Indian Pacific to Great Ocean Road Scenic Highlights

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.

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver outside customs exit and delivered to your Perth accommodation.

Jump on the board and see all the best sights of Perth & Kings Park on top of an iconic open-top double-decker bus. You can use the hop-on hop-off option to take a closer look at the sights if you wish, or just stay on board for a complete 2-hour sightseeing circuit. From the top deck, you can take beautiful photos as there is no window to spoil the view! Your tour includes a full commentary along the way by knowledgeable and professional drivers.

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.

Sip on bubbles, fine Margaret River wine, and chilled local beers while a private executive chef and crew craft fresh seafood delicacies and local produce into a 7-course long deluxe lunch. Relax onboard as you visit one of the finest fisheries in the world to catch your very own Western Rock Lobster before it is prepared for you on deck; the freshest seafood you could ever eat. While anchored in a pristine turquoise bay, choose to swim, float, or simply relax on board, taking in the outstanding views from one of the three decks. Welcome aboard your Luxe Island Seafood Cruise.

Experience timeless travel on this epic 3 day, 2 night journey between two great cities, traversing half way across the bronzed lands of the continent in comfort and style. Soak up the tremendous beauty of The Nullarbor and the rolling slideshow of arid desert plains, rugged mountains and world-renowned wine regions, with awe-inspiring off train experiences along the way.
Be immersed in the spectacular interior landscape of Australia, by which there's no better way than the romance of rail.

Your adventure kicks off with a warm welcome gathering, marking the start of your incredible journey across the country and along the world’s longest stretch of straight railway. Settle in for a leisurely afternoon as you get acquainted with your fellow travelers aboard the iconic Indian Pacific. As the train glides away from Perth, leaving the Indian Ocean behind and heading towards the Pacific, enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the rails. Later, indulge in a delicious onboard dinner showcasing contemporary Australian cuisine, expertly crafted with seasonal, regional ingredients.

Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise over Australia’s largest outback town, Kalgoorlie. This morning, step back into the gold rush era and uncover the fascinating history sparked by Paddy Hannan’s 1893 discovery, one of the most significant in Australian history. Visit the impressive Super Pit mine, a modern-day marvel that stands as a testament to the town’s golden legacy. Reboard the train later in the morning for a delightful brunch, then unwind for the rest of the day at your leisure. Relax and enjoy the exceptional hospitality as you gaze out at the vast, seemingly endless Nullarbor Plain. As the train crosses borders and time zones, entering South Australia before dinner, the journey continues. Later in the evening, the train stops in the near-deserted town of Cook, where you’ll enjoy a nightcap, a cozy bonfire, and a stargazing experience like no other.

Wake up early this morning as you travel past the many outback lakes near the remote towns of Tarcoola and Pimba, and watch as the landscape changes as you pass through the small coastal city of Port Augusta. Farewell the sunburnt outback as the sun rises and welcome the farming plains and rolling countryside. As the sun rises, enjoy a light morning snack of fresh fruits and pastries before arriving in the vibrant city of Adelaide. You'll disembark at the Adelaide Parklands Terminal, just 3km from the city center, making it a quick and easy drive to the heart of the Festival State.

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

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.

Experience delightful sightseeing cruise down the River Torrens, while enjoying fresh scones served with whipped cream, jam and your choice of hot beverage, on a stunning heritage boat. Boarding at Elder Park, you will float down the beautiful river, relax and see Adelaide from the 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 Southern Australia's capital.

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.

Our rental car range includes the latest vehicles from the top suppliers. From economy hatchbacks to SUVs, we can help you decide on a car suitable for this leg of your trip. Insurance can often be included with a small excess or deductible.

Head to the Adelaide City depot today to collect your chosen rental car, and continue your journey.

Hop aboard, relax, and let your skipper take you through the history of iconic locations and famous ships as you cruise around. Heading along the Port River you will learn about the rich maritime history, and explore the interesting landmarks and vessels during your journey. Throughout the tour, your guide will have a presentation playing that shows the historical events in depth. Be amazed as you cruise past giant wrecks, half-submerged in the hidden backwaters of the Port River. Keep your eyes peeled as you head through the Dolphin Sanctuary - if you are lucky you may spot some of the local pod and during the summer months, their newborn calves, as well as the migratory shorebirds and threatened species.

