Discover Australia By Rail with The Ghan & Indian Pacific

Discover the best of Sydney on this private guided tour. After a hearty breakfast, drive through the historic Rocks precinct and learn about the origins of this great city. Explore old cottages and pubs, as well as Australia’s very first church, all built by convicts ages ago. Drive past Macquarie Street, named after the fifth Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie, before reaching the Botanical Gardens in the heart of the city. Visit the country’s first Parliament House, the mint, the Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. Stop at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair on the waterfront area and take a walking tour around the scenic harbor with its great views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Make a pit stop for lunch at the posh Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and afterward, drive through the tony neighborhood of Darling Point. You’ll pass by scenic bays before reaching the famous Bondi Beach, where you can enjoy ice creams and stroll down the esplanade like locals do. Return to the city past Oxford Street and Paddington, admiring the charming Georgian and Victorian architecture of the neighborhoods. (Half Day; Shared Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Lunch & refreshments included; Note: Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Embark on this fun way of exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Melbourne in a short span of time. Hop on a bicycle and accompany your knowledgeable guide past trendy streets, verdant parks, charming boutiques quaint cafes, and hidden alleys. Sample authentic Melbourne hospitality and relish gourmet treats as you ride along the streets of this cosmopolitain city. Enrich your experience with interesting trivia about the different ethnic localities in this tour designed by city journalist and photographer Murray Johnson. Learn why the city streets that are lined with lava and the reason Eureka Tower is glazed with real gold. Feel the wind in your hair as you cycle to the city’s best rooftop bar, Little Saigon, and the Greek tavern without a menu. Ride past the shop that has 40,000 cookbooks and the men’s salon that gives customers a free beer with every haircut! Return to your hotel having gathered all the inside info on one of the world’s most livable cities. (Duration: 4.5 hrs; Time: 1000 hrs; Shared Activity; Lunch included; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Discover diverse wildlife and dramatic natural beauty in the national heritage listed Great Ocean Road along the wide, windswept Southern Ocean beaches. Drive from your hotel to the Split Point Lighthouse and its keepers’ cottages and stables located in Aireys Inlet. Enjoy fabulous Bass Strait views over the rocks and reefs. Reach the seaside town of Apollo Bay for a fresh seafood lunch at one of the restaurants on the beach. Continue onto the Great Ocean Road Eco Lodge and walk through an ancient Eucalyptus forest spotting koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat. Visit the Conservation Ecology Centre, a non profit organisation that conducts ecosystem research and fundraising activities to restore and improve natural environments and wildlife of the Otway forest. Journey on to the spectacular Twelve Apostles off the shore of Port Campbell National Park, to witness the iconic craggy limestone spires rise up from the ocean. Visit the Loch Ard Gorge and soak up the incredible rugged scenery, as you learn about its fascinating history, before you drive back to your hotel in Melbourne. (Full Day; Shared Activity; Group Size: Max 24 guests; Please note that this activity includes free pickup and dropoff at your hotel, an expert guide, exclusive access to eucalyptus forest, and national park fees.)

Immerse yourself in the charm of Adelaide, exploring the quaint city by yourself and at your own pace. You could spend your day admiring its many heritage-listed buildings, as you walk through the streets. Or immerse yourself in Australia’s Aboriginal heritage at the multi-arts center Tandanya, visit Adelaide’s diverse museums and the Bay Discovery Center that showcases South Australia’s social history and cultural heritage. For a taste of seafood, why not take a tram to the Glenelg seaside suburb and savor oysters by the beach, or barbecue picnics at the Old Gum Tree Reserve? On Sundays, the farmers’ market is ideal for sampling the region’s fresh local produce. If you wish to hike, there are several lush wooded trails at Mount Osmond Reserve offering beautiful vistas of Adelaide and beyond. In the evening, there are stunning sunset from Brighton jetty to be enjoyed. You could then learn about the rich heritage of South Australia’s wines at the expansive National Wine Center. At the end of your day local live music bands and Adelaide’s buzzing nightlife await. (Half Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included).

Visit Australia’s most-photographed natural wonders, Kata Tjuta (Olgas) and Uluru (Ayers Rock), on this full-day trip. Set out early for your journey into the vast outback, stopping off at Erldunda (home of the Emu) for a quick buffet breakfast. Move onto Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a World Heritage-listed site. Walk through the towering Walpa Gorge, as your guide explains the attributes of the diverse environment and the cultural significance of Kata Tjuta, a sacred Aboriginal men’s ceremonial site. Continue to the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, built with the help of the local Anangu people. Then travel on to the base of Uluru to take the Mala Walk, while your guide narrates stories and points out the rock etchings done by the Anangu People on the sheer vertical rock faces. After this head to the back of the Uluru for a guided hike to Mutitjulu Waterhole – home of an ancestral water snake called Wanampi. Before returning to Alice Springs, feast on an Aussie barbeque with some wine or beer, and watch the magnificent Uluru sunset. (Duration: Full Day; Shared Activity; Included – Transportation, Guide, Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Australian Barbeque with Wine or Beer; Fitness Level: Moderate; Operates on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from April to October and Monday, Wednesday, Saturday from November to March; Please wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Carry a hat or cap and sunscreen)

