Indian Pacific Escape

Tour Code: awa-wrmp

Highlights

FIRST CLASS HOLIDAY INCLUSIONS

  • Journey on the Indian Pacific
  • Discover the Busselton Jetty and the Underwater Observatory
  • See Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
  • Sample wines at Voyager Estate
  • Explore the Valley of the Giants canopy from the Tree Top Walk
  • Tour historic Albany and Whaleworld
  • Explore the Mining Hall of Fame and Royal Flying Doctor Service in Kalgoorlie
  • Marvel at spectacular Wave Rock
  • Join an Aboriginal led walking heritage tour of Fremantle
  • See the beautiful wildflowers (August to November)
  • Discover Kalbarri National Park
  • Cruise the scenic Swan River to Perth
  • See the dolphins at Monkey Mia
  • Explore the mystical Pinnacles
  • Visit Balga Mia Aboriginal Camp in Yanchep National Park

Transportation

  • Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, reclining seats, seat belts and large panoramic windows

Professionally Escorted

  • Tour with an experienced, professional Tour Director and Tour Driver

Dining Inclusions

  • Full Breakfasts (17) (B)
  • Lunches (3) (L)
  • Dinners on the Indian Pacific (3) (D)
  • Hotel Dinners (10) YOUR CHOICE

Accommodation

  • Gold Kangaroo Service private sleeping berth on the Indian Pacific
  • Twin share rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels

Plus

  • Welcome drink
  • All purpose travel bag and map
  • Airport transfers (Day 1 from Sydney Airport – flights to arrive prior to 1.00pm; Day 18 to Perth Airport – flights to depart anytime)
  • Hotel porterage included
wrmp.jpg (44149 bytes)

Itinerary

INDEPENDENT TOURING DAYS 1-3

Day 1 Wed: Arrive Sydney – Indian Pacific

On arrival in Sydney you will be transferred to Central Station and board the Indian Pacific train.

Accommodation: Gold Kangaroo Service, Indian Pacific, 3 nights. (D)

Day 2 Thu: Indian Pacific

Travel via Broken Hill to Adelaide today. There is the opportunity to join an optional sightseeing tour in Adelaide, before the Indian Pacific departs early evening and begins the journey west to Perth. (BLD)

Day 3 Fri: Indian Pacific

Today you cross the vast Nullarbor Plain, where the train travels the world's longest straight stretch of railway track. See unique landscapes unfold and spot a fascinating array of wildlife. (BLD)

Day 4 Sat: Indian Pacific - Perth

On arrival in Perth you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a city tour of Perth including beautiful Kings Park where you can see the broad expanse of the Swan River. Enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and travelling companions.

Accommodation: Mercure Hotel, Perth. (B)

Day 5 Sun: Margaret River

This morning travel to the Forest Heritage Centre. Travel south to Busselton for a ride on the unique 'Over the Sea' train and visit the Underwater Observatory. Continue to Margaret River.

Accommodation: Emerald Colonial Lodge, Margaret River, 2 nights. (B)

Day 6 Mon: Margaret River

This morning see Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Later, enjoy a tour, tastings and delicious lunch at Voyager Estate. Time to explore Margaret River. (BL)

Day 7 Tue: Margaret River - Albany

View the enormous Gloucester Tree. Journey through the spectacular Valley of the Giants and enjoy a walk along the Tree Top Walk. Continue to Torndirrup National Park, home to the Natural Bridge and The Gap. Later, visit the Whaleworld Museum.

Accommodation: The Esplanade Hotel, Albany. (B)

Day 8 Wed: Albany - Esperance

This morning visit the Anzac Memorial and enjoy the panoramic views. Travel to Bluff Knoll Lookout to witness the rugged beauty of the Stirling Ranges. Continue to Esperance and see the Pink Lake.

Accommodation: Comfort Inn Bay of Isles, Esperance. (B)

Day 9 Thu: Cape Le Grand

This morning travel into Cape Le Grand National Park for coastal views. Travel north through Norseman to the historic gold mining township of Kalgoorlie. Stop at the Golden Superpit Lookout for an amazing view of Australia's largest open cut gold mine. Enjoy an orientation tour of Kalgoorlie.

