Indian Pacific train holiday with luxury Whitsunday Islands

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights Perth
• 4 nights on board the Indian Pacific
• 3 nights Sydney
• 4 nights Hamilton Island

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flight

Day 2: Arrive Perth

You will be greeted on arrival in Perth and transferred to your hotel.

Use the rest of your day to explore Perth City, situated on the Swan River, Perth is Australia’s westernmost capital city and is known for its stunning beaches and warm climate. You'll be staying at the COMO The Treasury - set within state buildings dating back to the mid-19th century in the heart of historic Perth, this 48-room hotel is the perfect place to start your trip. 

All the spacious rooms are different, with elegant, neutral décor and excellent facilities. The acclaimed rooftop restaurant, Wildflower, offers a menu inspired by the six seasons of the indigenous Noongar calendar, while The Cape Arid Rooms serves up a sumptuous afternoon tea. You’ll also find a spa offering world-renowned COMO Shambhala wellness therapies, with a heated indoor pool and fully equipped gym.

Included: Transfers, COMO The Treasury

Days 3 & 4: Perth & Rottnest Island

Start your holiday with a couple of days to enjoy Perth – on your first day we’ve included a 90 minute walking tour of the beautiful Karrgatup (Kings Park) where you’ll learn about the area’s intriguing past and spiritual significance to Noongar People. Start your experience with the Noongar welcome and ochre ceremony before hearing a Dreamtime story, traditional songs and Noongar language against the backdrop of modern day Perth.

On your second day, we’ve included a bike & ferry day trip to the car-free paradise of Rottnest Island. You’ll head over on the ferry and pick up your hire bike on arrival in Rottnest. Bring along your snorkel and fins in your bag and head off to discover the stunning island! Our favourite beaches are Little Parakeet Bay, Ricey Beach and Little Salmon Bay. You can also kayak along Pinky’s Beach and relax in the warm shallow waters of Porpoise Bay.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for adorable quokkas, the tiny local marsupials that have made Rottnest their home. You won’t need to go out of your way to meet the little animals – you’ll find them munching on berries in the shade of the trees or lurking behind fishermen in search of a snack. They are very friendly and cheeky, but you mustn’t feed them – hard to resist as they are so cute!

Included: Rottnest day trip, COMO The Treasury

Days 5 - 8: Indian Pacific train from Perth to Sydney

You'll spend the next four nights aboard the Indian Pacific, the legendary train that will deliver you from one side of Australia to the other. Along the way, you'll hop off the train to enjoy different experiences, from exploring the huge mine in Kalgoorlie and stargazing as you relax around the bonfire in the outback to enjoying a signature dinner at Seppelsfield Winery and hiking in the Blue Mountains. 

You'll be travelling in a Gold Cabin, a luxurious and comfortable experience that convert from a lounge to beds at night. You'll enjoy sensational dining all the way through the trip, with Australian inspired cuisine like Tasmanian salmon and South Australian beef. Sip a glass of Margaret River wine as you meet other travellers on board, swapping tales at dinner and watching the endless landscape rolling past the window. 

Included: All excursions and meals, Gold Class Cabin on the Indian Pacific 

Days 9 - 10: Sydney 

Sydney is home to some of the most iconic architecture in the world – the Harbour Bridge and the unique Opera House. Wander around Circular Quay for brilliant views of both before exploring the Botanical Gardens where sulphur-crested cockatoos fly overhead, squawking as they go. Heading out of the city, you could take the ferry to Manly for a stroll down the beach or even try hiking the trail from Bondi to Coogee Beach with endless views over the Pacific Ocean.

You'll be staying at the Park Hyatt in Sydney, a beautiful waterfront hotel in the heart of the Rocks, one of Sydney's most historic neighbourhoods. Wake up to one of the world's most iconic skylines in your Opera House View Room, ready to enjoy the private balcony, marble bathroom and butler service at this extra special hotel. 

Included: Park Hyatt Sydney

Day 11: Hunter Valley 

This morning, you’ll be collected from your hotel for your full day trip to Hunter Valley. Spend the day exploring at least 3 different boutique wineries - the tours don't visit the same ones every day and your guide will teach you about the ways of growing wine in this region. Along the way you'll enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch at one of the vineyards, as well as a cheese tasting, learning how to pair each cheese with the perfect glass of wine.

Included: Hunter Valley day tour with lunch, 5* hotel 

Day 12: Fly to Hamilton Island

Spend your final morning in Sydney before being driven back to the airport for your flight to Hamilton Island. On arrival, you'll be met and driven to your hotel, Qualia, one of the most luxury on the island. Settle into your room after checking in for four nights. 

Included: Transfers, internal flights, Qualia

Day 13 - 15: Hamilton Island

Nestled into the northernmost tip of Hamilton Island, you'll find Qualia, a luxurious hotel that is designed to blend seamlessly into the lush landscape. Each elegant pavilion is built to show off the endless views over the Coral Sea, with plunge pools, spacious bedrooms and enormous windows to really let that scenery in. Service is paramount here; you'll be welcomed and pampered in all the right ways whilst maintaining the independence to explore at your own pace - you'll even be met with a golf buggy to discover the island at your leisure.

Your time on Hamilton Island can be as busy or relaxing as you want. You'll be surrounded by pristine white beaches and a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life, so we recommend getting into the water to experience some incredible snorkelling. After you dry off, you could hike along the pretty coastline on a scenic walking trail, take a helicopter flight over the reef or tuck into some delicious seafood each evening. We’ve included a half-day tour to Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands – spend the morning cruising around the clear turquoise water, relaxing on the pristine sands or swimming in the warm lagoon.

Included: Whitehaven tour, Qualia

Day 16: Depart Hamilton Island

After breakfast, you'll be driven back to the airport to catch your flight home.

Included: Transfers, international flights

Day 17: Arrive UK