The Southern Australian Rail Journey

Melbourne is the coastal capital of the state of Victoria. At the city's centre is the modern Federation Square development, with shopping, bars, and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria, with Australian and indigenous art. As the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has a hidden gem around every corner - Rich history, bustling laneways, rooftop bars, and world-class restaurants are just the beginning!

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside baggage carousel and delivered to your Melbourne accommodation.

Melbourne is the cool, artsy capital of the state of Victoria. Renowned for its laneway art, cafes, bars, restaurants and museums, there is no shortage of things to do, see, eat and drink. Grab a coffee in Degraves Street, see the murals on Hosier Lane or Blender Lane, pop over to St Kilda and stroll along the promenade or visit one of the many museums. For a spot of retail therapy, catch the 86 or 96 tram from the CBD to the bohemian Brunswick Street shopping district for an eclectic mix of second hand vintage and high-end boutique stores. On the opposite side of the city, the Docklands open-air entertainment precinct boasts a myriad of public artwork, family fun activities such as glow in the dark mini golf, and a variety of dining options lining the marina. Get there easily on the free City Circle tram, or wander over the Bourke Street footbridge. To make the most of your time in Melbourne, we recommend taking a city tour to get true local insight into this vibrant city.

At Melbourne Skydeck, the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing attraction, the city of Melbourne comes alive in front of your eyes when you take it all in from nearly 300 metres high. It’s Melbourne on another level. The Skydeck experience features Bar 88, in association with Bollinger, operated by the Eureka 89 team. With 360° panoramic views all day and night, you can relax and enjoy all of Melbourne’s legendary views with a delicious snack and cool drink.

Embark on a voyage aboard the Spirit of Melbourne, a luxurious floating restaurant where sophistication meets relaxation in perfect harmony. Step into a world of opulence and refinement as you are welcomed into an atmosphere of unparalleled elegance. Take your seat at a beautifully adorned table and brace yourself for an adventure like no other. Prepare to be dazzled by a culinary symphony orchestrated by masterful chefs, each dish a masterpiece meticulously crafted from the finest locally sourced ingredients. Every bite is a revelation, a tantalizing fusion of flavours that celebrates Melbourne's vibrant heritage. As you indulge your senses, let your gaze wander through the expansive panoramic windows, revealing breathtaking vistas of Melbourne's iconic waterfront. Cruise along the majestic Yarra River, where each twist and turn unveils a new spectacle, a captivating tapestry of landmarks and cityscapes that dance in the moonlight. Let the ever-changing scenery cast its spell upon you, transforming your dining experience into a mesmerizing journey of discovery. From the vibrant hustle and bustle of the city to the serene beauty of the riverbanks, every moment aboard the Spirit of Melbourne is a testament to the magic of this cosmopolitan gem.

The tour begins with a picturesque drive of approximately one hour from Melbourne through the hills of the Dandenong Ranges. As you travel through this region, take in the stunning views of Melbourne's skyline and the towering Mountain Ash and Fern trees. Your destination is Puffing Billy Station, where you will step back in time for a memorable one-hour journey on Australia's most notable narrow gauge railway. Aboard the restored Puffing Billy Steam Train, you'll weave in and out of forest-covered hills between Belgrave and Lakeside, all the while keeping an eye out for wildlife such as kookaburras, cockatoos, lyrebirds, and crimson rosellas in the stunning Sherbrooke Forest. Interact with the dedicated volunteers who help preserve this 121-year-old steam railway, and enjoy the state-of-the-art Lakeside Visitor Centre, which features a railway cafe, mini-museum, and gift shop. You will have time to purchase morning tea and/or lunch at their own expense.

Back on the bus, the tour continues through the Yarra Valley, heading towards the township of Healesville. Here, you will have two hours to explore Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, Australia's premier wildlife and nature sanctuary. Home to over 200 species of Australian birds, mammals, and reptiles in a natural bushland setting, the sanctuary offers the chance to get up close to koalas, kangaroos, wombats, emus, cockatoos, parrots, and many more. Don't miss the amazing and exciting Eagles Fly demonstration, or take a stroll through the aviaries and ponds to see the nocturnal house with the shy platypus.

