The Ghan & Indian Pacific
The Ultimate West by Land and Sea – 2024

Departing Sydney’s Central Station, the anticipation builds for the trip ahead as you settle into your first evening on the Indian Pacific, enjoying the fabulous food, wine and service and the social atmosphere of this much-loved rail journey. (D)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Indian Pacific

After breakfast, prepare for your first Off Train Experience in Broken Hill, exploring the beauty of the Silver City and discovering its mining history or the artistic culture that abounds in the area. Back on board, after approaching the southern tip of the Flinders Ranges, the train weaves its way into Adelaide. You’ll have more afternoon Off Train Experiences to choose from before returning to the train. (B,L,D)

Today, wake up and marvel at the barren beauty of the Nullarbor Plain. Taking its name from the Latin meaning ‘no trees’, the ancient plain conjures a sense of limitless space and time, making this journey all about those amazing outback views as you cross this famous stretch of the Australian interior. Dinner this evening is under an outback sky on the edge of the country’s largest sheep station at Rawlinna (seasonal). (B,L,D)

Watch the delightful Avon Valley pass by as the final stage of your transcontinental crossing unfolds, heading into Perth, where your connection with the Indian Ocean begins. Transfer from the East Perth Rail Terminal to your overnight accommodation. Check in to The Westin Perth, a rejuvenating haven with luxury accommodation, 5-star amenities and world-class food and beverage outlets. Take a stroll through the colourful streets of Perth city or simply relax in the comforts of your accommodation in preparation for your journey aboard Silver Cloud tomorrow. (B)

OVERNIGHT: 1 Night The Westin Perth

Today you will transfer from your Perth accommodation to the Port of Fremantle, here you can explore all that Fremantle has to offer – the coastal city has undergone a complete revamp since the America’s Cup thrust Fremantle into the spotlight in 1987. The arts has brought Fremantle to the fore of thriving urban culture, with groovy live-music rooms, hipster bars, boutique hotels, left-field bookshops, craft-beer breweries, Indian Ocean seafood shacks amid the buskers and beaches. If that doesn’t sound like your glass of beer, we guarantee a stroll along the wooden riverside walkway will change your mind. The city also enjoys another, rather different status. Fremantle was one of Australia’s penal cities, vestiges of which can still be found in Fremantle Prison. Almost 10,000 convicts were condemned to life imprisonment here between 1850 and 1868, but the prison remained in use until 1991. Today, the memorable sandstone building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and at just 15 minutes from port is well worth a visit. Just don’t forget your get out of jail free card.

Board Silver Cloud for your coastal cruising and settle into your elegant cabin, make yourself comfortable, enjoy dinner and perhaps have a nightcap at Dolce Vita. (B, L, D)

OVERNIGHT: 17 nights Silver Cloud

Arrive in the Abrolhos Islands early afternoon where you will spend the next two days.

Human drama and nature rival each other to be the most fascinating drawcards of the Houtman Abrolhos or Abrolhos Islands. In 1629 the Dutch ship Batavia was wrecked, with most crew and passengers reaching dry inhospitable Beacon Island. Thus, began a horror story of mutiny, betrayal, and survival. On one island, soldiers built a stone stockade which is the first European structure in Australia. Eventually the remaining survivors were rescued, and the murderers were hung on one island or marooned on the mainland (Australia’s first European settlers). A century later, desperate survivors of another wrecked Dutch ship Zeewijk lived (or died) for ten months on the islands. (B,L,D)

Life in the sea is an unusual mix. The warm southward-flowing Leeuwin Current meets cool southern waters at Abrolhos creating homes for both tropical and temperate marine life. A diverse coral reef grows beside cool water algae. Two thirds of the 400 fish species are tropical, while cool water-favouring Australian Sea-lions and Western Rock Lobsters (Australia’s most valuable fishery) are close to their northern limit. Seabirds, like the cooler climate Pacific Gulls, mix with tropical species like Bridled and Roseate Terns. The only colony of the Australian Lesser Noddy breeds here, along with two million Wedge-tailed Shearwaters. On land, amongst the Nitre shrubs and Saltbushes, are Abrolhos Painted Quails and Dwarf Bearded Dragons and shy Tammar Wallabies. Their ancestors survived the hungry castaways. (B,L,D)

