Southern Explorer with Margaret River – CROWN Princess®2026

Crown Princess® departs from the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay.

Board Crown Princess®, ready to truly light up the seas, serving up tantalising cuisine, dazzling live entertainment, and enriching experiences. Discover upcoming events and activities onboard using the Medallion app. Live music, games, Stargazing, dance classes and more – create your own itinerary so you don’t miss a thing – whatever you decide to do, your time onboard 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: 11 nights Crown Princess ®

Newcastle is a harbour city in the Australian state of New South Wales. Its plentiful beaches are linked by the Bathers Way, a coastal walk stretching between Nobbys Beach and Merewether Beach. The walk provides access to Bogey Hole, a convict-built ocean bath from the colonial period. Also on the path is the 1880s Fort Scratchley, a historic site and a viewpoint for spotting migrating whales. (B,L,D)

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, the Salty Dog Gastropub and the Chef’s Table (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)

Melbourne is a UNESCO City of Literature and Australia’s cultural capital. It is home to arts, music and an unparalleled sporting scene. Effortlessly walkable, spend your time here strolling the quaint arcades and laneways.

The ship docks at Melbourne’s Station Pier Cruise Terminal, a short light rail ride away from the city centre. (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)

Adelaide combines the charm of a picturesque country town with lively cosmopolitan offerings. The city centre is compact and easily walkable, with wide, tree-lined boulevards, superb Victorian and Edwardian architecture, tranquil parks and the highest number of restaurants per capita of any city in Australia. The ship docks at the Outer Harbour of Port Adelaide, with a railway station close by providing easy access to the city centre.

Beyond the city and the rugged Adelaide Hills lie the Barossa and Eden Valleys. Here Australian vintners are winning international acclaim for their Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. (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. Don’t forget to peruse the daily newsletter ‘Princess Patter’ or check the Medallion app for today’s events (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 Crown Princess®. (B,L,D)

Albany is situated on the south coast of Western Australia’s tourist region. It faces the Southern Ocean and is on the shores of King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour.

Being the site of the first European settlement, much of their legacy remains today with around 50 colonial buildings standing proudly as museums, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can take in almost two centuries of history on a 30-minute walk following the Amity Trail.

The whaling station at Frenchman Bay was the last whaling station in all of Australia, closing in 1978. Today it is home to Whale World, the only museum of its kind in the world
to be housed in a formerly fully-operational whaling station. (B,L,D)

This vibrant coastal city is a laid-back charmer with an enticing array of natural wonders and active pursuits.

Just steps from the mile-long Jetty are glistening white sand beaches and sun-drenched seaside villages. Yet the magic of the Margaret River area beckons with 120 premium wineries; ancient caves boasting a subterranean world of jaw-dropping stalactite, stalagmite, helictite and shawl formations; a fascinating Aboriginal culture rooted in ancient history, and a picture-perfect landscape of meandering country roads and spectacular scenery. (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 Crown Princess® this morning as you disembark in Fremantle. After being transferred to your hotel, the day is yours to explore Perth at your leisure. (B)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Pan Pacific Perth

Begin your day with a complimentary pick-up service from your hotel to Barrack Street Jetty and board Rottnest Express, bound for Rottnest Island, 22km offshore.

As you cruise towards Rottnest Island, indulge in morning refreshments including coffee, tea and pastries. Enjoy access to view the scenery from the bow of the ferry.

Upon arrival, join your full-island bus tour. Explore the beauty and tranquility of Rottnest as you sit back and relax in the comfort of an air-conditioned coach. This 90-minute tour around the island takes you out to some of Rottnest’s most spectacular locations including the Wadjemup Lighthouse and the rugged West End.

The tour will provide you with an insight into Rottnest’s cultural and historical heritage, diverse wildlife and social heritage. You will have a chance to step off the coach and stroll along the boardwalk at the majestic look-out point at West End.

Lunch is included at Frankies on Rotto, followed by some free time to explore Rottnest Island at your leisure and hopefully meet a Quokka.

After exploring Rottnest Island, board the return ferry for a direct trip back to Barrack Street Terminal in Perth.

