This transcontinental Australia itinerary packs a great adventure into one epic week. Discover Sydney's iconic sights, climb the Harbour Bridge at sunset, and traverse the breathtaking Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. Then board the Indian Pacific Railway from Sydney to Perth, witnessing the changing landscapes of Australia along the way.

Highlights

  • Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunset
  • Walk the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal trail 
  • Embark on a transcontinental rail journey from Sydney to Perth
  • Enjoy a long-table dinner beneath the stars of the outback
  • Go wine tasting in the Swan Valley

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Sydney, Sunset BridgeClimb Sydney
Day 2 Panoramic Sydney Sights Tour, Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Sydney
Day 3 The Indian Pacific Train: Sydney to Broken Hill Broken Hill
Day 4 The Indian Pacific Train: Broken Hill to Adelaide Adelaide
Day 5 The Indian Pacific Train: Adelaide to Nullarbor Plain Nullarbor Plain
Day 6 The Indian Pacific Train: Nullarbor Plain to Perth, Swan Valley Wine Tour Perth
Day 7 Depart Perth  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Sydney, Sunset BridgeClimb

Take a dazzling climb across the Sydne Harbour Bridge at sunset
Take a dazzling climb across the Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunset

G'day and welcome to beautiful Sydney! On arrival, a private transfer will take you to your accommodation. Use the rest of the day to explore at your own pace—taking your pick of the city's standout sights, historic neighborhoods, world-class culinary scene, and prime waterfront location. Start with a visit to Sydney's iconic harbor and soak up views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge over a drink at a waterfront bar, or go for a gentle stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens to stretch your legs after your flight.

As evening falls, prepare to see Sydney turn from day to night atop the famous "coathanger"—the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Strap on a harness and let a BridgeClimb leader take you 439 feet (134 m) above sea level for an adrenaline-pumping journey that provides stunning 360-degree views of the city. After your descent, head to Circular Quay and Darling Harbour to take your pick of some of the city's best restaurants.

Day 2: Panoramic Sydney Sights Tour, Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk 

Walk the coastal cliffs around Dover Heights
If 3.7 miles (6 km) is too far for your group, you can walk the shorter Bondi to Bronte route instead

Wake up ready to explore Sydney on a guided tour. Hear fascinating stories of early convict history in The Rocks area, and see breathtaking views of the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Shop till you drop at the Queen Victoria Building and explore the trendy Oxford Street district. Head east for a stunning walk around Tamarama and Bronte, and enjoy a refreshing drink at the famous Bondi Beach while admiring bronzed Aussie lifeguards. At the end of the tour, you'll wave goodbye to your guide and find somewhere for lunch by Bondi Beach.

After eating, lace up your sneakers and walk the famous cliff-top walk from Bondi to Coogee, a 3.7-mile (6 km) coastal walk with breathtaking views. It usually takes two to three hours to complete, depending on how often you stop—there's the temptation of a swim at every beach you pass! Begin at Sydney's Bondi Beach, pass the Art Deco Bondi Icebergs swimming club, admire 2,000-year-old traditional Aboriginal rock carvings at Marks Park, grab a coffee at Tamarama Beach, walk past the heritage-listed Waverly Cemetery, see Gordons Bay and finish at Coogee Beach

Day 3: The Indian Pacific Train: Sydney to Broken Hill

Enjoy a fine dinner onboard the Indian Pacific train
Enjoy a fine dinner onboard the Indian Pacific train

Today you'll embark on a transcontinental rail adventure, crossing from Sydney on the east coast of Australia to Perth on the west coast. Board the iconic Indian Pacific train and prepare for an epic journey of shifting landscapes, from lush vineyards to the barren expanse of the outback, from major cities to ghost towns. As the train winds through the dazzling Blue Mountains, settle into your comfortable cabin and get acquainted with your fellow travelers.

As evening nears, savor your first meal of the journey—a seasonal, regionally-inspired dinner paired with all-inclusive Australian wines. After dinner, join fellow guests for a late-night drink, or head back to your cabin for your first night onboard. You're about to wake up somewhere totally new!

Day 4: The Indian Pacific Train: Broken Hill to Adelaide 

Beautiful vineyards in McLaren Vale at sunset
Beautiful vineyards in McLaren Vale at sunset
Plan your trip to Australia
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

This morning you're in the "Silver City" of Broken Hill. As the sun rises you're invited to step off the train to explore the fascinating mining history and vibrant art scene of this small town. Discover wide streets and pubs on every corner, then reboard in time for lunch. You'll enjoy another brilliant meal as the Indian Pacific continues west, entering the stunning and ancient Flinders Ranges.

In the afternoon, you'll arrive in the city of Adelaide. The capital of South Australia is surrounded by many brilliant wine regions. Choose to tour the world-famous Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, or the Adelaide Hills and enjoy a personalized wine tasting at a cellar door surrounded by hills covered in vines. Afterward, you'll re-board the train to continue your journey west.

Day 5: The Indian Pacific Train: Adelaide to Nullarbor Plain

Nullarbor Plain
Experience the vastness of the Nullarbor Plain

Awaken to the breathtaking views of the Nullarbor Plain at sunrise. This vast outback plain, which takes its name from the Latin for "no trees," spans 77,000 square miles (200,000 sq km) across South Australia and Western Australia. This rugged stretch of the outback is considered a "bucket list" experience that has inspired travelers for generations. Today the train will stop at a forgotten outpost of Australia's past in Cook, a ghost town in South Australia's vast interior. Established in 1917 as a support town for the railway—now it's a quiet reminder of Australia's pioneering past.

Soon the train will chug across the border into Western Australia. Celebrate reaching the west with a traditional long-table dinner under the starry night sky of the outback in remote Rawlinna. This is one dining experience to remember. Following dinner, board the train again for your final slumber aboard the Indian Pacific.

Day 6: The Indian Pacific Train: Nullarbor Plain to Perth, Swan Valley Wine Tour

Grapes growing in a vineyard in Swan Valley near Perth
Grapes growing in a vineyard in Swan Valley near Perth

Enjoy breakfast while relishing the last few hours aboard the Indian Pacific. Watch as the scenery changes from the rugged outback to the rolling green hills of the Avon Valley as you roll toward Perth, Australia's sunniest capital. This laid-back city combines the urban landscape with its natural surroundings. 

This afternoon set off to discover the stunning Swan Valley wine region on a half-day tour. Sample some of the finest wines and local produce as you visit award-winning wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the area's most renowned eateries, and take in the breathtaking views of the valley. Learn about new grape varieties, uniquely suited to Swan Valley's warm climate, before returning to the city. Catch the sunset at Perth's Kings Park, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, or from the golden sands of Cottesloe Beach.

Day 7: Depart Perth

Perth
Downtown Perth lights up at sunset

It's your final morning in Australia. Do as the locals do and go for breakfast or brunch at a trendy café before taking a private transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!

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Map

Map of Australia's Indian Pacific Rail Journey: Sydney, Adelaide, Nullarbor Plain & Perth - 7 Days
Map of Australia's Indian Pacific Rail Journey: Sydney, Adelaide, Nullarbor Plain & Perth - 7 Days