This 12-day adventure starts in Sydney, then takes you to the best of South Australia before going on to Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef.
Depart Sydney in comfort aboard the Indian Pacific, Australia's most famous rail journey. Though the service extends all the way to Perth, you'll disembark in Adelaide, a cultural hub surrounded by terrific wine regions. If you have time, visit one of its galleries or museums, or take in a performance at one of the city’s famous cabaret venues. Just to the south, you’ll spend a night at Kangaroo Island, one of Australia’s most unique wildlife areas. In addition to seeing plenty of the namesake marsupials, you’ll visit a sea lion colony, a honey farm, and Flinders Chase National Park, home to many of the Island’s geological icons such as Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch.
All aboard the famous Ghan train for your second perfectly appointed journey into the outback! Enjoy superior service with all the amenities as you travel into Australia’s red centre, channelling the spirit of the country’s early explorers. Your destination is Alice Springs, the gateway to Central Australia. Rest for a night here, then go on to Uluru – also known as Ayers Rock. This is not a short drive, but it is a spectacular one, passing through the MacDonnell and James Ranges.
Accommodation here offers you superb views of Uluru, ideal for enjoying Australia’s most impressive sunset over cocktails. On your second night, experience the Sounds of Silence – a unique chance to dine under the desert stars. With a full day here, you’ll have the option to either climb Uluru, or take a tour of its base to gain an insight into the monolith’s tremendous cultural significance. Keep in mind, Uluru is sacred to the local Aboriginal people, and as such, they respectfully ask tourists to opt for the base tour, rather than climbing.
Fly to tropical Cairns, where the Great Barrier Reef awaits. You’ll visit the Agincourt Reef, a well preserved section ideal for snorkelers and divers of all skill levels. If you’d rather not get wet, watch the fish from the comfort of an underwater viewing platform. Back on dry land, climb aboard the train to Kuranda, situated in the North Queensland rainforest. From here, you’ll be guided deep into the bush, where you’ll enjoy an Aboriginal dance performance, BBQ lunch, and the chance to throw a boomerang. Visit the Koala and Wildlife Park before you depart aboard the Skyrail. This impressive 7.5 kilometer gondola takes you over the trees back to Cairns, ready for departure.
