Southwest Escape 2027

Your adventure begins at Sydney’s Central Station, where the iconic Indian Pacific waits to carry you across the continent. As the train eases away from the platform and city skylines fall away, you’ll soon be surrounded by the soaring sandstone cliffs and deep valleys of the Blue Mountains. Settle into your cabin or join fellow travellers in the lounge for a drink as the journey unfolds.

This evening, take your seat in the dining car for your first regionally inspired dinner, thoughtfully paired with fine Australian wines and beverages. Afterward, return to the lounge for a nightcap or retreat to your cabin as the train rolls westward. (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.

Back on board, enjoy breakfast and lunch as the train sweeps past the southern tip of the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Adelaide for a choice of curated experiences. Savour McLaren Vale wines before dining at the cliffside Star of Greece, or sample gin and cheese in the Adelaide Hills followed by a feast at Haus, a German restaurant showcasing the best of local produce. In the city, Icons of Adelaide includes a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at Coopers Brewery, a scenic drive, and a teppanyaki dinner at Shiki capped by a twilight stroll to Adelaide Oval. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the Adelaide Central Market, finishing with an exclusive sit-down dinner, in the markets and all to yourself.

After a memorable evening, return to the train to continue your westward journey. (B,L,D)

Today is all about the vast, unforgettable views of the Nullarbor Plain. You’ll journey across this legendary expanse on the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track, with endless horizons unfolding outside your window. Along the way, the train pauses at Cook – once a bustling railway town, now a near-ghost outpost with stories etched into its weathered buildings.

By evening, you’ll reach Rawlinna, on the edge of Australia’s largest sheep station. Here, the outback comes alive as you dine beneath a canopy of stars at a spectacular signature long-table dinner (Sept–May). In the cooler months, gather around a roaring bonfire with drinks and canapés, soaking up the atmosphere of this remarkable setting. (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 before transferring to your accommodation, with the remainder of the day free to start exploring. (B)

OVERNIGHT: 1 night DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront

our 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 6 or 7). 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 there Karridale 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: 2 nights DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront

Make your way to Barrack Street Jetty and board Rottnest Express, bound for Rottnest Island, 22kms 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. Feast on a delicious lunch before exploring the island at your leisure – make sure you meet a quokka. Return to Perth by ferry in the afternoon. (B,L)

It’s time to check out of your accommodation concluding, your rich and rewarding discovery of the southwest of Western Australia. (B)