Accommodation: Quality Inn Railway Hotel, Kalgoorlie, 2 nights. (B)

Day 10 Fri: Kalgoorlie

Spend this morning at the Mining Hall of Fame. Try panning for gold, witness gold bullion being poured and go underground for a tour of the Mining Reserve. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service for an insight into the work of this great Australian icon. (B)

Day 11 Sat: Wave Rock

Travel to the former ghost town of Coolgardie, recently rejuvenated following new ore discoveries. Journey to Wave Rock. This striking rock formation, resembling a gigantic wave, was formed from granite over three million years ago. Continue to York, Western Australia's most historic inland town, before travelling on to Fremantle.

Accommodation: Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle. (B)

Day 12 Sun: Fremantle – Perth

Time this morning is at leisure to explore the Fremantle markets and busy harbour. Discover the heritage of Fremantle. Enjoy a walking tour of Fremantle including The Round House. Learn how the Swan River is part of the Dreaming Trail of the area. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Swan River to Perth.

Accommodation: Mercure Hotel, Perth. (B)

Day 13 Mon: Perth - Geraldton

Travel to New Norcia, a small settlement revolving around the Benedictine Monastery, where we will visit the Museum and Art Gallery. We then visit a wildflower farm with a unique collection of flowers, before continuing on to Geraldton.

Accommodation: Mercure Inn, Geraldton. (B)

Day 14 Tue: Kalbarri National Park

This morning venture to Kalbarri National Park to view the spectacular scenery of Murchison River Gorge from the vantage point of Hawks Head Lookout. Visit Red Bluff Lookout, before continuing to Monkey Mia.

Accommodation: Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, 2 nights. (B)

Day 15 Wed: Monkey Mia

Early this morning watch for the famous dolphins that swim into shore. (Note: As dolphins are wild their appearance cannot be guaranteed.) The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take an optional sailing cruise to spot dugong and dolphins. (B)

Day 16 Thu: Shell Beach – Geraldton

Visit Shell Beach, one of only two in the world, formed from billions of shells up to ten metres deep. Travel to Hamelin Pool to see the world's best known colony of Stromatolites, dating back to the beginning of life on earth. Continue south along the North West Coastal Highway to Geraldton.

Accommodation: Mercure Inn, Geraldton. (B)

Day 17 Fri: The Pinnacles – Perth

Today travel into Nambung National Park, home of the mystical Pinnacles. Heading south to Yanchep National Park, you will enjoy an Aboriginal cultural experience in an authentic bush setting. Meet Aboriginal guides who will share with you their way of life in a traditional community and will treat you to the enchanting sounds of the didjeridu and dancing. Continue to Perth this afternoon.

Accommodation: Mercure Hotel, Perth. (B)

Day 18 Sat: Depart Perth

You will be transferred to Perth Airport to connect with your onward flight. (B)

Aboriginal Cultural Experiences

Symbol denotes INCLUDED

Prices & Dates

Tour Dates
Departs Returns
2005
A$5055
  11 May     28 May  
  15 Jun     02 Jul  
  27 Jul     13 Aug  
  03 Aug     20 Aug  
  24 Aug     10 Sep*
  31 Aug     17 Sep  
  07 Sep     24 Sep*
  14 Sep     01 Oct  
  21 Sep     08 Oct  
  28 Sep     15 Oct*
  05 Oct     22 Oct  
  19 Oct     05 Nov  
  02 Nov     19 Nov*
  21 Dec     07 Jan  
2006
A$5055
  18 Jan     04 Feb*
  15 Feb     04 Mar  
  08 Mar     25 Mar  
  10 May   27 May
  14 Jun   01 Jul
  26 Jul   12 Aug
  02 Aug   19 Aug
  23 Aug   09 Sept
  30 Sept   16 Sept
  06 Sept   23 Sept
  13 Sept   30 Sept
  20 Sept   07 Oct
  27 Sept   14 Oct
  04 Oct   21 Oct
  18 Oct   04 Nov
  01 Nov   18 Nov
  20 Dec   06 Jan

* = Guaranteed Departure

Supplements

Adult Single Supplement   A$820
Triple Discount Save A$170
Child Discount Save A$1147
Concession Card Holders Save A$537
Friendly Fours Save A$170
Frequent Traveller Save A$170
Meal Discount Save A$300