Tale of Two Cities

Make your way to your Perth accommodation and prepare for a trip to Rottnest Island and an epic rail journey ahead. The evening is yours to discover some of the city's atmospheric laneway bars and restaurants, buzzing with live music and surrounded by colourful street art. Stay: Novotel Perth Murray Street (3 Nights)

This morning board the Rottnest Express bound for Rottnest Island, 22 km offshore. A 90-minute air-conditioned bus tour around ‘Rotto' takes you to some spectacular locations, including Wadjemup Lighthouse and the boardwalk lookout at the rugged west end. Enjoy a delicious lunch before exploring the island at your leisure – make sure you meet a quokka. Return to Perth by ferry in the afternoon. (B/L)

It might be the largest state in Australia, but Western Australia's capital city is a conveniently compact centre, packed with things to see and do. Enjoy your day at leisure in Perth visiting Kings Park, Barrack Square or some of the many museums and galleries. (B)

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to East Perth Rail Terminal. Leave the city behind and journey through the super-scenic Avon Valley while savouring a gourmet lunch. Relax into the rhythm of the train and after a three-course dinner, disembark for an evening experience in the outback gold-mining town of Kalgoorlie. Travelling prospector Paddy Hannan struck it rich here in 1893, sparking the greatest gold rush in Australian history. Visit Hannan's North Tourist Mine and the amazing Super Pit, where Kalgoorlie's gold rush continues to play out today. Stay: Indian Pacific (3 Nights) (B/L/D)

After travelling through the night, watch the sun rise over the Nullarbor from the comfort of your cabin. Across the border in South Australia, you'll make a stop in Cook, an abandoned railway town that was once home to a bush hospital and more than 50 railway workers, before continuing across the vast expanse of the Nullarbor Plain. (B/L/D)

Get to know Adelaide, a true foodie city and the hub of the world-famous South Australian wine industry. Your choice of Off Train Experiences today includes taking in the city sights, the Torrens River, the marvellous Adelaide Central Market or the hugely popular Adelaide Oval. After taking in some of the highlights of the South Australian capital, return to the Indian Pacific to continue your journey toward Sydney. (B/L/D)

Wake up this morning in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains.

Disembark and explore this magnificent region on an Off Train Experience, taking in ancient forests, sheer cliffs and mesmerising views of the Jamison Valley, the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls.

Continue your journey to Sydney Central Station, where you will be transferred to your hotel to check in and start the next leg of your journey. Stay: Novotel Sydney Darling Square (3 Nights) (B/L)

Today is yours to explore the Harbour City from the CBD to Chinatown, Manly to Newtown, or Barangaroo to Darling Harbour. There are plenty of diverse sights, flavours and experiences to enjoy, including museums, galleries, aquariums, gardens and more. (B)

Experience one of the world's most iconic cities on an all-inclusive 2.5-hour lunch cruise on our exclusive 78ft luxury vessel. Enjoy a premium two-course menu featuring regionally sourced ingredients. Departing Darling Harbour, we cruise towards Sydney Harbour Bridge and pass the iconic Sydney cityscape and Sydney Opera House. We believe lunch should be a long, lavish affair, so we serve generous al la carte meals inspired by local and regional produce, paired with a selection of beers, wines from some of the finest wine-producing regions in NSW, soft drinks and tea or coffee. (B/L)

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation. This signals the end of your epic journey across Australia. (B)