Shark Bay is Australia’s largest bay, with a beach stretching over 1,000 kilometres. François Peron National Park lies within the Shark Bay World Heritage area and adjacent to the Shark Bay Marine Park. This is where the rust-red desert sand meets the dazzling white-sand beach and the azure waters of the sea. At the northerly tip of the national park is Cape Peron, sitting at the confluence of two major currents, the cape attracts an impressive array of marine life. Take a hike with the expedition team from Cape Peron to the Skipjack Point viewing platforms, perched on the cliff edge with views out across the marine park. Alternatively, join the expedition team for an interpretive nature walk through the impressive landscape of acacia-cloaked red dunes and arid shrublands surrounded by turquoise water with views over the coastline. (B,L,D)

A spectacular collision of colour spills across the seabed around North Muiron Island – which has to be one of the best spots in the world for snorkelling and scuba diving. Immerse yourself in this underwater universe as tiny fish flit between the corals, and elegant rays sweep gracefully past. Sitting off the North West Cape, the two utterly unspoiled Muiron Islands are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Ningaloo Coast. Warm Indian Ocean waters collide with the cooler waters of the West Australian Current here, forming a remarkable biological hot spot that thrives with rich life and incredible diversity. These unique conditions form masses of plankton for gentle giants of the ocean to graze upon – even luring groups of the ocean’s biggest fish – colossal whale sharks. From March to July, the cows of the sea carefully vacuum the seabed for their food. Other massive mammals, like dugongs, dolphins, and pilot whales, also drop in throughout the year. Snorkel to look into the riot of activity below the undulating waves. Spot turtles, parrotfish, and butterfly fish among the thousands of species at home in these balmy waters. A true Gem of Western Australia’s Coral Coast, the remarkable reefs of North Muiron Island serve up a brilliant banquet of colour and curiosity. (B,L,D)

Montebello is Italian for ‘beautiful mountain’. What a misnomer! The islands are low, flat, and arid. They were named by French Explorer Nicolas Baudin in 1801 after a battle in Italy. The war-like name may suit, as the British used the islands for three nuclear bomb tests in the 1950s. Today visitors must avoid two radioactive islands. Other islands are okay to explore. Two endangered mammals—the Mala (Rufous Hare-Wallaby) and the Djoongari (Shark Bay Mouse)— thrive here. They were almost wiped out by introduced cats and foxes on the mainland and were brought to this island ark for safety. The 170 islands are 120 kilometres (75 miles) off mainland Australia. Aboriginal people visited until eight thousand years ago, when rising sea levels after the last ice age made them too far offshore to reach. The next visitors were in 1622 when survivors of the wrecked British ship Tryall reached the arid islands. Porcupine Grass or Spinifex grows on rocky areas while wattle shrubs favour sand. The islands are an important seabird breeding colony. Look for Roseate and Greater Crested Terns. Sooty Oystercatchers forage on the rocks while Beach Stone-curlews roam beaches. Coral reefs and lagoons surround the islands in the Montebello Marine Park. One hundred and fifty species of hard coral, 450 species of fish and 170 species of echinoderms (sea stars, sea urchins and sea cucumbers) keep snorkellers happy. Green, Hawksbill and Flatback Turtles nest on beaches and provide highlights when seen in the water. (B,L,D)

Some 300 kilometres northwest of Broome, the Rowley Shoals consists of the three reefs Imperieuse, Clerke and Mermaid. The first two reefs form the Rowley Shoals Marine Park and have sandy cays that will still be visible at high tide. Bedwell Island, a small sandy cay inside Clerke Reef, is home to one of Western Australia’s two colonies of Red-tailed Tropicbirds. Other birds nesting on the island are Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, White-bellied Sea-Eagles, Eastern Reef-Egrets, and terns. The Mermaid Reef Commonwealth Marine Reserve is slightly further northeast and is the closest to land. (B,L,D)

