Northern Explorer with Margaret River – Grand Princess® 2027

Make your way to the Overseas Passenger Terminal to board the Grand Princess®, which will be ready to truly light up the seas, serving up tantalising cuisine, dazzling live entertainment, and enriching experiences. Relax in The Sanctuary, a tranquil haven reserved for adults, or put your feet up at Movies Under the Stars (TM) – whatever you decide to do, your time on board will be unforgettable. 

As your ship passes Harbour Heads, you are presented with the shimmering skyline of Sydney – hailed by many seafarers as “the most beautiful harbour in the world.” Two prominent landmarks, Harbour Bridge and the sail-like curves of the Sydney Opera House, grace the backdrop of this picturesque harbour. (D) 

OVERNIGHT: 17 nights Grand Princess® 

Familiarise yourself with the layout of the ship today. A variety of everyday dining venues are available including The Salty Dog Grill, Horizon Court, International Café, and Slice Pizzeria. Choose from specialty restaurants~ Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Crown Grill, Vines Wine Bar and the Chef’s Table Experience. (B,L,D) 

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, located in the Sunshine State, boasts of having over 280 days of sunshine per year. Brisbane is known for its laid-back and friendly atmosphere, sophisticated art galleries and museums, beautiful botanic gardens, and Moreton Bay.  

The Brisbane River, which flows through the city, gives you great access to both north and south via the famous CityCats. (B,L,D) 

Relax in one of the lounges, read a good book or visit The Sanctuary~, an exclusive adults-only retreat offering a relaxing alternative to the myriad outdoor activities and entertainment available elsewhere on the ship. (B,L,D) 

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 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.  

Please note Willis Island is a scenic cruising site. Ships will slowly travel past while a knowledgeable port lecturer points out significant sites that you’ll be able to see from onboard. (B,L,D) 

Cairns is 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. And inland lays the immense Daintree National Park. Cairns itself basks in tropical sunshine, balmy breezes waft in from Trinity Bay. The city’s graceful, tree-lined esplanade was once the gateway to the gold fields of North Queensland. (B,L,D)

Plan your onboard activities for the next three days whilst at sea.

Throughout the day and night, Movies under the Stars is an exclusive open-air poolside amphitheatre and is the go to destination for feature films, thrilling concerts and exciting sporting event. Cozy up under a fleece blanket in the comfortable lounger and feast on complimentary fresh-popped popcorn in the evening or delicious cookies and milk during the day and enjoy that exciting car chase or mystery thriller on the giant screen. (B,L,D)

Enjoy today at your leisure. Perhaps indulge in a decadent afternoon tea in the dining room, where you can enjoy freshly prepared finger sandwiches, cakes and cookies, accompanied by a wide variety of teas or coffee. (B,L,D)  

Enjoy the many facilities available to you on board the Grand Princess® Don’t forget to peruse the daily newsletter ‘Princess Patter’ or the Medallion App for today’s events. (B,L,D) 

Closer to Indonesia than to any other Australian city, Darwin is the capital of the Top End and is home to more than half the population of the remote, vast Northern Territory. A popular starting point for journeys through the Top End wilderness regions’ many attractions, there’s plenty of fascinating history to explore in and around Darwin. (B,L,D) 

Today is yours to enjoy. Take some time to relax and revitalise with a dip in one of the freshwater pools or hot tubs. Enjoy the sea breeze as you soak up the sun in a padded lounger with a good book, listen to music, or dream about your next adventure. (B,L,D) 

Renowned as one of the most important and spectacular wilderness regions on Earth, you will get to see the beauty of the Kimberley from the ocean. The dramatic coastline framed by stark red cliffs has been identified as one of the least impacted marine environments in the world. With more than 2,600 islands scattered beyond the reefs, the area is rich in biodiversity and wildlife. Expect to see plenty of exotic birdlife as you cruise past this amazing wonderland. (B,L,D) 

Yampi Sound is a part of the Indian Ocean off the coast of north-western Australia, in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It is located between King Sound and Collier Bay and is jam packed with natural wonders. The Traditional Owners of the areas around the Sound are the Umiida people. The Sound contains many islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, the largest being Koolan Island; others include Cockatoo Island, Irvine Island, Bathurst Island, Finch Islands, Hidden Island, Baylis Islands and Iron Islands. The rich fish life is an attraction for bottlenose dolphins that come to feed in the early mornings. (B,L,D)

Broome was founded as a base for the pearl trade and was soon described as the pearling capital of the world. Japanese, Chinese and Aboriginal divers toiled in arduous, dangerous labour to harvest oysters from the seabed. The legacy of its pearling days can be seen in the town’s colorful mix of 19th- and early 20th-century buildings.  

