Monday – Sydney.
Having made your way to Sydney, settle in to your accommodation and enjoy the vista of one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Your journey officially commences this evening with an exclusive welcome function at historic Fort Denison, located on Sydney’s spectacular harbour with unrivalled views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. OVERNIGHT: Sydney.
Tuesday – Sydney, Blue Mountains.
After breakfast you’ll board The Southern Spirit for the start of your epic rail cruise. Settle in and immerse yourself in the panoramic views as you enjoy an indulgent morning tea. In the picturesque Blue Mountains you can choose from two included activities: the remarkable caverns of the Jenolan Caves or the great Zig Zag Railway. In the evening join your fellow passengers for an elegant dinner, as the train continues towards Canberra. OVERNIGHT: The Southern Spirit. (B, L, D)
Wednesday – Canberra.
Today we cross the border into the Australian Capital Territory for our arrival in the nation’s capital of Canberra. Head “ashore” for a choice of three included activities: a private, guided tour of Parliament House, a visit to the renowned National Gallery of Australia, or view one of the world’s best war museums at the Australian War Memorial. OVERNIGHT: The Southern Spirit. (B, L, D)
Thursday – Melbourne.
After breakfast, The Southern Spirit arrives in the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, where you’ll be transferred to your accommodation. Take an excursion to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges or spend the remainder of the day exploring Melbourne’s unique colour, charm and character. OVERNIGHT: Melbourne. (B)
Friday – Melbourne.
This morning you can continue exploring with one of our excursions, perhaps the Lanes and Arcades Tour, or a trip to scenic Daylesford or the Mornington Peninsula. In the afternoon we visit the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, home of the 1956 Olympic Games. Wander the Hall of Fame, enjoy an exclusive back of house tour and have dinner in a Corporate Box. Then re-board the train for the overnight cruise to Adelaide. OVERNIGHT: The Southern Spirit. (B, D)
Saturday – Adelaide.
Wake up to beautiful scenery as you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in your cabin then arise to breakfast, while we wind our way down through the delightful Adelaide Hills. In Adelaide you’ll be transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy as you choose. A range of excursions are available, including a bush food trail through the Botanic Gardens or city highlights by day or night. OVERNIGHT: Adelaide. (B)
Sunday – Adelaide.
Relax over a leisurely Sunday breakfast, or take in some last minute sights. Late morning you are transferred to The Southern Spirit for our departure, bound for the spectacular Red Centre of Australia. After a relaxing lunch, join a well known guest chef for a fascinating insight into creating fabulous food. Enjoy the stunning landscape as we travel past the magnificent Southern Flinders Ranges and settle in for a sumptuous dinner. OVERNIGHT: The Southern Spirit. (B, L, D)
Monday – Alice Springs.
Wake early this morning so that you don’t miss the unforgettable sight of the sun rising over the majestic Red Centre. Marvel at the stunning scenic backdrop as you enjoy breakfast. Later this morning learn about bush tucker from our special guest speaker. After lunch we head “ashore” in the famous Alice Springs. Choose from one of the exciting excursions including a helicopter flight over the MacDonnell Ranges, quad biking or taking a camel to dinner. OVERNIGHT: Alice Springs. (B, L)
Tuesday – Uluru (Ayers Rock).
This morning journey past the rugged MacDonnell Ranges en route to Ayers Rock Resort. Travel to the spectacular Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Marvel at the natural wonder of the majestic domes and take a walk into awe-inspiring Walpa (Olga) Gorge. Late this afternoon, as the sun sets on the desert landscape, we travel to Uluru to view the spectacular colour transformation of Australia’s most famous natural landmark. Enjoy a glass of wine and admire one of the world’s most magnificent light displays before dinner under the stars. OVERNIGHT: Ayers Rock. (B, L, D)
Wednesday – Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Rise early and experience the first rays of dawn setting Uluru alight. Take a guided walk to beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole. Tour the base of Uluru and learn about the fascinating geology and flora of the region on the Mala Walk or, if you choose, you can climb Uluru for an unforgettable view. Visit the Cultural Centre to learn about Anangu culture. Return to Alice Springs, passing spectacular Atila (Mt Conner) on the way. OVERNIGHT: Alice Springs. (B, L)
Thursday – Alice Springs.
Enjoy the chance to set your own pace today or join one of the adventurous excursions such as quad biking, hot air ballooning or a helicopter ride over the MacDonnell Ranges. In the evening we depart Alice Springs for our last evening aboard The Southern Spirit. Take the chance to socialize with newfound friends over dinner and then enjoy tales of the “Territorian” lifestyle from one of the local identities over a nightcap. OVERNIGHT: The Southern Spirit. (B, D)
Friday – Darwin.
In the morning we stopover in Katherine, where the outback meets the tropics. Experience the magic of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) and its spectacular 25 million year old sandstone canyons. Cruise the Katherine Gorge with Devonshire Tea, Dreamtime stories and cultural presentations. In the afternoon we depart Katherine bound for Darwin, crossing the Adelaide River before we reluctantly say farewell, taking away fond memories of a cruise of a lifetime. (B, L)
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