Immerse yourself in the ultimate outback adventure on this exciting tour of the Red Center region. Settle into a comfortable four wheel drive for the enjoyable ride to Mount Conner, which sits within a sprawling, fully operational, private cattle station. Drive across the rugged landscape as your expert guide reveals the mysteries of the desert environment such as survival techniques adopted by the various species of flora and fauna. Stroll around Curtin Springs Station as you soak in the welcoming warmth of the typical outback homestead. Get a glimpse of the ancient inland salt lake located on the station as you gain insights into the history of the region’s cattle industry. Learn about the pastoralists of the cattle station who battle the challenges of this arid environment every day. Watch the gorgeous sunset over the mountain before you sit down to savor a sumptuous home cooked, three course dinner at the homestead. After a day well-spent, get dropped back at your hotel. (Full Day; Shared Activity; Group Size: 4-11 guests; Dinner and Refreshments Included; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Embark on an eventful evening to experience the dreamy Field of Light, near Ayers Rock. Arrive at the dramatic wilderness location that boasts a backdrop of the majestic Uluru. Gather at an elevated platform and soak up a magical sunset over the Australian outback, fuelled by canapés and champagne. Shortly after dusk, witness celebrated artist Brune Munro’s expansive Field of Light installation unfold as thousands of colorful spheres twinkle to gradually light up the landscape. Settle down with fellow guests to savor your dinner that features a specially curated, three-course bush tucker buffet spread. Alongside, enjoy the hypnotizing melodies of a didgeridoo accompanying indigenous entertainment. Interacting with your host, learn more about the artist and his work, which has set the mood for this unique dining experience. Take time to amble about the illuminated field, and immerse yourself in the beauty and rhythms of the soothing light installation. Back at the viewing area, enjoy dessert and a nightcap before retiring to your accommodation. (Half Day; Time of Day: Sunset; Shared Activity & Transfer; Dinner, canapes and drinks included; Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Do note that the installation is on an open field so you will need to be aware of any Australian wildlife)

Discover the fascinating underwater world and come up close with endemic marine species! Cruise in comfort on the “Ocean Freedom”, a luxury catamaran, to two spectacular locations at Upolu Cay and the Reef. Fuel up with tea, coffee, fresh fruit, and Danish pastries before the vessel moors at a private location on the outer edge of Upolu Reef. You could swim or snorkel in the clear waters and also choose to go diving in order to get a better look at the gorgeous corals. Hop into a glass-bottom boat with a marine naturalist to learn more about this fragile ecosystem. Relish lunch with fresh seafood delicacies as you sail to the second location. Explore the water world some more or sunbathe on the deck as you soak in the splendid views. Afterward, enjoy a freshwater shower before you munch on cheese, cake, and crackers while the catamaran sails back. (Full Day; Time: 0715 hrs; Group Size: 1-75 Guests; Shared Activity; Afternoon and Morning Tea, Lunch Included; Fitness Level: Easy. Snorkeling equipment and instructions are included.)

Explore the bustling city of Brisbane by yourself at your own pace. You could begin your day early by catching the sunrise at Mt Coot-tha Lookout. Later, hiking through national parks, forests, and wetlands spread across Brisbane’s countryside can be particularly rewarding. If you wish, head to Kangaroo Point Cliffs and picnic as the locals do. If you are in the city on a Sunday, ride the vintage Steam Train Sunday across town and admire its interiors. Nearby, Brisbane Powerhouse, a tram station converted into an arts and culture hub, is known for its stand-up comedy shows by the Brisbane River. There are also amazing theater performances at the underground Spring Hill Reservoirs for you to enjoy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try abseiling on the Story Bridge and explore the shipwrecks near Moreton Island on kayaks at night! Wind up your day with a meal at Sunny town’s authentic Asian-style hawker stalls if you wish. (Half Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included).

Enjoy a lazy day at the Sunshine Coast, beachcombing, sunbathing, surfing and lounging at this seaside paradise. Get picked up from your hotel by your local guide in a comfortable vehicle and drive north towards the rustic chic coastal village of Noosa with its string of trendy upmarket eateries, boutiques and some great surfing and swimming spots. Hit the high waters or the high streets, as you wish, before enjoying a delicious lunch at one of the town’s fine dining restaurants – don’t miss the seafood! Continue along the Sunshine Coast, discovering hidden gems, more tropical beaches and seaside villages. Take a refreshing tea break with delicious nibbles and chocolates. Drive back to your hotel, picking up fun trivia about Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast from your guide all along the way. (Full Day; Shared Activity & Transfer; Morning or afternoon tea, snacks & lunch included; Fitness level: Easy; Please bring a towel, bathing suit & comfortable crocs).