Northern Explorer with Sydney Stay – Cunard

Leave Perth behind and journey through the super-scenic Avon Valley over a gourmet lunch. Relax into the rhythm of life onboard and after a three-course dinner, disembark for a late-night experience in the outback gold mining town of Kalgoorlie. Travelling prospector Paddy Hannan struck it rich here 1893, sparking the greatest gold rush in Australian history. Visit Hannan’s North Tourist Mine and the amazing Super Pit, where Kalgoorlie’s gold rush continues to play out today. (L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Indian Pacific

After travelling through the night, watch the sun rise over tiny Rawlinna, a remote outpost bordering the largest sheep station in the Southern Hemisphere. Across the border in South Australia, you’ll make a stop in Cook, an abandoned railway town that was once home to a bush hospital and more than 50 railway workers, before continuing across the vast expanse of the Nullarbor Plain. (B,L,D)

Get to know Adelaide, a true foodie city and the hub of the world-famous South Australian wine industry. Your choice of Off Train Experiences today includes taking in the city sights and the Torrens River precinct, a progressive breakfast at the marvellous Adelaide Central Market, visiting Adelaide Oval, or a scenic drive through the Adelaide Hills. After taking in some of the highlights of the South Australian capital, return to the Indian Pacific to continue your journey toward Sydney. (B,L,D)

Wake up this morning in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Disembark and explore this magnificent region on an Off Train Experience, taking in ancient forests, sheer cliffs and mesmerising views of the Jamison Valley, the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls. Continue your journey to Sydney Central Station, where you will join your transfer to your Sydney accommodation. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: 2 nights Swissotel Sydney

Experience one of the world’s most iconic cities from a different perspective, on an all-inclusive 2.5-hour lunch cruise on our exclusive 78ft luxury vessel. Enjoy a premium two-course menu featuring regionally sourced ingredients. Departing Darling Harbour, we cruise towards Sydney Harbour Bridge and pass the iconic Sydney cityscape and Sydney Opera House. We believe lunch should be a long, lavish affair, so we serve generous al la carte meals inspired by local and regional produce, paired with a selection of beers, wines from some of the finest wine-producing regions in NSW, soft drinks and tea or coffee. (B,L)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and join your transfer to the Cruise Terminal to board the Queen Elizabeth.

An art deco vision, Queen Elizabeth evokes the heyday of Hollywood. This stunning Queen exudes style and has an especially refined feel. Her art deco features and gleaming chandeliers blend with contemporary attractions to ensure a remarkable holiday. Whether you relax in the spa, take a lap of the pool, indulge in fine dining, or enjoy a range of live entertainment – your time on board will be unforgettable. (B,D)

Familiarise yourself with the ship today. You’ll find a tempting array of restaurants, bars and lounges on board, including the relaxed Golden Lion pub, grand dining in the Britannia restaurant, or the more intimate appeal of The Verandah restaurant (charges apply) – and then there’s always 24-hour room service. (B,L,D)

Continue your exploration of the ship as you discover the facilities available to you on the Queen Elizabeth. (B,L,D)

Sandwiched between the coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday’s beaches rank among the best in the world. In Airlie Beach itself, you’ll find a laid-back coastal town with surf boutiques, charming souvenir markets and inviting bistros serving a plethora of seafood.

Balancing tradition with modernity, Airlie Beach offers a diverse selection of cultural sites and experiences, both along the beautiful coast and inland.

The Whitsunday Islands can be reached by ferry from Airlie Beach in minutes and offer wonderful opportunities to see tropical fish and coral reefs up close. (B,L,D)

Laid-back Cairns is located in the tropical Far North of Queensland. It’s the remarkable gateway to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, a spectacular location renowned for snorkelling and diving amongst kaleidoscopic marine life and coral.

A mecca for divers and a haven for lovers of the great outdoors, Cairns is a unique city and home to two World Heritage sites – the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree National Park. A visit to Cairns offers an ultimate tropical discovery.