Broome also boasts Cable Beach – a 20-kilometre strand of white sand that stretches along the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. (B,L,D) 

Enjoy today at your leisure. Perhaps Attend a Champagne Art Auction, take a stroll through the European-style Piazza, where roving performers will delight you with their skills, or practice your putting in a round of mini-golf. (B,L,D) 

(Water Shuttle Required, Wheelchair Access Limited)

Exmouth lies some 780 miles north of Perth on the rugged and stunningly beautiful Northwest Cape. This remote corner of Australia has been of strategic importance since the days of the Second World War. In fact, Exmouth was built in 1964 to support the Harold E. Holt Communications Station. Nearly 45 years later, the base remains a top-secret installation. The North Cape is also an impressive travel destination. Here rugged mountains and stony gorges descend to stunning beaches. Australia’s longest fringing reef lies just offshore. Its crystalline waters boast great fishing, and whale sharks are frequently encountered basking on the surface between April and July. (B,L,D)

Visit the shops of Princess for the last chance to pick up some keepsakes and souvenirs. Enjoy a musical production, dabble in the casino~, or simply relax in a lounge, sipping one last cocktail~ as you enjoy your final full day at sea on board the Grand Princess®. (B,L,D) 

Lying at the mouth of the Swan River, historic Fremantle – founded in 1829 – is your gateway to Perth, the capital of Western Australia. Situated on the banks of the Swan River some 15 miles upriver from Fremantle, Perth is a bustling city, where soaring high-rises co-exist with elegant sandstone buildings from the colonial era. 

Farewell the Grand Princess® this morning as you disembark upon arrival into Fremantle. You will be transferred to your hotel where you can leave your luggage and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Duxton Hotel Perth 

Join the transfer by Rottnest Express or make your way to Barrack Street Jetty and board Rottnest Express, bound for Rottnest Island, 22kms offshore. A 90-minute air-conditioned bus tour around ‘Rotto’ takes you to some spectacular locations, including Wadjemup Lighthouse and the boardwalk lookout at the rugged west end. Feast on a delicious lunch before exploring the island at your leisure – make sure you meet a quokka. Return to Perth by ferry in the afternoon. (B,L) 

Your day starts with a picturesque drive south to the fabulous Margaret River region, with several stops along the way. In Mandurah, a coffee break by the foreshore is followed by a visit to the Featured Wood Gallery in Bunbury. At Busselton, walk off your delicious lunch with a stroll along the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

Next is a visit to everyone’s favourite, the Margaret River Chocolate Company, with its beautiful handmade chocolate truffles and more. From here, we travel along the coast and see the action at Surfers Point, where the world’s best surfers come to compete. We’ll also see where the Margaret River meets the Indian ocean.

Visiting the quaint coastal town of Prevelly, we’ll learn of the fascinating wartime connection with Crete and see Prevelly’s charming Greek memorial chapel. (Please note we sometimes switch this around and include this on Day 4 or 5). Continuing along the coast, we’ll arrive at our overnight accommodation.

The evening is at leisure. Your guide will suggest options for dinner, which is at your own expense. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Margaret’s Beach Resort or Margaret In Town

Today is all about exploring the region’s stunning scenery and fantastic natural and cultural attractions. We’ll start by visiting Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and see remains of megafauna over 50,000 years old found at Mammoth Cave, a gigantic, underground limestone cave.

Next is a scenic drive through the majestic Boranup Karri Forest, where awe-inspiring trees tower over 65m tall. This forest is a feast for the senses, with the forest floor carpeted with wildflowers, orchids and fungi (in season), together with the sounds of native birds and the fresh smell of eucalyptus.

We’ll continue south to picturesque Hamelin Bay, where a jetty once stood. Built for exporting timber, this old jetty has been in ruins for many years. The bay is now known for the friendly stingrays that cruise the shallow waters.

Passing through the hilltop coastal town of Augusta, we’ll have views of the Blackwood River on the way to the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Australia’s tallest mainland lighthouse. Here, you will be able to see the Southern Ocean meeting the Indian Ocean. Learn what life was like for the lighthouse keepers and their families on a guided tour.

Lunch will be at either The Colour Patch, overlooking the beautiful Blackwood River, or at Hamelin Bay Wines, with magnificent views over there Karridale vineyard. Both have delicious options for lunch to match with a glass of wine or beer.

This afternoon, there is time to explore the town of Margaret River before returning to your accommodation. Your evening is at leisure, with dinner at your own arrangements. (B,L)

Today is all about food and wine. Visit Yahava Koffee Works, where the proprietors are so passionate about coffee that they travel the world looking for the best coffee beans, which are then roasted in house. Indulge in tastings while you learn how to make the perfect cup of coffee.  

