Southern Explorer with Sydney Crown Princess® DEC 2025

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® – whatever you decide to do, your time on board will be unforgettable. (D)

OVERNIGHT: 11 nights Crown Princess®

(Water Shuttle Required, Wheelchair Access Limited)

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 Busselton Jetty are glistening white-sand beaches and sun-drenched seaside villages stretch along the coast. 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)

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. You can not only board a whaling boat, but also have the opportunity to spot 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)

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 the 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)

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)

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)

Enjoy today at your leisure. Perhaps join a cooking demonstration~ or 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’ for today’s events. (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)

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 evening on board the Crown Princess®. (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, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the sail-like curves of the Sydney Opera House, grace the backdrop of this picturesque harbour.

Farewell the Crown Princess® this morning as you disembark. After transferring to your accommodation, the rest of the day is at your leisure to discover the many attractions of this buzzing city. (B)

Enjoy leisure time to explore the Harbour City, from the CBD to Chinatown, Manly to Newtown, or Barangaroo to Darling Harbour. There are plenty of diverse sights, flavours and experiences to enjoy, including museums, galleries, aquariums, gardens and more. Consider booking an optional tour (additional expense) to make the most of your time in the harbour city. (B)

The morning is at your leisure until it’s time to board your Sydney Harbour Lunch cruise with Journey Beyond Cruise 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)

This morning, transfer to Sydney Central Station to begin your epic adventure on board the Indian Pacific. The anticipation builds as you settle into your first evening on board, enjoying the fabulous food, wine, service and social atmosphere of this much-loved rail journey. Take in spectacular views as the Indian Pacific winds through the Blue Mountains. 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

After breakfast, prepare for your first Off Train Experience in Broken Hill, the Silver City. Explore mining heritage through visiting the Broken Hill Trades Hall and the striking Miners Memorial that stands over the town or for a different take on Broken Hill, go on a tour of the main drag with fabulous local Drag Queen sensation, Shelita Buffet.

Art aficionados may opt to visit the captivating Living Desert Sculpture site or take in the exhibitions at the oldest regional art gallery in New South. Alternatively, ignite a sense of nostalgia at Bells Milk Bar, an icon of Broken Hill, sipping on malted milk while a performance by Cindy and Johnny takes you back to the 50’s.

Lunch is served back on board as the Indian Pacific enters the southern tip of the ancient Flinders Ranges.

Arriving in Adelaide in the late afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity for an Off Train Experience, exploring the South Australian Museum or indulging in an epicurean experience. Visit the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale to sample fine South Australian wines before an indulgent meal, or try 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. Alternatively, visit Adelaide Central Markets 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 (seasonal). (B,L,D)

Admire the delightful undulations of the Avon Valley and enjoy a final breakfast on board as the final stage of your transcontinental crossing unfolds, before disembarking in Perth where your ocean and rail journey come to an end. (B,L)