The final stop of the day is a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, which boasts over 250 varieties of chocolate, truffles, and ice cream. Guests can watch the chocolatiers at work, browse the chocolate shop, and indulge in a decadent hot chocolate or coffee at their own expense before relaxing on the return journey to Melbourne.

The Overland was Australia's first inter-capital passenger train, and has been servicing guests for over 135 years. This relaxing, daylight train service travels between the vibrant cities of Melbourne and Adelaide. A comfortable journey with semi-reclining seats, generous legroom and an all-inclusive dining experience, there's no better way to make the day-long journey between cities more relaxing. Departing Melbourne's Southern Cross Station this morning, sit back and enjoy the seaside views as you approach Geelong. Diverting inland, watch as the diverse landscapes outside transition between rugged mallee scrub to fields of green and gold, passing by the lush Grampians National Park in the distance. Crossing the border, you will pass by farmlands, through the Murray Bridge riverland and on to your destination, the city of Adelaide.

The vibrant heart of the Festival State, Adelaide is a beautiful and easily accessible city fringed by lush parklands, and a short distance from sandy beaches, world-renowned wine regions, and unique riverland vistas. Explore the surrounding areas, or immerse yourself in the artistic laneways, hidden gems, and highly acclaimed museums and galleries of the inner city.

With a growing small-bar scene, world-class art and music, and a festival calendar to rival that of any other Australian city, Adelaide is a destination worth discovering. Take time to explore its vibrant laneways, visit the iconic Adelaide Central Market, and go shopping in Rundle Mall. Slow things down and relax at the Botanic Gardens, jump on the iconic Popeye Cruise along the River Torrens, or take the tram out to Glenelg to explore the popular metropolitan beach, dine in one of the many foreshore restaurants, or even enjoy the beach cabanas in summer months.
Adelaide is also lucky enough to be surrounded by some of Australia's most famous wine regions, and a stop into one of the wineries or the National Wine Centre is highly recommended. A 30-minute drive east into the hills will take you to Hahndorf, the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia, home to incredible food, strawberry fields and streets lined with artisan stores. On the way to Hahndorf, stop in at the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens and the Mt Lofty Summit for a coffee with a view. You may wish to return via Belair and stop at the iconic Windy Point Lookout on your way for even more phenomenal views over the city and beyond, especially at sunset.

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside the station and delivered to your Adelaide accommodation.

This unique experience takes place in the Southern Hemisphere's largest open wine cellar, featuring wines from all around the country. In this tour, you will have the opportunity to browse the fine wine collection at the National Wine Centre, followed by a bespoke private dining experience with a four-course lunch or dinner, prepared and carefully curated by an Executive Chef. An expert Sommelier will match each dish to a wine, taking you on a memorable culinary journey catered to your preferences.

This tour uncovers the famous 150-year-old fresh produce market. Taste a delicious selection of foods from South Australian artisan food producers, meet the suppliers, Stallholders and producers whose families have traded the market for generations. This small-group tour is hosted by local guides and is serious fun for those with a passion for great food, and the people who grow and supply it to our tables.
After the tour, settle in for a delicious Market cafe lunch and watch the world go by, or if you are too full after the tour tastings, the guide can arrange a gourmet Italian panini picnic lunch to take away.

Enjoy a delightful sightseeing cruise down the River Torrens on a stunning heritage boat. Boarding at Elder Park, you will float down the beautiful river in best seat in the house. The Popeye cruises through the heart of the city and passes by famed attractions like the Festival Centre, the Entertainment Centre and the SAHMRI. Admire the ever-changing landscapes that line the waterways as you listen to live commentary by a local guide about the history of the area. Soak up the relaxing atmosphere of this picturesque city.

Uncork the historic Barossa, discovering boutique wineries that are big on character. With a flexible tour itinerary and a very small group of up to six guests, you'll avoid the crowds and taste the premium wines the region has become so well-known for. See, taste, smell and learn the difference between wine varieties like Shiraz and Grenache, or different styles of Riesling. Learn about the importance of winemaking techniques like oak aging or minimal intervention. Discover the history of the Barossa visiting world renowned wine destinations, and enjoy a stellar lunch at Harvest Kitchen, all part of one of the most sought after wine tours in Australia. No matter your level of expertise, your professionally trained wine guide will be sure to create a unique and intimate experience.