Today's drive from Adelaide via McLaren Vale will take approximately 1 hour, depending on traffic and the time of day. From Adelaide, take M2 to McLaren Vale. This locality within the Adelaide metropolitan area is about 30 km south of the Adelaide city centre, and it's a haven for foodies. Many of the cellar doors also showcase beautiful local produce and 'feed me' menus. Visit galleries, and non-drivers can taste wine at some of the 45 cellar doors, including Yangarra, d’Arenberg, and the cute & quirky Down The Rabbit Hole Wines. From McLaren Vale, it is less than 50 kilometres to Victor Harbor. You will be passing Urimbirra Wildlife Park before reaching your destination. You can hand-feed kangaroos and emus in the park, hold a snake, and admire over 400 Australian animals, including koalas, lizards, parrots, crocodiles, dingos, and more. Victor Harbor is a coastal town on the south coast of the Flerieu Peninsula. You can visit Granite Island, a small island with a rocky coastline popular for whale sightings and penguin spotting. The island is connected to the mainland by a short tramway and pedestrian path. There is one of the last horse-drawn routes in the world. It is running daily from mid-morning until mid-afternoon, weather permitting. If you are interested in whales, you can visit the South Australian Whale Centre, which has interactive exhibits on whaling history & whale biology in a heritage building.  

Departing from Victor Harbor, enjoy a 1 hour coach along the Wild South Coast Way to Wirrina Cove where you will board a custom RIB vessel for a 3 hour boat tour. Explore the incredible Fleurieu Peninsula with towering cliff-faces, rolling hills, with caves and hidden coves. Throughout this expedition, you'll encounter dolphins, fur seals, sea lions and seabirds as you boat past Second Valley, Rapid Bay, Cape Jervis and Deep Creek Conservation Park before finally disembarking in Victor Harbor near Granite Island. This tour only operates between October to April and may be reversed depending on the day which it is booked.

Today's drive from Victor Harbor to Robe takes approximately 4 hours. You will follow Princes Hwy along the coast. Your first stop could be at Goolwa, a small town that was once a thriving river port for paddle steamers bringing cargo from upriver. There's lots of history here, including the famous Cockle Train, which runs to Port Elliot from Goolwa’s wharf precinct alongside the River Murray on the oldest steel railway in Australia dating back to 1887. It takes in spectacular coastal scenery with wonderful views. Your next stop should be Strathalbyn. The town has beautiful heritage buildings in its historic main streets and the National Trust Heritage Museum. If you like historic vehicles, you can stop in at Gilbert's Motor Museum. There is also a beautiful park and Soldiers Memorial Gardens, a great place to have a picnic and stretch your legs. You could walk the River Angas Walkaway or take a stroll along the Historic High Street. Cross the Murray River and drive alongside the Southern Ocean towards Robe. You will be passing The Big Lobster, a fibreglass and steel lobster sculpture that is a popular spot for photos. Before reaching Robe, your last stop could be at the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse in Kingston, SE. Built in 1872, it was originally located out at sea, and it housed two families with enough storage to keep several weeks worth of supplies. The lighthouse was decommissioned, brought to land, and converted into a museum in 1976. Your destination today, a charming seaside small town called Robe, is popular for its unspoilt scenery, laidback lifestyle, and local eateries serving fresh produce and delicious wines.

A choice of routes is available. The shorter route will take you via Millicent, and on to Mount Gambier and then along the coast to Portland and then onto Port Fairy. The longer route means a very early start, from Robe travel to Mt Gambier and then through the towns of Hamilton, Coleraine and Casterton and onto Dunkeld. From Dunkeld a scenic drive will take you through the Grampians National Park and onto Halls Gap. Departing from Dunkeld, travel via Penhurst to reach Port Fairy. Port Fairy is a quaint fishing village with many limestone and bluestone buildings in the town dating back to the 1840s and
classified by the National Trust.

Your Gunditjmara cultural guide will take you on an informative walk around Tae Rak (Lake Condah). The lake is
made up of significant wetlands and stony rises right next to the historic lava flows of Budj Bim National Park. The
Gunditjmara people have sustained life here for tens of thousands of years, and created what is considered to be
one of the world’s earliest and largest aquaculture systems. The tour starts with a look at the eel holding tank and an overview of their habitat and lifecycle. Walk along the boardwalk and out onto the jetty over the lake, where your guide will give you an overview of the Gunditjmara creation story and point out the extensive marine and bird-life of the lake. Continue along the western edge of lake to the weir, for a look at the ancient landscape and the extensive range of stone aquaculture sites and fish traps.

