Southern Explorer with Perth Stay – CROWN Princess®

The Crown Princess® truly lights 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. (D)

OVERNIGHT: 11 nights Crown 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, the Salty Dog Gastropub and the Chef’s Table (B,L,D)

Tasmania’s capital has much in common with Sydney. Founded but a few years later, Hobart also owes its origins to the establishment of a penal colony – and its natural setting is just as impressive. Seen from its fine deep-water harbour, Hobart spills over the lower reaches of the Derwent Valley as Mt. Wellington towers in the background. Much of the city’s heritage is centred on the historic waterfront. North of the city stretches the vast parkland of the Queen’s Domain. Many of Tasmania’s other attractions are within easy reach of Hobart. (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 of 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)

Enjoy a musical production, dabble in the casino, or perhaps join a cooking demonstration~. Don’t forget to peruse the daily newsletter ‘Princess Patter’ for today’s events. (B,L,D)

Today is yours to enjoy. Take some time today 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)

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. One can not only board a whaling boat but also have the opportunity to spot migrating whales. (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 the 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: 4 nights Novotel Perth Murray Street

Join the scheduled transfer to Barrack Street Jetty and board Rottnest Express, bound for Rottnest Island, 22km 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 of the island. Enjoy time to explore the island at your leisure – make sure you meet a quokka. Return to Perth by ferry in the afternoon. (B)

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)

Continue your exploration of Perth with another day at leisure to explore the city and surrounds. (B)

We recommend:  Coffee, Culture and Art Walking Tour of Perth – from $ 63 per person

This tour has something for everyone. Starting at the Perth Town Hall learn about the rich significance of the building before heading to a café for a hot beverage. Tour the best street art murals in Wolf Lane and other local hotspots and listen to your guide tell quirky and engaging stories about architecture, history and culture.

This morning, be transferred from your accommodation to board the Indian Pacific and before long you’ll be heading through the delightful Avon Valley. Take time out and relax into the rhythm of this iconic train and its creature comforts. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the Outback Explorer Lounge with fellow travellers in anticipation of your late-night arrival into the gold-mining township of Kalgoorlie, where you’ll participate in your first Off Train Experience. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Indian Pacific

Wake to a spectacular Nullarbor morning. Relax throughout the day, taking in the outback vistas before visiting the extraordinary and slightly eerie ghost town of Cook, home to a thriving population of four. (B,L,D)

As the landscape changes in the morning and rich ochre sands make way for forests and farmlands, you will arrive into Adelaide, where a range of Off Train Experiences are on offer. You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of Adelaide Oval or see the highlights of the city on foot or by coach. 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 this morning to take in the full spectacle of the Blue Mountains on Sydney’s doorstep. After your arrival into Katoomba, select from numerous mountain experiences to explore the World-Heritage listed area. See the majestic Three Sisters at Echo Point and take in the views at Jamison Valley. Continue your journey to Sydney Central Station, where your incredible journey exploring capital cities, outback deserts, pristine islands, and remote wilderness concludes. (B,L)