Australian Luxury Rail Tour – Sydney / Adelaide / Perth

The journey on the Indian Pacific, named after the two oceans it joins, carries the symbol of the magnificent Wedge-Tailed Eagle, which can often be seen soaring high above, and the iconic train covers the 4,352kms between Sydney and Perth, including the longest straight section of railway track in the world measuring 477.14km. Departs Sunday’s from 28 August – 20 November 2011 & 01 January – 18 March 2012.

Travel may possibly be available on dates not included in the above periods if changes are made to the number of “stop-over” days shown in this itinerary. Please contact us if you wish to travel on different dates to those shown above.

It is possible, as with the other Australian Rail Tours we supply, to change the numbers of days stop-over in each city (in accordance with the train timetable), to change the level of hotel from budget to 5*, to change the tours we have arranged for each city (each one could for example be totally “wine” orientated if you are a wine club or group who wished to travel). If there is anything your particular you wished to see and do – just let us know and we will change the itinerary around to suit, if at all possible.

It is also possible for travellers in the Gold Service and Platinum Service to break their journey to include tours in the “Red Centre” for a few days, returning to the train when next coming through Alice Springs.(Contact us for details if you’d like an additional quotation to include this).

Prices are shown for Gold Service on the Indian Pacific, and we have also shown upgrade prices for Platinum Service and for the Private “Chairman’s Carriage” which will accommodate families and groups of up to eight persons for the ultimate luxury journey (ideal for corporate executives), and the Private “Sir John Forrest Carriage” (which will accommodate groups of up to 6 persons) allowing additional numbers of corporate staff of up to 90 persons, to be accommodated in GOLD SERVICE sleeper cabins)

3 Nights Sydney

Sydney Harbour Marriott (or similar) – Deluxe City View Room (Full Breakfast Daily)

• Sydney Opera House – The Essential Tour
• Sydney City Tour
• Captain Cook Cruises – Sunset Dinner Cruise
• Hunter Valley Wine & Wilderness Tour

3 Nights Adelaide

Rendezvous Hotel Adelaide (or similar) – Deluxe King Room (Full Breakfast Daily)

• Barossa Valley Experience Tour
• Kangaroo Island Wildlife Discovery: Cruise & Fly

3 Nights Perth

Pan Pacific Perth (or similar) – Standard Room (Full Breakfast Daily)

• Perth & Fremantle Full Day Experience
• Margaret River, Cave, Wine & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Day 1

Arrive Sydney. Your Representative will meet you at the airport to hand over and explain your travel documents and assist with transfer to your hotel. Private car transfer from Sydney International Airport to accommodation.

Sydney Opera House Trust – The Essential Tour

Join the Essential Tour at the Sydney Opera House. Check in at the Cloak Room Desk located on the Lower Concourse level to exchange your voucher for your ticket, and join the next available tour. See inside the world’s most recognisable sails and experience this miracle of architecture and engineering. A work of art that came into existence against impossible odds, to become one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world. Working with new, rich audio-visual components, where images are projected onto the fabric of the building, your guide will take you on an emotional journey, engrossing you in a story to rival any opera plot with its dramatic twists and turns. Some 1,500 performances, from opera to circus, rock and cabaret, are staged each year to audiences of around 1.5 million. Tour concludes approximately one hour after commencement

Day 2 – Sydney

The Essential Sydney Tour

Start in the historic Rocks precinct to see the birth place of Sydney and explore the convict built cottages, pubs and the first church in Australia. Climb Observatory Hill for views of Anzac Bridge and Darling Harbour. Next, cross the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge and travel through the leafy northern suburbs to Manly, a beautiful seaside suburb. Continue up to North Head for unrivalled views of the Harbour, then take a secluded walk along the rugged sandstone cliffs. Re-board your vehicle, and journey to the stunning Botanical Gardens situated right in the heart of Sydney. En route pass through Macquarie Street, named after the first Governor of Sydney, Lachlan Macquarie. Here see Australia’s first Parliament House, Mint, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. Enjoy lunch in the Botanical Gardens. After lunch, continue down to Mrs Macquarie’s chair which is situated on the water’s edge.

