Northern Explorer with Sydney Stay – Sapphire Princess 2027

Make your own way to the Cruise Terminal and board the Sapphire Princess®, 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 onboard will be unforgettable.

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. (D)

OVERNIGHT: 16 nights Sapphire Princess®

Familiarise yourself with the layout of the ship today. A variety of everyday dining venues are available including Trident Grill, International Café, and Prego Pizzeria, or choose from specialty restaurants~ such as Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Churrascaria Brazilian Grill, Crown Grill, or the Salty Dog Gastropub. (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)

Built on the back of the pearl trade, Broome is a wonderfully multicultural town on the rugged North West coast of Western Australia. This fascinating and diverse remote outpost boasts one of the country’s premier beaches – stunning Cable Beach stretches more than 20 kilometres along the coastline of the Indian Ocean. (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)

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)

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 region’s many attractions, there’s plenty of fascinating history to explore in and around Darwin. (B,L,D)

Discover upcoming events and activities onboard using the Medallion app, and plan your onboard activities for the next three days whilst at sea.

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.

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 events. 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)

Journey continued from previous day (B,L,D)

Journey continued from previous day (B,L,D)

Cairns is one of Australia’s hottest vacation destinations and 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)

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. (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. Don’t forget to peruse the daily newsletter ‘Princess Patter’ or use the medallion app for the day’s events. (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)

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 a delicious cocktail~ as you enjoy your final two evenings on board the Sapphire Princess®. (B,L,D)

Journey continued from previous day (B,L,D)

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.

Farewell the Sapphire Princess® this morning as you disembark upon arrival into Sydney. Meet your transfer from the cruise terminal to your Sydney accommodation. This afternoon make your own way to King Street Wharf and board your Sydney Harbour Dinner cruise with Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney.

Sydney Harbour is photogenic at any time of day, but as the sun sets and you get that pink glow, it really is something else. And of course, once the sun goes down, the city lights shine bright and you appreciate what a gleaming metropolis Sydney really is. The dinner cruise allows you to see the Harbour from both perspectives, all in sublime comfort and style. Dinner will be three courses paired with a selection of beers, wine, or soft drinks. Highlighting the multicultural influences that make Sydney cuisine special, including local products of New South Wales. (B,D)

OVERNIGHT: 1 night Swissotel Sydney

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and be transferred to Sydney Central Station where you can feel the excitement build as you arrive to begin your epic adventure on board the Indian Pacific.

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. (B,D)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Indian Pacific

Your morning begins in Broken Hill, the fabled Silver City. Step off the train for your first Off Train Experience – explore the outback towns mining legacy, taking time to reflect at the Miners’ Memorial, or for those interested in the curiosities of Broken Hill, join Shelita Buffet, Broken Hill’s famous Drag Queen for a morning of fun, creativity and food. Refreshments are included before reboarding the Indian Pacific.

Breakfast is served back on board as the Indian Pacific departs the Silver City. Travel south west through Ngadjuri country for lunch onboard as the Indian Pacific enters the southern tips 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. (B,L,D)

Today is all about those amazing outback views as you cross this famous stretch of the Australian interior, the ancient 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 signature dinner under a thousand stars (weather permitting) (B,L,D)

Wake to the soft light over Western Australia’s Avon Valley, its rolling green hills a fitting finale to your transcontinental adventure. Savour a leisurely brunch on board as the train makes its final approach into Perth.

Soon, you’ll step off the Indian Pacific, farewelling fellow travellers and crew where your epic ocean and rail journey comes to an end. (B)