Declared an A-class nature reserve in 1970, the Lacapede Islands are a little paradise for bird lovers. Its brown booby colony, possibly the largest on the planet, awaits you with a joyful cacophony. Even if located just off the impressive Kimberley Coast, an expedition to the Lacepedes feels like discovering a wild and remote place. If some might call them ‘Australia’s Galapagos’, they were actually named after French naturalist Bernard Germain de Lacépède, who studied many Australian fish species. Before becoming a protected natural reserve, the Lacepedes also witnessed bleak moments – the islands used to be the place where kidnapped Aborigines were held before being sent to work in the pearl industry. Their unique location makes the Lacepedes an important breeding centre for many birds and marine life species. Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, Lesser Frigate Birds but also the endangered Green Turtle populate the islands. Our Zodiac excursions are the most ideal way to admire the ballet of birds flying in this stunning West Australian scenery. Nature lovers or not, prepare to be amazed. (B,L,D)

Appearing like a charmed apparition, Adele Island is an oasis of tranquillity peeking out of the Indian Ocean. It’s hard to capture the sense of quiet perfection as you stand on this sandy paradise, 65 miles away from Kimberley’s rugged coast. The changeable sands of the island expand and contract with the contented sighs of the tides, and wide sandbanks ebb and flow with the whims of the water. At the core of Adele Island is a gorgeous tidal lagoon, rich in biodiversity. The island is a thriving ocean outpost for breeding birds and turtles, and the hospitable waters form a lively nursery for young humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins. Keep an eye out for large silhouettes sliding just below the shallow surface. The knee-deep sea here means you can easily spot wonderful sea creatures swimming agilely past. Keep your wits about you though, there may also be beady-eyed crocodiles, slaloming menacingly. Encounter beautiful sea turtles, diverse fish life, and remarkable birds like the lesser frigate bird and brown booby, all while exploring this pristine island gem. Stand in awe as plumes of seabirds rotate around you like a gentle whirlwind. Endless fields of immaculate coral reefs coat the seabed, alive like underwater cities, bustling with life and characters. With only the sounds of rhythmic waves sloshing, sandy footsteps crunching and vocal bird life singing out, melodic Adele Island hits all the right notes. (B,L,D)

Set off the coast of Western Australia, the Buccaneer Archipelago is one of the Kimberley’s finest secrets. The Archipelago, 50 k2 (19 sq. mi), is made up of around 800 islands and protect the mainland from the huge 12 metre tides and astonishing speed of the Yampi (or, in traditional Aborigine, “Yampee”) Sound. The speed and power of the water may not make for pleasant bathing but do however result in fantastic natural phenomena. One fine example is the horizontal reversible waterfall in Talbot Bay. The tidal pull is responsible for the “reversible” nature of the falls; however, this also hides narrow gaps between the islands, making for treacherous sailing conditions. Isolated graves of sailors and divers are testimony to the danger. William Dampier sighted the Archipelago in 1688 but it would not be until 1821 that the Archipelago would become known as Buccaneer (a term coined by Captain Phillip Parker King) “in commemoration of William Dampier’s visit to this part of the coast “. Commander John Lort Stokes also noted the area in his 1838 record. Enterprising individuals were initially attracted to the Buccaneer Archipelago in the 1800s due to the superior pearling as well as the rich iron ore deposits. Pearling conducted by luggers in the 1880s was concentrated in Cygnet Bay, Cascade Bay, Cone Bay and Strickland Bay. More recently, mining operators established open-cut mines on Koolan Island on the east side of the Sound. Some of the richest iron ore in the world is extracted here to this day. (B,L,D)

Arrive in the Hunter River Region where you will spend the next two days.

The Hunter River is home to an immense mangrove system surrounded by soaring red sandstone cliffs. Narrow mangrove channels shelter numerous bird species, mudskippers, fiddler crabs and the infamous saltwater crocodile; the most aggressive crocodile species known to man. Naturalist Island at the mouth of the river has a stunning stretch of sandy beach that makes a perfect landing site for small helicopters that can pick up visitors wishing to explore some of the Kimberley’s vast interior. (B,L,D)

The highlight inland is the famous Mitchell Falls where four tiers of waterfalls plunge into deep pools that flow out into the mighty Mitchell River. The headwaters of the falls are cool and a dip in the fresh water is a welcome reprieve from the heat of the heartland. (B,L,D)

The King George Falls is one of the Kimberley’s most magnificent natural wonders. At 80 meters (260 feet), the thundering spectacle of twin cascades are among the highest in Australia. The river weaves through an amazing landscape of near vertical red rock formations and a parade of wildlife — carnivorous saltwater crocodiles and amazing birdlife, including giant raptors and the Brahminy Kite. (B,L,D)