Leaving Port Fairy today, we definitely recommend taking the longer, scenic route alongside the coast. Today's drive is about 230 km; however, it might take you all day as you will be driving the legendary Great Ocean Road. You will be driving via Warrnambool, which is a major service centre for the west part of the Great Ocean Road. You may want to grab a cup of coffee, get some snacks, or refuel your tank for the journey. After about a half-hour drive from Warrnambool, you will be passing the Bay of Islands with breathtaking views and the iconic London Bridge. You will drive towards Port Campbell, where you can have lunch at a local restaurant, visit a gallery, or take a walk to the jetty and watch the waves crashing against the limestone cliffs. Your next stop should be at the well-known Twelve Apostles at Port Campbell National Park. These limestone pillars rise out of the Southern Ocean and were formed millions of years ago when they broke away from the nearby cliffs to become caves. The wind and waves then did their part to carve them into the pillars you see today. The next stop should be at Cape Otway Lightstation, which is one of the oldest lighthouses on mainland Australia and considered one of the most significant. It was built in 1848; now it is solar-powered, with restored heritage buildings and a viewing platform. After that, drive to Apollo Bay, which is a perfect base to go for a short walk and explore the Otway rainforest. You can take a swim in the waters of the southern ocean, wander along the coast, and admire waterfalls, ferns, and crystal-clear streams. Keep driving towards Lorne, enjoying breathtaking views and one of the most wonderful parts of the Great Ocean Road. You should stop at Teddy's Lookout to soak in the spectacular views and stretch your legs. Enjoy the beautiful Lorne sandy beach or have a snack at a local cafe. If you have time, you can take a short detour to Erskine Falls. You can park close to the 30-metre cascading waterfall or take a walk through the lush rainforest to experience the natural paradise.

An energetic, 15 minute flight that packs in the must-see Great Ocean Road sights. Catch the highlights of the Shipwreck Coast from a luxury helicopter. See the 12 Apostles, London Bridge, and more from breathtaking heights. London Bridge is a thrilling addition to any Great Ocean Road tour.

Embark on a thrilling guided walk through the mesmerising landscapes of the Otways. Traverse lush tree fern gullies, and majestic eucalypt woodlands, and take in the breathtaking ocean vistas. Led by a knowledgeable conservationist guide, you'll delve into the secrets of the diverse plants and animals that inhabit this stunning region. Each nature tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience, where you'll encounter Australia's beautiful wildlife living freely in their natural habitat. You're almost certain to see koalas, and with a bit of luck, you might also spot potoroos, bandicoots, and many other incredible Australian animals that call Wildlife Wonders home. This adventure is perfect for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking to connect with the wonders of the natural world.

There are 23 walks around Lorne, with over 60km of marked tracks. Many of the walks in the area feature waterfall and lookouts over the rugged coastline. There are waterfalls of all shapes and sizes, dramatic cliffs and peaceful pools along the river valleys, as well as fascinating geological features like the Canyon.

Lorne Foreshore (South) - Shipwreck Plaques and Doug Stirling Walk
1.5 km one way, allow 1 hour, Easy walk, Start: Lorne Visitor Centre, Finish: Shelly Beach
This easy walk on gravel paths and boardwalks along the Lorne foreshore takes you past a number of plaques commemorating the shipwrecks in Louttit Bay. The Doug Stirling Walk is a
1km walk along the foreshore between the Lorne Surf Lifesaving Club and the Lorne Pier.

Lorne Foreshore (North) - Swing Bridge and Bert Alsop walk
2 km one way, allow 1 hour, easy walk, start: Lorne Visitor Centre, finish: car park on Great Ocean Road
From the Lorne Visitor centre walk through Top Bank Caravan Park to Swing Bridge. Cross the bridge and
turn right past the memorial graves and continue along through a Melaleuca grove, finishing the walk
on the beach below the car park. Dependent on the tide, the walk can be returned back along the beach to the river mouth.

Five Mile Track
8km one way, allow 3 hour, moderate walk, start: Lorne Visitor Centre, finish: Deans March Road
This walk is on a 4WD track seasonally closed to vehicles. Wallabies and kangaroos frequent the understorey
and some rare and threatened plant species may be found along the track. There are views across the Erskine River to Erskine Falls Road.

Teddy’s Lookout and Queens Park Lookout Loop
1.6 km loop, 45 min, moderate walk
Drive to the rotunda at the end of George Street and walk a few hundred metres to Teddy’s Lookout.
The Queens Park Lookout Loop takes you through the bush of Queens Park via three lookouts with panoramic views along the coast and the Otway Ranges.

Erskine Falls, Lookouts 1 and 2
1st lookout - 300m return, easy (15 min return), 2nd lookout - 700m, moderate (30 min return)
Erskine Falls is one of the most popular falls in the Otways. The 30 metre falls are attractive even
when there is little water tumbling into the pool below. It is an easy walk to the first lookout, providing a spectacular view over the falls. The steep climb down steps to the second lookout is more strenuous, but worth it for the view from the beautiful fern gully.

Allenvale Mill Car Park to Phantom Falls, The Canyon, Won Wondah and Henderson Falls
8.6 circuit, allow 3-4 hours, moderate walk
After reaching Phantom Falls, from above the falls there is a track leading to The Canyon, a fascinating geological feature with sheer walls rising to 10 metres on either side, onwards to Won Wondah Falls and then worth diverting the short distance to Henderson Falls. From here return towards the Sheoak Picnic ground, walking back along the Allenvale road to the Allenvale Mill Site. This is one of the most diverse and spectacular loop walks around Lorne.