Margaret River is famous for award-winning wineries and cellar doors. Today, we visit two wineries for tastings. At the second winery, your premium wine tasting will be paired with local cheeses from the Margaret River Dairy Co. 

Your gourmet day continues at Olio Bello, an olive oil farm. Experience first-hand the subtle flavours of extra virgin olive oil, including citrus pressed oils and enjoy a tasing of the incredible range of condiments. The Olio Bello Café has a menu inspired by their award-winning oils and fresh farm produce and this is where we sit down for a delicious lunch accompanied by a glass of wine, beer or juice.  

After lunch, your Margaret River Escape concludes as you return to your Perth accommodation. (B,L) 

OVERNIGHT: 1 night Duxton Hotel Perth 

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and being transferred to the Indian Pacific. 

Your transcontinental adventure begins in Perth, where you’ll gather with fellow travellers for a warm welcome and a celebratory start to your journey. As the Indian Pacific readies to depart, anticipation builds for the days ahead – crossing the country from ocean to ocean, along the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track. With the sun dipping low over the west, settle into your cabin, meet new friends in the lounge, and savour your first dinner on board. (B,D) 

OVERNIGHT: 4 nights Indian Pacific 

Awake to see the sunrise across the vast Nullarbor before arriving in Kalgoorlie, Australia’s largest outback town. This morning, delve into the region’s fascinating past and present with a visit to its gold-rush heritage and the modern-day Super Pit mine. Choose your Off Train Experience to explore Kalgoorlie in your own way, with morning refreshments included.  

Reboarding mid-morning for brunch, spend the afternoon at leisure on board. Relax with fine hospitality as the endless sweep of the Nullarbor passes by. Crossing borders and time zones, you’ll arrive late evening in the near-ghost town of Cook, South Australia. Once bustling, today only a handful of residents remain, yet its stories endure.  

Step into this outback outpost to explore the ghost-like town, and as evening falls look skyward – here, under a canopy of stars unspoiled by light, you’ll join a guided stargazing experience to spot the Southern Cross and other constellations that shine bright with dazzling clarity.  

Later, return to the train for a regionally inspired dinner and the gentle rhythm of the rails as you continue eastward. (B,L,D)  

Spend the morning travelling through the pastoral heart of South Australia, with sweeping views of the Flinders Ranges, Spencer Gulf, and the Adelaide Plains unfolding beyond your window. A leisurely breakfast and lunch are served on board, inviting you to savour the relaxed rhythm of train travel.   

In the afternoon, disembark at Long Plains and transfer by comfortable coach to the world-renowned Barossa Valley. Here, at the historic Seppeltsfield Estate, an evening of fine wine and dining awaits. Enjoy a signature culinary experience in the vintage cellar, created exclusively for Indian Pacific guests, complete with a spectacular ‘Firing of the Barrel’ and a food-and-wine pairing designed by Executive Chef Owen Andrews. Platinum guests are also invited to taste a rare 100-year-old tawny, a true highlight of the region.  

After dinner, return to the train, where the Indian Pacific rolls eastward into the night. (B,L,D)

Overnight the Indian Pacific crosses another border, arriving in Broken Hill, New South Wales – the famed Silver City. After a hearty breakfast, set out to explore this legendary outback town.  

Choose your own adventure: visit the Miners’ Memorial and Sulphide Street Railway and Historical Museum for a fascinating look at the region’s mining heritage, or venture underground on a Daydream Mine tour for an authentic glimpse into the life of early miners. Art lovers can head to the Pro Hart Gallery for a ‘paint and sip’ session in the artist’s original studio, while foodies will enjoy a native ingredients masterclass with Chef Lee Cecchin, followed by a cook-off at The Old Salt Bush restaurant. Or, see Broken Hill’s vibrant personality shine with a lively main-street tour hosted by Shelita Buffet, Queen of the Outback.  

Returning to the train for lunch and admire the changing landscapes of regional New South Wales. Tonight, savour your final dinner on board, raising a glass to an unforgettable journey exploring Australia by train. (B,L,D)  

Your final day begins in the majestic Blue Mountains, where soaring sandstone cliffs and eucalypt valleys create a World Heritage–listed landscape unlike any other. After breakfast, farewell the Indian Pacific and step into this extraordinary bushland for your Off Train Experience.  

At Scenic World, choose from four iconic adventures: glide above ravines on the Scenic Skyway, descend into the forest aboard the Scenic Cableway, or ride the world’s steepest passenger railway. Alternatively, stretch your legs on a guided walk to soak up the views, or savour a decadent high tea at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel, framed by sweeping mountain panoramas.  

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

For those preferring an earlier arrival, the option to remain on the Indian Pacific and reach Sydney before lunch is also available. (B)