gin tasting in the charming Adelaide Hills village of Hahndorf before feasting at Haus, a German restaurant showcasing the best in local produce. Immerse yourself in the heart of the city with Icons of Adelaide, featuring a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at Coopers Brewery, a scenic city drive, and a teppanyaki dinner at Shiki followed by a twilight stroll to Adelaide Oval. Alternatively, visit the Adelaide Central Market for a tour and exclusive sit-down dinner.
After dinner, return to the train to continue your journey west.

Today is all about those amazing outback views as you cross this famous stretch of the Australian interior, the Nullarbor Plain, on the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world. En route, the Indian Pacific calls in to Cook, once-bustling, now almost-ghost town that was originally built as a support town for the railway.
Travelling further west, the next stop is at Rawlinna on the fringe of Australia’s largest sheep station for a dinner under a thousand stars. You’ll arrive at sunset, where the quiet outpost of Rawlinna comes to life with an al fresco long table set up and a seat calling your name (Mar-Oct). During the Winter months guests will be invited to disembark to partake in drinks and canapes served around a bonfire under the evening sky.

Admire the delightful undulations of the Avon Valley and enjoy a final breakfast on board as the final stage of your transcontinental crossing unfolds. On arrival in Perth, take the opportunity to say goodbye to fellow travellers and the crew. You’ve just crossed 4,352 kilometres together on the Indian Pacific.