Indian Pacific and The Ghan

Your afternoon begins with a welcome gathering, in celebration of the start of your journey across the country and along the world's longest stretch of straight railway track. Spend a relaxed afternoon getting to know your fellow travellers after you board the Indian Pacific and pull away from Perth, leaving the Indian Ocean behind and cruising toward the Pacific.

Tonight, a delectable dinner is served on board, featuring contemporary Australian cuisine with seasonal and regional flavours. Stay: Indian Pacific (2 Nights) (D)

Awake to see the sunrise unfold across Australia's largest outback town, Kalgoorlie. This morning, we'll delve into this mining town's fascinating past and present, with a visit to the region's gold-rush era, now modern-day, Super Pit mine. Decide how you want to explore Kalgoorlie on your choice of Off Train Experience, including morning refreshments.

Reboarding the train mid-morning for brunch, the remainder of the day is on board at your leisure. Sit back and enjoy the hospitality as you take in spectacular views of the seemingly endless expanse of the Nullarbor Plain. You'll cross borders and time zones, entering South Australia before dinner. Late evening, the train will pull into the almost-ghost-town of Cook for a nightcap, late-night bonfire and stargazing experience. (B/D)

Spend the morning travelling through the pastoral lands and communities of remote South Australia as the Indian Pacific cruises past the Flinders Rangers, Spencer Gulf and the Adelaide Plains. Breakfast and lunch are both served on board. Mid-afternoon, the train arrives in Adelaide where you will transfer to your accommodation, home for the next two nights. Stay: Crowne Plaza Adelaide (2 Nights) (B/L)

Explore Adelaide at your own pace today or perhaps visit the wine growing region of McLaren Vale. (B)

• McLaren Vale Winery Experience ($225 per person)
  A tour to McLaren Vale along the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula includes four cellar door experiences and a delicious restaurant lunch. The region is best known for its Shiraz, but expert vignerons will explain why Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay grapes also thrive in this unique microclimate.

Check out of your accommodation this morning and transfer to Adelaide Parklands Terminal. Step aboard The Ghan for an unforgettable adventure to the Top End. Settle into your cabin and see the changes in landscape from your window as the train leaves the city, heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond. Stay: The Ghan (2 Nights) (B/L/D)

After your first night enjoying the fine dining and relaxed luxury of this iconic train, you'll wake to an amazing outback sunrise at Marla – a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border that marks the start of the Oodnadatta Track. Enjoy more incredible scenery before arriving in Alice Springs early afternoon to enjoy an Off Train Experience that reveals more of this historic outback town. (B/L/D)

As you head further north into the tropics, prepare to experience one of the Top End's most impressive natural wonders. The stunning Nitmiluk Gorge lies within the massive 292,000 hectares of Nitmiluk National Park near Katherine. You'll have the chance to explore it from the water with a guided cruise – an Off Train Experience you'll never forget. A few hours later, you'll arrive in Darwin bringing your journey to an end. (B/L)