Wyndham is a small settlement with the spirit of a Kimberley outback township. It was established in 1886 with the Halls Creek gold rush and sits on the Cambridge Gulf where several rivers converge. Today Wyndham has a population of roughly 900 people and operates largely as a port exporting cattle, servicing the mining industry, and hosting a few small ships. For these vessels Wyndham is a gateway to the nearby Ord River. Conversely, cruising the peaceful and tree-lined Ord River is a chance to look for freshwater crocodiles, fruit bats, short-eared rock wallabies and a variety of birds, including Mangrove Herons and Mangrove Gerygones. Please note: All destinations on voyages in the Kimberley region, and the order in which they are visited, are subject to tidal variations and weather conditions. (B,L,D)

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So, whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side. (B,L,D)

The eastern part of Indonesia is a true paradise on Earth. Home to countless beautiful, unexplored destinations that have not enjoyed the tourism boom that many other parts of the country have. Matakus Island is one such destination. This makes it a perfect place for those who have a sense of adventure and truly want to explore off the beaten path. Matakus is a small island and part of the Tanimbar archipelago. At just over two miles in length and less than a mile across, it is one of the smaller islands but, despite its small size, its proximity to the regional capital city of Saumlaki just to the north ensures that the island is inhabited (current population 100). The tourism infrastructure is practically inexistent, so don’t expect to be souvenir shopping here – ordering a lunch of delicious freshly caught and grilled fish from one of the local fishermen that line the shore is about the maximum! Birds including the Tanimbar starling, Moluccan masked owl, Fawn-breasted thrush, and Blue-streaked lorry all call the island home. (B,L,D)

Enjoy a leisurely day at sea and take advantage of the luxurious onboard services. Visit the Observation Lounge with exceptional views overlooking the ocean as it stretches out below you while you take in the views or simply relax with a book. (B,L,D)

Australia’s capital of the north is a uniquely tropical city, and a historically isolated outpost of this vast, diverse country. Reaching up towards the equator, a full 2,000 miles from Sydney and Melbourne, the city was named in honour of Charles Darwin by the British settlers who established a frontier outpost here. With a unique history, beautiful islands nearby, and a palette of sizzling Pacific flavours, colourful Darwin is an enchanting and exotic Australian destination.

This morning, Silver Cloud will dock in the Port of Darwin, where you will disembark and be transferred to the Hilton Darwin, an ideal location in the heart of the city. (B)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Hilton Darwin

Your Silversea Cruises experience concludes at Hilton Darwin this morning.

Relax in the comforts of your accommodation or perhaps make your way down to the waterfront and enjoy the tropical Darwin weather. Much of Darwin’s action happens along this revitalised waterfront, which is lined with restaurants, shops, sandy lagoons, and parklands.(B)

Today is yours to explore Darwin at your leisure. This evening enjoy a dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour aboard a modern and spacious catamaran in air-conditioned comfort. View the spectacular Darwin sunset while enjoying a delicious Territory-style dinner. (B,D)

This morning, it’s time to board The Ghan. Settle in as you relax in your cabin or mingle with fellow travellers. Enjoy lunch on board before you arrive in Katherine for your first Off Train Experience. In a region renowned for jaw dropping natural assets, Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best – the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge. (B,L,D)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights The Ghan Expedition

After breakfast you’ll arrive into Alice Springs, with plenty of time to explore the iconic town in the red heart of Australia. Prepare for a day of fascinating experiences and in the evening, dine under a million stars at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. (B,L,D)

After a morning stop at the outback outpost of Manguri, you’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Discover the diversity of Coober Pedy’s spectacular Breakaways on your guided walking tour, taking in the colourful low hills that from a distance look as if they have ‘broken away’ from the higher ground of the reserve. This area was once an inland sea and over time, has transformed into a dramatic landscape that changes colour with the passing of the sun, creating an almost surreal panorama. Dinner is served back on the train, where you can enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues. (B,L,D)

After completing the famous north-south crossing of Australia’s interior, you will arrive into Adelaide, where your adventure comes to an end, leaving you with memories of awe-inspiring landscapes and unique experiences that will last a lifetime. (B)