Classic Aussie Rail Spectacular

Leave Sydney in the mid-afternoon and enjoy dinner views as the Indian Pacific makes its way through the magnificent Blue Mountains. After a regionally-inspired dinner and all-inclusive fine wines, there is plenty of time for socialising with fellow guests in the lounge. Retire to the comfort of your cabin for a restful night’s sleep as the train rolls onward.

Accommodation: The Indian Pacific - Gold Service Cabin

Arrive in Broken Hill in the early hours of the morning and enjoy a choice of off train experiences exploring the historic mining town’s unique cultural and artistic attractions. Head back to the train for breakfast while you journey west and watch the scenery change from semi-arid scrub to the russet and ochre hues of the ancient rock formations of the Southern Flinders Ranges. Arrive in Adelaide by mid-afternoon.

The balance of the day is at leisure to explore Adelaide at your own pace.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Adelaide

Depart Adelaide at 6.45am for a scenic coach transfer to Cape Jervis taking in the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula with its vineyards, coastal views and rolling hills. On arrival, board the SeaLink ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Next, your local driver/guide will take you on a tour of Kangaroo Island’s popular tourism attractions. Your first official stop will be the fascinating Birds of Prey Presentation at Raptor Domain for an educational, interactive, and inspiring experience. The only “Free Flight” Birds of Prey display in South Australia, it is thought by many to be the most interactive Birds of Prey presentation in Australia. Next, travel to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery for a delicious lunch followed by an introductory talk about the history of the oil distillery and take a guided tour. You may choose to taste Kangaroo Island Ciders’ range of Colony Cove products including Apple Sparkler and Cider (additional cost). Finish off with some free time in their souvenir shop where you will find an assortment of Eucalyptus products. Your next stop is Clifford’s Honey Farm, where you’ll enjoy an informative guided tour of the honey room where you will learn about the extraction process, taste a honey soft drink and have the option to sample the Drunken Drone Brewery’s Honey Wheat Ale. In the farm gate shop, you can see a working beehive where you can try to spot the Queen bee. There are different varieties of pure Kangaroo Island Ligurian honey and beauty products to purchase as well as their famous honey ice-cream. Continue to Pennington Bay, a spectacular beach on the south coast of Kangaroo Island for a photo opportunity before arriving at your final stop False Cape Wines Cellar Door. This stunning new cellar door is made from recycled wood, jetty timbers and limestone sourced on the property. Here you can take part in a structured wine tasting while enjoying the peaceful views of the surrounding vineyards. Enjoy an evening at this delightful seaside town where you can dine at the local hotel or nearby cafes (own expense).

Accommodation: Kangaroo Island Seafront Hotel

Start your day with a delicious, cooked breakfast before your return ferry and coach transfer back to Adelaide arriving back at approximately 11.30am. Your arrival time may be earlier in the winter months.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Adelaide

Step aboard the legendary Ghan and take time acquainting yourself with our friendly staff and your comfortable private cabin. From Adelaide, you’ll travel through the pastoral fields of South Australia’s mid north. Indulge in a pre-dinner drink and lively discussion with fellow diners as you anticipate tomorrow’s breathtakingly beautiful outback experience. A multi-course dinner awaits, with a regionally-inspired menu and all-inclusive fine wines and beverages.

Accommodation: The Ghan - Gold Service Cabin

Alight the train to watch the sun come up over the desert. You have never truly experienced a sunrise until you have seen one in the heart of the Australian outback. Brunch is served on the train and soon you are crossing the state border and into the Northern Territory.  Then you’ll glide through the MacDonnell Ranges and arrive at Alice Springs (or The Alice, as it is known by the locals) in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters 

Travel from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) aboard a luxury coach. Take in the rugged desert landscapes of the region, passing through the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges.

While travelling through this remote country, your friendly driver/guide will provide informative and entertaining commentary. Learn the natural and geological history of the region, as well as the unique Australian desert flora and fauna such as the Perentie monitor lizard, the thorny devil and the red kangaroo. Also, hear about the traditional customs and beliefs of the local Aboriginals.

There is time for a stop at a local Roadhouse for a quick break then view flat-topped Atila (Mt Conner) in the distance before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort rested, relaxed and ready to explore the amazing World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

The critically acclaimed Field of Light Uluru by the internationally celebrated artist Bruce Munro is on display and due to popular demand, has now been extended indefinitely. The exhibition, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or 'looking at lots of beautiful lights' in local Pitjantjatjara is Munro's largest work to date. Overwhelming in size, covering more than seven football fields, it invites immersion in its fantasy garden of 50,000 spindles of light, the stems breathing and swaying through a sympathetic desert spectrum of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white.

Later travel around the base of Uluru with a local Driver Guide. Learn about the native flora, fauna, and intriguing cultural traditions of traditional owners, the Anangu, and discover an array of fascinating sacred sites. Join your Driver Guide for a walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole. You'll explore a number of caves and view Aboriginal rock paintings as your Guide interprets their meaning and significance.

Travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area, "Sunset Strip", and relax with a glass of wine and Nibbles as the sun sets over the western horizon and the evening sky brings out the many shades of colour for which Uluru is renowned..

Accommodation: Sails in the Desert

Rise early this morning to travel to Talinguru Nyakunytjaku in Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park. Watch the first rays of the sun set the Red Centre alight while enjoying a warming cup of tea or coffee. Then travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. On the way, enjoy panoramic views of the southern side of Kata Tjuta before arriving at the base of Walpa Gorge. Spend some time exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations. The walking trail through Walpa Gorge follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta.

After sunset, a Guide will transfer you to the exclusive barbecue site. Once at the site, you will enjoy a variety of Australian meats and salads, accompanied by a glass of wine, beer or orange juice (menus are subject to change). After dinner, tea, coffee and dessert will be served. Your guide will conduct a tour of the night sky, describing and pointing out some of the visible constellations with the assistance of a high beam spotlight (weather permitting). The guide will also explain some Aboriginal stories that relate to the stars before you return to Ayers Rock Resort

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairns (flight not included in price).

On arrival at Cairns, transfer to your hotel, with the balance of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Pacific Hotel Cairns

For an experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver's wave piercing catamarans and friendly crew will take you to a reef at the very edge of Australia's Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Agincourt Reef is a magnificent ribbon reef where you can experience first-hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to dive (extra cost), snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a semi-sub, just one metre underwater. Watch the fish feeding from a unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef (extra cost). Whichever way you choose; you'll bring home a lifetime of memories from this living natural wonder.

The Classic Kuranda Experience includes the main attractions of Kuranda, but gives you more free time to explore Kuranda. You will travel to Kuranda by scenic railway and then spend some free time in the village. Wander through the many shops and local markets, which offer a full range of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and gifts.

You will then be transferred to Rainforestation Nature Park, where you will enjoy a delicious Australian BBQ lunch, a guided tour of the rainforest on board an amphibious Army Duck, and the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance performance, followed by the Dreamtime Walk. You will learn how to throw a boomerang, see a spear-throwing demonstrations, and learn about aboriginal culture.

A guided tour of the Koala and Wildlife Park will commence at the Cultural Centre. Your coach will then transfer you to Kuranda Skyrail Terminal for the 7.5 kilometre Skyrail Rainforest Cableway journey down the mountain. Your coach will then return you to your accommodation.

Today, transfer to the Cairns Airport in time for your onward flight.