The Indian Pacific from Perth to Sydney

Fly from London Heathrow to Perth, landing on Day 2. From the airport, you'll be picked up for the transfer to your hotel, the 5-Star Pan Pacific.

On Day 3, head out of the city to Yanchep National Park where there's a chance to see some of Australia's most famous animals, koalas and kangaroos. Continue to the Pinnacles Desert, home to unique rock formations that are over 30,000 years old and can reach heights of five metres. Made from ancient seashell deposits and battered into shape by desert winds, the Pinnacles Desert is an atmospheric destination where you arrive late afternoon to avoid the strongest heat and larger tourist groups. This also means you get to experience sunset over the moon-like landscapes.

Once darkness has fallen, your next stop is the fishing town of Cevantes where you sit down to dinner at a traditional Western Australian tavern. Back in the Pinnacles Desert, make your way to a designated observation platform to marvel at the southern night sky, unspoiled by any light pollution, before returning to your hotel.

Day 4 is free to go sightseeing in Perth. Perhaps take a stroll through the waterside Kings Park and Botanic Garden for fantastic views across the Swan River and Darling Mountains, or visit the interesting Shipwrecks Museum. Alternatively, why not join an optional excursion to Rottnest Island? A protected nature reserve just off the coast from Perth, here there's a tour of the local sights as well as a chance to meet Australia's most friendly marsupial, the quokka.

Boarding your luxurious train at Perth station today, begin the cross-country rail journey of a lifetime. Named after the two oceans it travels between; the Indian Pacific takes you past soaring mountain ranges and through vast deserts and subtropical savannahs across Australia's interior to Sydney. Settle into your Gold Service cabin as the train sets out on its historic route, once used by bush pioneers and gold rush prospectors. Following a relaxing afternoon, a three-course dinner is served on board before your arrival into the wild west township of Kalgoorlie.

The great expanse of the Nullarbor Plain is an impressive sight to wake up to this morning. Blue skies stretch for as far as the eye can see while the gentle ripple of the grasslands is a telltale sign that Kangaroos, emus or even dingoes might be nearby. Carry on to the ghost town of Cook, which used to sit at the heart of a thriving railroad community but closed in 1997, less than 100 years after being founded. Spend a couple of hours looking around this not quite deserted town, where water and other supplies are still dependent on the trains that pass through.

On Day 7, the Indian Pacific reaches Adelaide. The 'City of Churches', Adelaide was first settled more than 40,000 years ago by the Kaurna Aboriginal people. It was re-named after Queen Adelaide, wife of King William IV, in 1836 and enjoys an excellent position on Australia's south-west coast, surrounded by plenty of renowned wine estates and vineyards. You have a few options for today; you could take a walking tour or coach tour of the city, or go behind the scenes at the Oval, Adelaide's premier sports ground. Back on board the Indian Pacific, your journey continues to Broken Hill this evening, deep in the Australian outback. There's time here to explore the area's frontier history as well as its resurgence as a dynamic creative hub. 

Arrive in the Blue Mountains this morning, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has a blue aura thanks to the surrounding eucalyptus trees. Finely dispersed oil droplets from these trees mixes with dust particles and water vapour, creating the blue hue the region is known for. During your time here, visit the Three Sisters, a distinctive rock formation that overlooks the lush Jamison Valley.

Continue on the last leg of your journey to Sydney, where you disembark for the included transfer to your hotel, the 5-Star Amora Jamieson.

After a free morning, visit one of Sydney's most iconic sights, the Sydney Opera House. With its recognisable sail inspired design and serene waterfront location, you'll learn all about the history of this renowned attraction. Day 10 includes a more comprehensive tour that begins in the historic 'Rocks' district of the city. Here, travel back in time to the birthplace of Sydney, seeing convict-built houses and pubs as well as the very first church constructed in Australia. Continue to the Botanical Gardens in the heart of the city before passing by Parliament House, Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary's Cathedral. Next, set off on a walking tour of the harbour and enjoy lunch at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia before visiting one of the most famous beaches in the world - Bondi. With some free time, immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of this surfers' paradise.

Following a scheduled pick up from your hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight back to London Heathrow, via Singapore, where you land on Day 12.