Experience South Australia's premium wine region, Barossa and Adelaide's oldest German settlement, Hahndorf, in this spectacular full day highlights tour. Your coach will take you outside the bustle of the city and head north towards the rural town of Tanunda, stopping first at Jacobs Creek where you may choose to enjoy morning tea, a tour and tastings before visiting Menglers Hill lookout. At Lambert Estate, enjoy a wine tasting and 2 course lunch before heading into Hahndorf where you will stop a Beerenberg Farm Shop and learn the history of their local jams and chutney. Explore the main street, home to many stores full of local arts and crafts before returning to Adelaide.

You will be collected by a private driver and delivered to the Adelaide Parklands Railways Station.

For over 50 years, the Indian Pacific has been the quintessential transcontinental experience, crossing the Nullarbor Plain and traversing along the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track. This iconic train offers a seamless journey between Adelaide and Perth blending comfort and style into a truly unforgettable adventure. Embark on a remarkable voyage where every moment is designed for your enjoyment. Indulge in world-class dining and exquisite wines, all while taking in the stunning and diverse Australian landscape from your luxurious carriage.

Kick off your journey in style with an exclusive "Flavours of South Australia Welcome Dinner" at the Adelaide Parklands Terminal. Featuring exceptional regional cuisine and world-class wines, this dining experience offers the finest bottles from South Australia's renowned vineyards, alongside exquisite offerings from both land and sea. After dinner, board the iconic Indian Pacific, where you can settle into your cabin or head to the lounge for a nightcap as you embark on your unforgettable journey towards Perth.

Today, immerse yourself in the vast and awe-inspiring outback as you journey across the iconic Nullarbor Plain. Breakfast is served as you travel along the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world. Along the way, the Indian Pacific stops in Cook, a once-thriving support town for the railway, now a near-ghost town frozen in time. Continuing westward, your next stop is Rawlinna, perched on the edge of Australia’s largest sheep station. Here, you'll indulge in a signature dinner under a dazzling canopy of stars (seasonal).

Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Avon Valley’s rolling hills over your final breakfast onboard, as the last stretch of your remarkable transcontinental journey unfolds. After covering an impressive 4,352 kilometers aboard the iconic Indian Pacific, you’ll arrive in Perth, where a vibrant city brimming with energy awaits. Whether you choose to explore bustling streets, uncover hidden gems, or simply unwind and take it all in, your Perth adventure is just beginning.

Perth sits on the west coast and is Australia’s sunniest capital city. Soak up the sunshine at one of the white sand beaches, take a walk in leafy Kings Park - one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, or visit nearby Rottnest Island to meet the resident quokkas. For a more cultural experience head to the museum and gallery precinct, or go a little further afield to Swan Valley to experience its vineyards, art, food and history.

You will be met at the Perth Train Station by the driver and transferred to your Perth accommodation.

You may like to start your day with a stroll through the city streets to take in the abundance of street art. Taking its place as Australia's second street art city, streets and laneways are decorated with funky murals and sculptures highlighting Perth in all its colour and diversity. Check out the city's street art map online to immerse yourself in the mesmerising art, stopping for coffee at any one of the trendy cafes and espresso bars scattered through the city. Head to Kings Park (Kaarta Koomba) for an authentic experience of Indigenous culture. The base of Kings Park was an important ceremonial and dreaming area for Aboriginal males, while The Boodja Gnarning Walk takes you through a diverse range of flora which were used for survival by the Noongar people, and captures this knowledge through interpretive signage and artworks. For a relaxing afternoon, catch the train down to Fremantle and wander through heritage listed buildings, stumble into the oldest record store in Australasia, and have a tipple at a one of the many breweries and much-loved local haunts. The nearby South Beach comes alive in the evenings with impromptu performances such at tight roping and fire twirling, so pull up a patch of grass on the foreshore at sunset with a local brew in hand to end the day in a quintessentially 'Freo' way.

See the whole of Rottnest in a day with a return ferry trip combined with a full-island bus tour. The 90-minute tour visits the island’s most spectacular locations, with insightful commentary shining a light on "Rotto’s" unique flora, fauna, history, and culture. The bus stops at two key vantage points – Wadjemup Lighthouse and the rugged West End, where passengers can hop off, take a short walk, and soak up the views. You might even meet a quokka or two along the way.

You will be met at your Perth accommodation by the driver and transferred to the Perth Airport.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!