Departing Sydney’s Central Station mid-afternoon, leave city skylines and the fast-paced urban lifestyle behind. Get acquainted with your cabin and fellow travellers as the Indian Pacific heads west winding through the Blue Mountains. Relax in your cabin or socialise in the lounge, enjoying an afternoon tipple on request. 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. (D)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Indian Pacific

This morning, enjoy your first Off-Train Experience in Broken Hill, the Silver City. Savour light refreshments as you explore the historic Trades Hall and the Miners Memorial overlooking town, or join Shelita Buffet, Queen of the Outback, for a lively main street tour.

Back on board, breakfast and lunch are served as the Indian Pacific passes the southern tip of the ancient Flinders Ranges.

Arriving in Adelaide late afternoon, choose from a range of immersive experiences. Indulge in a taste of McLaren Vale with a guided wine tasting and dinner at the Star of Greece, overlooking Gulf St Vincent. Visit Hahndorf for a cheese or gin tasting before dining at Haus, showcasing regional produce. Explore the heart of the city with Icons of Adelaide, including a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at Coopers Brewery, a scenic city drive, and a teppanyaki dinner at Shiki followed by a twilight walk to Adelaide Oval. Alternatively, discover the Adelaide Central Market with a guided tour and exclusive sit-down dinner.

After your chosen experience, reboard 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, heading into Perth. Transfer to your accommodation, with the remainder of the day free to start exploring. (B)

OVERNIGHT: 1 night DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Waterfront

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 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 natural and cultural attractions. We’ll begin at Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, visiting Mammoth Cave, where remains of megafauna over 50,000 years old have been found in its vast limestone chambers.

Next, enjoy a scenic drive through the majestic Boranup Karri Forest, where trees soar over 65 metres high. In season, the forest floor bursts with wildflowers, orchids and fungi, accompanied by birdsong and the scent of eucalyptus.

Continuing south, we’ll stop at Hamelin Bay, once home to a timber-export jetty, now a picturesque spot famous for friendly stingrays in the shallows.

Passing through the hilltop town of Augusta, we’ll glimpse the Blackwood River before arriving at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Australia’s tallest mainland lighthouse. Standing at the meeting point of the Southern and Indian Oceans, it offers breathtaking views. On a guided tour, learn about the lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families.

This afternoon, spend time exploring 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 south west of Western Australia. (B)