South West Wonders & Indian Pacific

Our Carbon Neutral flights arrive into Perth where we enjoy a city orientation tour of Australia’s most western capital, before we check-in at Crown Promenade.

Today we board a ferry bound for Rottnest Island to take in the unique fauna and flora, stunning beaches, woodlands and salt lakes with our local guide, and maybe even spot a quokka or two. We see Wadjemup Lighthouse and Cathedral Rocks, ride the historic train and enjoy the sights before returning to the mainland.

Leaving the city, we head to Busselton Jetty, the Southern Hemisphere’s longest timber-piled jetty. We ride the Jetty Train, explore the underwater observatory’s marine life, and engage in Koomal Dreaming, an Aboriginal cultural experience. The Didgeridoo Cave Tour, guided by locals, delves into Ngilgi Cave, revealing the didgeridoo’s significance and Wadandi Dreamtime stories.

In the morning, we explore Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, offering stunning vistas of the Indian Ocean, Cape Naturaliste, and Geographe Bay coastline. Next, we enjoy the captivating flight display at Eagles Heritage, observing the grace of magnificent birds. Afterward, we savour Margaret River’s renowned wines at a local winery, indulge in delectable treats at Candy Cow sweet shop, and sample products at Margaret River Dairy Company.

Departing Margaret River, we embark on a picturesque drive through the magnificent Boranup Karri Forest, where towering pale-barked karri trees dominate the landscape. Our journey continues to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse via Augusta, where the Southern and Indian Oceans converge. We then head east to the Gloucester Tree Lookout, break for lunch in Pemberton, and explore the Valley of the Giants’ treetop walk. Walking 50 meters above the ground, we gain a bird’s-eye view of the colossal Tingle Forest trees before reaching Albany, Western Australia’s inaugural European settlement.

Today begins with a trip to The Gap, Natural Bridge, and the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial at Mt. Clarence, followed by a visit to the National Anzac Centre, where we learn about the experiences of those who served, including those who departed from Albany to conflicts in Gallipoli and beyond. After lunch at Mount Romance Sandalwood factory, we venture to the heritage-listed Discovery Bay, where we explore the Australian Wildlife and Botanic Gardens.

This morning, we take a scenic journey north through the wheat belt via the Stirling Ranges. Our first stop is the Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre, dedicated to the conservation of this unique bird species. After a relaxing break, we continue to Lake Grace for lunch before reaching our final destination, Hyden, renowned for the awe-inspiring 27-million-year-old Wave Rock, a cherished natural wonder of Western Australia.

Our day commences at The Humps, a vast granite out crop boasting significant Aboriginal rock art, including 450 handprints and images in Mulka’s Cave. Following lunch at the Wave Rock Wildflower Shop, we explore The Lace Place museum, Toy Soldier museum, and Wave Rock Wildlife Park, concluding our day with are turn to the hotel.

In the morning, we explore the historic Wandilla Farm Homestead, constructed in 1948 with bricks crafted by Italian prisoners of war. Leaving Hyden, we journey via Kulinand the amusing Tin Horse Highway, displaying creative community art, on our way back to Perth.

Mid-morning, we commence our cross-continental journey from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean by settling into Gold Class cabins on the Indian Pacific train. Enjoy lunch onboard as we traverse the scenic Avon Valley’s rolling hills. After dinner, we arrive in Kalgoorlie, a vibrant wild west township.

As the day dawns, we’re greeted by the awe-inspiring expanse of the Nullarbor Plain, an untouched desert landscape. The sunrise casts a magical light on this remote wilderness, creating a mesmerising scene under the expansive blue skies. We pause in Cook, once a vibrant railway community, now a haunting ghost town, a testament to time’s passage. Our journey continues across the world’s longest single stretch of railway, offering a unique perspective on the vastness of this iconic frontier.

Upon arriving in Adelaide, you have various off-train excursion options: a guided walk, a behind-the-scenes tour of the renowned Adelaide Oval, or a coach tour exploring the city’s highlights. Later in the evening, we cross into New South Wales, making a stop at Broken Hill, known as Australia’s silver capital and home to a distinctive artistic community.

With the dawn’s arrival, we’re greeted by the scenic beauty of the Blue Mountains. By midday, we reach Sydney Central Station. Afterward, we transfer to our hotel, allowing us to enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the vibrant city at our own pace.

**Lunch is at your own expense today

After breakfast, we tour Sydney, exploring The Rocks and the Domain parklands. We admire the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, and visit Bondi Beach. Our journey continues through the eastern suburbs, then we head to the airport for our Carbon Neutral flights home.