Today's drive will take about 1.5 hours, and you will be driving part of the magnificent Great Ocean Road. Driving from Lorne, pay tribute to soldiers from World War I who helped construct the road at the Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch. Not far from here is Aireys Inlet, where you will find the Split Point Lighthouse, which delivers stunning views over Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary and the Great Ocean Road. Enjoy the wide open spaces on Anglesea’s main beach or the rocky headland at Point Roadknight. As you make your way into Torquay, grab a morning take-away coffee and take in stunning clifftop views overlooking Australia’s iconic surf location, Bells Beach. From Torquay, it is only about a 40-minute drive; you will be passing Ocean Grove Beach before arriving at your destination. Queenscliff is a small seaside resort on the Bellarine Peninsula and one of the endpoints of the Searoad ferry to Sorento on the Mornington Peninsula. In addition to having a rich defense and maritime history, Queenscliff has been a tourist destination since the 19th century, once only accessible by a 2-hour paddle boat ride from Melbourne. For lovely panoramic views of the region, be sure to check out the observation tower.

The Searoad ferry connects the Mornington Peninsula and Great Ocean Road with a 40 minute journey across Port Phillip Bay. This ferry carries cars, motorhomes, coaches and passengers with easy drive on and off facilities. Sailing through Port Phillip Bay, you will pass coastal scenery and clifftop mansions, and may even spot various wildlife including seals, gannets, dolphins and migratory whales.

Alba Thermal Springs & Spa is a luxury thermal springs destination renowned for its exquisite wellness experience. You will enjoy over 30 contemporary bathing experiences, a spa sanctuary with 22 spa treatment rooms and restaurant Thyme. Leave your cares at the door as you step into the contemporary geothermal pools. Once fully rested, enjoy lunch or dinner with a glass of Peninsula wine or local craft
beer at the restaurant Thyme.

Crittenden Wine Centre
Taste and learn about this family estate and its wine varietals in a relaxed, seated cellar door. Known for its diverse wine selection, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.

Montalto
Enjoy a seated tasting of premium cool climate wines or stretch out on the lawn and enjoy the view from the Lawn Bar.

Ten Minutes by Tractor
A winery, restaurant and cellar door encompassing 6 vineyards, enjoy an intimate tasting experience or indulge in a fine dining lunch.

Red Hill Brewery
The peninsula's original craft brewery, boasting impeccably crafted and unique small-batch beers, best enjoyed in the quintessentially Australian beer garden.

Jetty Road Brewery
Appearing deceivingly from the outside as naught but a warehouse, Jetty Road Brewery plays host to an array of local musicians, a full food menu, both indoor and outdoor seating and, of course, daring and delightful craft beers.

Departing Dromana, head along the superb coastline and make a stop at Mount Martha beach to view the brightly painted bathing boxes. Continuing north you will reach the town of Mornington. Its main strip boasts numerous cafes where you will find some of the best quality coffee in Victoria, so it makes a perfect stop for lunch and a stroll through the street market if you're lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday. From here jump on the Nepean Highway which will take you cruising along the coastline of Port Phillip Bay, past St Kilda and into the CBD.

Aboard the Gondola and experience the highest point overlooking Mornington Peninsula. As you ride the gondola you will glide smoothly over the forest and be greeted with stunning views of the ocean and Dromana township as you reach 314 meters above sea level and the summit of Arthurs seat. During your ride keep your eyes peeled for the kangaroos in their natural habitat and other wildlife in the area! As you reach the top there is the Eagle Cafe which offers spectacular views and serves delicious food or there are plenty of walks to explore within the Arthurs Seat State Park.

Spend some time exploring before returning your rental car to the city depot.

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.

The City Circle Tram service provides a free and convenient way to get around central Melbourne. Tourists, shoppers, office workers and families can use the City Circle Tram to travel to major attractions, shops and city events. An audio commentary provides details of city landmarks and major attractions such as the City Museum, Parliament House, Docklands, Federation Square, Melbourne Aquarium and the Princess Theatre. You can spend all day, or stay one hour - this is a perfect free version of a hop on-hop off service so that you can enjoy each of Melbournes sites with the added bonus of traditional Melbourne transportation. 

An introduction to the marvellous Melbourne. Learn about the city’s fascinating history, explore its bustling art and cafe scene, as well as plenty of other cultural highlights with your local expert Oceania guide. In a small group, take a stroll through stunning gardens, and see some of the world famous attractions such as Albert Park Lake home to the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, and Federation Square.

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.

Farewell Australia today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consult about planning your next stop!