Travel through Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross and onto Darling Point, one of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs and see some of Sydney’s most sought after addresses. Continue past Double Bay, Rose Bay, Vaucluse and Watsons Bay, before traversing along the coastline to Sydney’s most famous beach, Bondi. Enjoy time to soak up the atmosphere of the beachside Mecca – stroll down the esplanade with the locals and maybe enjoy an ice cream (at own expense) before re-boarding your vehicle. Return to Sydney via the vibrant Oxford Street and the suburb of Paddington and admire this boutique shopping precinct and the charming Georgian and Victorian architecture of the homes. Tour concludes at approximately 3.30pm, at which time hotel drop offs will commence

Captain Cook Cruises – Sunset Dinner Cruise

Board your Captain Cook Cruises MV Sydney 2000, 63 metre motorised vessel at Jetty No. 6 Circular Quay to commence a Sunset Dinner cruise. Discover the magic of Sydney at sundown whilst enjoying an a la carte dinner on board. Cruise concludes at approximately 6.30pm at Circular Quay.

* Clients are to make their own way to and from Circular Quay, approximately a 2 minute walk from the Sydney Harbour Marriott

Day 3 – Sydney

Hunter Valley Wine & Wilderness

Your vehicle will pick you up from your hotel to commence a full day Hunter Valley and Wilderness Day tour. This tour to the Hunter Region offers the real Aussie Outback, history, Aboriginal Culture and wine tastings in a full day of experiences. Head out of the city and reach the morning tea stop, a unique wildlife park where you’ll meet native Australian animals. Head away from the main road and travel through the National Parks to the historic town of Wollombi. Continuing over Mount View, head into the Hunter Valley to a boutique winery for the first wine tasting experience. The next winery you will visit is the lunch destination, where a gourmet tasting experience of food and wine matching awaits. Continue to the last winery which also combines hand made cheeses to match with the wines, and then finally to a chocolate shop to taste some unique flavours of the Hunter Valley. Tour concludes at approximately 6.00pm at which time hotel drop offs will commence.

Day 4 – Sydney & Adelaide

You will be transferred by private vehicle from your hotel to the Railway Station:
Sydney Central Railway Station is located at Eddy Avenue, Sydney.

Check in commences 2 hours prior to departure, with final check in 60 minutes prior to departure.

Due to space constraints, guests are recommended to only take on board hand luggage containing the requirements for their journey, such as passports, valuables, medicine and fragile or perishable items. A total of 40kg of checked-in luggage per guest is allowed in the Luggage Car (2 items not exceeding 20kg each and 180 linear centimetres). Note: checked-in luggage cannot be accessed during the journey.

Depart on the Indian Pacific train from Sydney to Adelaide. You are confirmed in a Gold Service Sleeper.

On board until . . .

Day 5 – Adelaide

Arrive Adelaide. Your driver will meet you inside the terminal near the baggage collection area, for private vehicle transfer to your hotel. The driver will be holding a Hughes Chauffeured Limousines sign with your name.

Day 6 – Adelaide

Barossa Valley Experience

Your vehicle will pick you up from your hotel to commence a full day Barossa Valley Experience tour. Depart the city and travel north over the Torrens River and into the Torrens Gorge. Covering 400 square kilometres, this area prides itself on its unspoiled beauty and love of the great outdoors. You may be lucky enough to see kangaroos and emus grazing near the road before venturing to the Chain of Ponds, which features a breathtaking backdrop of giant reservoirs and towering pine trees. Travel to Williamstown and admire the beautiful stone buildings before having morning tea from the historic Lyndoch bakery. Visit the Angas Park Fruit Company at the charming stone brick town of Angaston, before admiring the panoramic views offered from Menglers Hill Lookout, which gives you fantastic photographic opportunities looking out onto the Barossa Valley. After lunch, spend the afternoon amongst the vineyards and wineries that make this area so popular and famous around the world. This afternoon will be created to suit your palate. Whether you prefer red or white, dry or sweet, your guide will discuss with everyone what they prefer and visit wineries appropriate to your taste. The day will finish with a stop to view the most famous of all premium Australian wine, Grange. Tour concludes at approximately 5.00pm, at which time hotel drop offs will commence.

Day 7 – Adelaide / Kangaroo Island / Adelaide

* There is a luggage limit of 15 kg (33 lb) per person for your tour to Kangaroo Island. Excess luggage can be stored at the Airport, or at your hotel in Adelaide until your return.
Please ensure you take with you on your tour: binoculars, camera, walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain, long trousers to protect your legs in the bush, warm jacket, sunscreen and hat.

