Deal

Arrive in Darwin and make your way to your one-night pre-cruise accommodation, which is included in your package.

Overnight in Darwin

After hotel checkout, you’ll be met and transferred to Darwin Cruise Port to embark the Silver Nova.

Australia’s capital of the north is a uniquely tropical city, and a historically isolated outpost of this vast, diverse country. Reaching up towards the equator, a full 2,000 miles from Sydney and Melbourne, the city was named in honor of Charles Darwin by the British settlers who established a frontier outpost here. With a unique history, beautiful islands nearby, and a palette of sizzling Pacific flavors, colorful Darwin is an enchanting and exotic Australian destination. Crocodiles patrol the jungled waterways and tropical rainforests around Australia’s gateway to the Top End. Explore via airboat to look down on the veiny waterways of the mist-laced Kakadu National Park. The sounds of chattering birdlife and the gentle splash of fountains and waterfalls will fill your ears in George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. Soak it all in, before kicking back and relaxing with a picnic and a crackling barbecue. The sunshine and famous tropical pink sunsets mean many visitors naturally gravitate to the city’s soft sands to relax at spots like pretty Mindil Beach, as evening approaches. The adjoining market is filled with souvenirs and crafts stands and is the perfect place to enjoy some fiery Asian flavors. Stroll the stalls, grab some food, and crack open an ice-frosted beer as the sunset show begins. It may be remote, but Darwin found itself on the front line during the Pacific War, as the Japanese air force unloaded their bombs onto the city in 1942. This relaxed unassuming city has a deeply resilient backbone, however, and you can explore the museums to learn more of the war’s impact on Darwin, as well as the devastating effects of one of Australia’s worst natural disasters, Cyclone Tracy in 1973.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Bali. A.k.a. Island of the Gods, Land of a thousand temples, or the World’s last paradise. As superlative as these monikers may sound, they do not do justice to the actual reality of the island. Bali is as good as everyone says – verdant mountains with terraced rice fields in one direction, black sand beaches in another, and captivating people that will leave even the most seasoned traveler humbled. If you’re looking for a Garden of Eden that really does have everything, Bali ticks all the boxes. The rich and diverse culture of the island is what sets Bali apart from Indonesia’s (many) other tropical paradises. The country’s estimated 10,000 Buddhist-Hindu temples, with their daily offerings of lotus flowers and fruit, are a testament to the gentleness of the islander’s belief. Then there is the vibrant arts and crafts scene, notably in Ubud in the center of the island, but prolific everywhere. Ideal souvenirs to bring back range from gorgeous silver jewelry to intricate wood carvings. Additionally, do try to see a traditional dance if possible, particularly if accompanied to local gamelan music. No one could mention Bali without mentioning the food. Dishes range from elaborate meals to street food bites, but all are without exception ambrosia. Do not miss out on tasting a succulent chicken satay, betutu (apparently the King’s favorite meal), and sambal matah. But whatever you decide to discover, you can be assured of a taste sensation that will remain with you long after you have returned home.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale-watching, catching up on your reading, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shoreside.

Coming in at number seven on Lonely Planet’s list of best places to live, Fremantle has finally begun to shake off the shadow of neighboring big brother Perth. With just 20 kilometers separating the two cities, Perth, with its happy hippie vibe has long been the big pull for visitors to the region. But Fremantle’s colorful past and bright future gives Perth as good as it gets. The coastal city has undergone a complete revamp since the America’s Cup thrust Fremantle into the spotlight in 1987. Over AUS$ 1,3 billion has been poured into revamping the city, and the fruits of the city’s labor are ripe for picking. Investment in the arts has brought Fremantle to the fore of thriving urban culture, while generous grants for small businesses have led to groovy live-music rooms, hipster bars, boutique hotels, left-field bookshops, craft-beer breweries, Indian Ocean seafood shacks amid the buskers and beaches. If that doesn’t sound like your glass of beer, we guarantee a stroll along the wooden riverside walkway will change your mind. The city also enjoys another, rather different status. Fremantle was one of Australia’s penal cities, vestiges of which can still be found in Fremantle Prison. Almost 10,000 convicts were condemned to life imprisonment here between 1850 and 1868, but the prison remained in use until 1991. Today, the memorable sandstone building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and at just 15 minutes from port is well worth a visit. Just don’t forget your get-out-of-jail-free card.

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll disembark and be met by your transfer service, where you’ll be taken to your hotel for your overnight stay in Perth.

Overnight in Perth

After hotel checkout, you’ll be met by your transfer service and taken to the train terminal, where you’ll board the Indian Pacific train. Your afternoon begins with a welcome gathering, in celebration of the start of your journey across the country and along the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track.

Settle into your cabin as the Indian Pacific pulls away from Perth, leaving the Indian Ocean behind and cruising toward the Pacific. Spend the evening getting to know your fellow travellers, as a delectable dinner is served on board, featuring contemporary Australian cuisine with seasonal and regional flavours.

Overnight aboard the Indian Pacific

Awake to see the sunrise unfold across Australia’s largest outback town, Kalgoorlie. This morning, we’ll delve into this mining town’s fascinating past and present, with a visit to the region’s gold-rush era, now modern-day, Super Pit mine. Decide how you want to explore Kalgoorlie with your choice of Off Train Experiences, including morning refreshments.

Reboarding the train mid-morning for brunch, the remainder of the day is spent on board at your leisure. Sit back and enjoy the hospitality as you take in spectacular views of the seemingly endless expanse of the Nullarbor Plain. You’ll cross borders and time zones, entering South Australia before dinner. Late evening, the train will pull into the almost-ghost-town of Cook for a nightcap and late-night bonfire experience under the Nullarbor sky.

Overnight aboard the Indian Pacific

Savour your final day on board, taking in the passing scenery, reminiscing with newfound friends, and indulging in a leisurely final breakfast and lunch. Arrive in Adelaide in the afternoon, meet your driver, and be transferred to your hotel in Adelaide for your two-night stay.

Overnight in Adelaide