As you sail back along the Swan River, there will be a cheese and wine-tasting experience, making it a perfect ending to your day of exploration.

Barrack Street Jetty is a popular tourist destination and a favourite spot for dining and entertainment; you might wish to enjoy a dinner out before making your way back to the hotel. Alternatively, you might choose to dine at your hotel and enjoy one of the premier dining experiences on offer at Pan Pacific Perth. (B,L)

It may be the largest state in Australia, but Western Australia’s capital city boasts a conveniently compact centre, packed with things to see and do.

Enjoy your day at leisure in Perth by visiting Kings Park, Barrack Square, or some of the museums and galleries. (B)

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 the 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 Pan Pacific Perth

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and being transferred to the Indian Pacific welcome gathering, in celebration of the start of your journey across the country and along the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track.

Spend a relaxed afternoon getting to know your fellow travellers after you board the Indian Pacific and pull away from Perth, leaving the Indian Ocean behind and cruising toward the Pacific.

Tonight, a delectable dinner is served on board, featuring contemporary Australian cuisine with seasonal and regional flavours. (B,D)

OVERNIGHT: 4 nights Indian Pacific

Awake to see the sunrise unfold across Australia’s largest outback town, Kalgoorlie. This morning, we’ll delve into this mining town’s fascinating past and present, with a visit to the region’s gold-rush era, now modern-day, Super Pit mine. Decide how you want to explore Kalgoorlie on your choice of Off Train Experience, including morning refreshments. Reboarding the train in mid-morning for brunch, the remainder of the day is on board at your leisure. Sit back and enjoy the hospitality as you take in spectacular views of the seemingly endless expanse of the Nullarbor Plain. You’ll cross borders and time zones, entering South Australia before dinner.

Late evening, the train will pull into the almost-ghost-town of Cook for a nightcap, late-night bonfire and stargazing experience. (B,D)

Spend the morning travelling through the pastoral lands and communities of remote South Australia as the Indian Pacific cruises past the Flinders Rangers, Spencer Gulf and the Adelaide Plains. Breakfast and lunch are both served on board.

Mid-afternoon, the train pulls into Two Wells, where you’ll disembark and transfer in comfortable coaches for a short ride to the world-renowned, wine-producing region of the Barossa Valley. You’ll spend the evening at Seppeltsfield Winery, delighting in a signature dining experience in thevintage cellar.

A traditional ‘Firing of the Barrel’ display kicks off the evening, followed by a food and wine pairing curated by Executive Chef Owen Andrews, highlighting regional produce and traditional methods that reflect the story of the Barossa. Here, Platinum guests are also treated to a special 100-year-old wine tasting experience

After dinner, you’ll return to the Indian Pacific, continuing your rail journey through the night. (B,L,D)

Crossing another border during the night, you’ll wake up in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, ready for the day’s activities in the Silver City. You’ll have a choice of four Off Train Experiences, including guided history, art and cultural experiences that showcase the highlights of Australia’s first heritage-listed city.

Returning to the train for lunch, admire the scenery as the Indian Pacific travels through regional New South Wales.

Tonight, dinner is served on board as you make the most of your final night exploring Australia by train. (B,L,D)

The Blue Mountains is known for its soaring sandstone ridges wrapped in native flora. This World Heritage-listed area marks your final stop before arriving in Sydney. Say goodbye to the Indian Pacific after breakfast, to travel deep into the mountains for this afternoon’s Off Train Experiences.

Scenic World includes four phenomenal mountain experiences, from the Scenic Skyway, which takes you over ancient ravines, with 360-degree vistas to the Scenic Cableway that glides over the forest to the valley floor and the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world. Alternatively, stretch your legs on a guided walk with spectacular views from numerous lookouts along the trail. Both experiences end at Echo Point Lookout, perched on the edge of the escarpment in Katoomba, where a light lunch is served.

Continue your journey on our chartered New South Wales rail service (fully hosted by our crew) into Sydney Central Station, where your incredible journey exploring capital cities, wine regions, pristine islands, and remote wilderness concludes. (B,L)

Alternatively, if you prefer to arrive in Sydney earlier, stay on board the Indian Pacific to travel directly to Sydney Central Station, arriving before lunch. (B)