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Discovery: Cruise/Fly

A coach will pick you up from your hotel for your transfer to 85 Franklin Street, the departure point of your tour. At 6.45am join your coach to commence a full day Kangaroo Island Wildlife Discovery Tour. Journey south through the rolling hills along the Fleurieu Peninsula coastline to Cape Jervis to board the 9.00am Sealink catamaran for the crossing to Kangaroo Island.

Upon arrival on Kangaroo Island join your guide to commence a full day Kangaroo Island Wildlife Discovery Tour. The tour begins with an introduction to Kangaroo Island, touring through several differing island habitats and seeing wildlife in its natural environment. Kangaroo Island is a haven for Australian wildlife, which exists in its natural habitat without the threat of introduced predators. Keep an eye out for echidnas, wallabies, reptiles and wildflowers, there are opportunities to stop and enjoy these sightings. At Seal Bay your guide will escort you on a memorable walk along the beach. This bay is home to a healthy Australian sea lion colony. Walk among the sea lions as they bask on the beach or among the sand dunes after their extensive fishing expedition. With your guide you are able to stand at a safe distance to these wonderful endangered creatures and can hear them sigh and watch them at play. Enter Kangaroo Island Odyssey’s exclusive Heritage-listed natural bush property to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch with wine. Travel through the island’s interior keeping an eye out for koalas and echidnas. Explore the beaches of the north coast and take a bushwalk. Later in the afternoon, as the day draws to a close, see the kangaroos and wallabies leave the safety of the bush to begin grazing on the open pastures. Your tour concludes at Kingscote Airport to connect with the flight to Adelaide.

Depart on Regional Express Airlines flight ZL to Adelaide.

Arrive Adelaide. Please collect your luggage and proceed to the base of the escalators in the arrival area to meet your driver, for transfer back to your hotel in Adelaide.

Day 8 & 9 – Adelaide / Perth

You will be transferred by private car from your hotel to the Railway Station; Adelaide Parklands Terminal is located at Richmond Road, Keswick, South Australia.

Check in commences 2 hours prior to departure, with final check in 60 minutes prior to departure.

Due to space constraints, guests are recommended to only take on board hand luggage containing the requirements for their journey, such as passports, valuables, medicine and fragile or perishable items. A total of 40kg of checked-in luggage per guest is allowed in the Luggage Car (2 items not exceeding 20kg each and 180 linear centimetres). Note: checked-in luggage cannot be accessed during the journey.

Depart on the Indian Pacific Train to Perth. You are confirmed in a Gold Service Sleeper.

On board until . . .

Day 10 – Perth

Arrive Perth. Your driver will meet you at the Railway Station for private transfer to your hotel.

Day 11 – Perth

Perth & Fremantle Full Day Experience

Your vehicle will pick you up from your hotel to commence a full day Perth & Fremantle Experience tour. Start your day within the city limits visiting Kings Park which occupies approximately 400 hectares of Mount Eliza overlooking the city of Perth and the Swan River. The Park has much to offer with its sweeping parklands, Botanic Garden, native bushland (two-thirds of the park) and extensive city and river views. The magnificently sited State War Memorial is also one of several scenic vantage points. Depart the city limits and stop at Cottesloe Beach, one of Perth’s most popular beaches, then enjoy morning tea overlooking the Indian Ocean. Rejoin your vehicle and travel down the coast to Fremantle which oozes heritage and cosmopolitan culture, where the streets are abuzz with shoppers and al fresco diners, and pubs brim over with patrons from across the globe. Best known for its docks, marinas, and charming heritage sandstone buildings, head to Victoria Quay to visit the Western Australian Maritime Museum, which houses famous sailing vessels along with hands on exhibits bringing sea-faring heritage to life. After visiting the museum enjoy lunch around Fishing Boat Harbour. To finish off the day, board a cruise on the Swan River to take you back to Perth. The cruise includes tea and coffee and wine tastings of Western Australian premium wines. After the cruise, rejoin your vehicle and make one final stop at Kings Park for views of Perth and the Swan River before arriving back into the city. Tour concludes at approximately 5.00pm, at which time hotel drop offs will commence.