Cairns’ cruise port is situated next to the vibrant city centre. Here you’ll find extensive shopping and dining experiences, and direct access to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Tropical Rainforests. (B,L,D)

After the last few busy port days, take some time to relax on the deck with a drink or take a dip in one of the pools or whirlpools. (B,L,D)

Make the most of your time at sea. Brush up on your dance skills to show off at a Gala Evening or take an art class. (B,L,D)

Devote an indulgent hour to the Queen Elizabeth Signature Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room. Witness the parade of white gloved waiters presenting your table with an array of delectable finger sandwiches, fruit, and elegant patisserie accompanied by several types of loose leaf tea or coffee. (B,L,D)

Situated on the remote northern shores of Australia’s ‘Top End,’ balmy Darwin is the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory – one of the most remote and sparsely populated regions in the country. With fascinating museums, illuminating history and expansive parks, there’s a wealth to entertain visitors on a port call to this beautiful part of Northern Australia. Find inspiration in the indigenous art at the Museum of Northern Territory or venture into the subterranean WWII Oil Storage Tunnels at Darwin waterfront. The city is also the gateway to some of Northern Australia’s most striking natural scenery and national parks. (B,L,D)

Keep up with your exercise routine, or try something new, at fitness classes for all levels. (B,L,D)

Enjoy a blockbuster movie or some of the latest cinema releases during your voyage. Take in an afternoon or early evening screening in the spectacular setting of the Royal Court Theatre. (B,L,D)

The Indonesian island of Bali delights visitors with its white sandy beaches, emerald rice terraces and is where stone-carved temples pierce the landscape and Hindu gods inspire human creativity. Whether you’re seeking rest and relaxation, authentic Southeast Asian cuisine or a spiritual adventure, you’ll find it in Bali. The temples of Pura Dalem Ning and Pura Taman Beji offer a serene insight into the spiritual side of Balinese culture. Intricate beaded jewellery, colourful Ikat textiles and Bali’s famous Kopi Luwack coffee are among the keepsakes you can find in the shops and markets. Perhaps venture to Jimbaran Bay, where fresh catch is cooked up straight from the sea while sparkling sea views are yours to savour as you eat. (B,L,D)

Soak up the sun in the conservatory, read a good book in the library, or take part in a lively presentation. The choice is yours. (B,L,D)

Do as much or as little as you please as you relax on board the Queen Elizabeth. (B,L,D)

Nestled on the north coast of Western Australia is the small but mighty town of Broome, renowned for its striking natural coastline and prosperity in the 20th century pearl trade. It’s where the tempting turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean meet vibrant red beaches, and where different cultures live together harmoniously. Discover Broome’s indigenous history and culture while exploring the towns’ museums and art galleries. Learn about Broome’s pearl trade with a visit to a pearling farm or The Pearl Luggers Visitor Centre. This charming port town has a rich history, and incredible scenery, and is the gateway to some of Western Australia’s extraordinary wilderness. (B,L,D)

After a day of enjoying the facilities onboard, head to the deck at night for some stargazing away from the city lights and marvel at the galaxy of stars with a nightcap. (B,L,D)

Savour your last sea day aboard Queen Elizabeth. Revisit your favourite restaurants, catch that last onboard performance, enjoy just one more cocktail, or perhaps have a flutter in the casino. (B,L,D)

The largest city north of Perth, Geraldton’s ultra-white sands and Mediterranean climate are a magnet for sunseekers, while its coast attracts anglers and water sports enthusiasts from miles around. The city is one of Western Australia’s most picturesque; its streets liberally lined with murals, statues, and sculptures.

Take a scenic wander along the city’s foreshore, savour the sweetness of a freshly caught rock lobster (a Geraldton specialty), or take a step back in time, exploring the relics of shipwrecks past; just one of many insightful displays at Museum of Geraldton. From museums and galleries to stunning beaches, a day out in Geraldton offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature or brush-up on Western Australia’s WWII story. (B,L,D)

They say you can’t please everyone, but Perth may prove to be the exception to that rule. The city’s urban sprawl is awash with fusion flavours, fashionable boutiques and innovative museums but Western Australia’s capital impresses in other ways too. Its Kings Park and Botanic Garden are one of the largest inner-city green spaces; eclipsing even New York’s Central Park. Outstanding beaches decorate Perth’s coastline, while verdant wineries surround its inland fringes. Throw in the world’s largest gold coin (one of Perth’s many novel claims to fame) and you begin to appreciate why the city is so many things to so many people.

This morning disembark the Queen Elizabeth at Fremantle where your incredible journey concludes. (B)