Day 12 – Perth

Margaret River, Cave, Wine & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Your coach will pick you up from your hotel for your transfer to the Perth Sightseeing Centre at the corner of Pier & Hay Streets, the departure point of your tour. At 8.00am join your coach to commence a full day Margaret River, Cave, Wine and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse tour. Travel down to the coastal town of Busselton to enjoy morning tea (own expense), whilst here marvel at the Busselton Jetty, a two kilometre construction, the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere. Continue south to the Margaret River Wine region where free time is available to enjoy the Margaret River Township. Continue on to a local Margaret River winery for an opportunity to taste some wines from this iconic region. Afterwards head to the Lake Cave Tearooms to enjoy a picnic lunch and time permitting, visit the CaveWorks Interpretive Centre. Next head to Mammoth Cave for a guided tour of one of over 300 natural underground limestone caves in the district. Travelling south, pass by stunning Boranup Forest, a visual highlight of the region before driving past Augusta’s famous Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, a geographical point of significance marking the dividing point between the Southern and Indian Oceans. Returning to the north of the region, stop at a café for a light dinner (own expense). Tour concludes at approximately 9.30pm, at which time hotel drop offs will commence.

Day 13 – Depart Perth

You will be transferred by private car from your hotel to the International Airport.

Depart Perth.

Tour pricing

• Valid 01 April 2011 – 31 March 2012 – US$ 7387.00 per person twin share
• Rail upgrade surcharge’s
  • Platinum Sleeper (Sydney to Adelaide sector only) – US$ 420.00 per person twin share
  • The Chairman’s Carriage (Private Carriage) – US$ 685.00 per person (based on a minimum of 8 pax)
    The Chairman’s Carriage provides the ultimate great train experience. Boasting a generous lounge area complete with CD player, Video and DVD player, private dining room and kitchen facilities, this carriage offers the ultimate travelling experience. Accommodating up to eight in comfort, it has spacious deluxe cabins featuring compact double beds and sharing a two-way bathroom. There are also two twin cabins each featuring a three seater lounge converting to upper and lower sleeping berths, with adjacent bathroom facilities.
    
    
  • The Sir John Forrest Carriage (Private Carriage) – US$ 735.00 per person (based on a minimum of 6 pax)
    We can also offer The Sir John Forrest Carriage which provides a truly memorable environment in a stylish, well appointed, self-contained carriage, ideal for corporate events. The Sir John Forrest Carriage boasts large picture windows, a generous lounge area which can be transformed into a spacious meeting room, complete with a boardroom table that comfortably seats twelve, kitchen, bar, leather lounges, big screen television, video / DVD and Power Point facilities. Accommodating up to six in style and comfort, offering one double bedroom, and two twin cabins each featuring a three seater lounge which converts to upper and lower sleeping berths, all with ensuite bathroom facilities.
    

Tour Surcharges (dates are inclusive)

• Meet & Greet – Between 22:00 – 06:00 hours – US$ 33.00 per meet & greet
• Sydney Harbour Marriott – 01 October – 14 December 2011 & 01February 2011 – 31 March 2012 – US$ 76.00 per room per night
• Rendezvous Hotel Adelaide
  • 01 September – 30 November 2011 – US$ 36.00 per room per night
  • 01 February – 31 March 2012 – US$ 59.00 per room per night
• Pan Pacific Perth
  • 01 September – 22 October 2011 & 01 November – 02 December 2011 & 01 February 2011 – 31 March 2012 – US$ 34.00 per room per night
  • 03-18 December 2011 – US$ 165.00 per room per night

Blockouts (dates are inclusive)

• Sydney Harbour Marriott –  28 December 2011 – 03 January 2012
• Sydney Opera House Trust –  22 April 2011, 25 December 2011 & 31 December 2011 – 01 January 2012
• Captain Cook Cruises – 25 – 26 December 2011, 31 December 2011, 26 January 2012 & 14 February 2012
• Pan Pacific Perth – 23 – 31 October 2011
• Ground Handling – 25 December 2011
• Tours – 25 December 2011 – 1 January 2012

Cost inclusions

• English Speaking Meet & Greet upon arrival in Sydney
• All transfers by Private Car
• Rail Sectors in Gold Class Sleeper
• All sightseeing tours are based on “small group” seat in coach with English Commentary
• Day 12 touring is seat in scheduled coach with English Commentary
• Flight from Kangaroo Island to Adelaide
• Admission fees as specified in itinerary
• Accommodation – including breakfast daily (3 nights Sydney, 3 nights Adelaide & 3 nights Perth)
• Meals only as mentioned in itinerary

Cost exclusions

• Any International or Domestic airfares not included in the itinerary
• Any touring not mentioned in itinerary
• Any personal expenses such as drinks, laundry etc.
• Gratuities