15 Day Indian Pacific, Flinders Ranges & Margaret River
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, travel on the Indian Pacific on a journey following the footsteps of legendary adventurers, gold rush prospectors and bush pioneers, see the pinnacles of Wilpena Pound from the air, explore Rottnest Island’s unique flora, fauna & culture and treat your tastebuds to some of the best Margaret River produces on a culinary guided tour
✓ 2 nights on board the Indian Pacific on a Gold Twin cabin (upgrades available). All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages. A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines
✓ 10 days medium-size car rental, including unlimited kilometres and NIL damage excess
✓ 12 nights’ accommodation in mostly 4 star hotels
✓ 19 meals throughout
✓ Unbelievable 20 minute scenic flight over Wilpena Pound
✓ Day cruise & tour to Rottnest Island
✓ Full day guided culinary tour of Margaret River
✓ 7 Day cooling off period. See under Fine Print for more information.
✓ Only $99 deposit per person. View payment requirements in 'How to Book & Payments' below.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Adelaide! On arrival, collect your vehicle from Hertz Airport depot and make your way to your hotel. The rest of your day is free to explore Adelaide at your own pace.
Check in & arrival information.
Please advise your arrival flight details into Adelaide at least 30 days prior to departure. Alternatively, let us know if you will arrive by land for your car to be available at Adelaide Downtown depot.
Hotel check in is at 2pm. Should you arrive earlier than this, hotel staff will do all possible to check you in as soon as possible. If your room is not available before check-in time, you are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area.
This morning begins your journey north to Port Augusta, once the main port for the Southern Australian area.The port was the point where wheat and wool were loaded on clipper ships and transported around the world. By the 1970s that had stopped and the town, exploiting its unique position, became the starting point the Nullarbor Plain.
Approximate distance driven: 310km - 4hrs
Today’s drive continues north, approximately 160km, to the ancient geological region of the Flinders Ranges or Ikara as it is known to the traditional Aboriginal owners. It's a place rich in Aboriginal history and home to a vast array of wildlife.
On route, make sure to stop at Quorn - historic town in the Flinders Ranges which came into existence as an important railhead. While here, a visit to the Pichi Richi Railway is a must. Built in the 1870s, this unique railway is the last remaining operating portion of the "Old Ghan" narrow-gauge line. After being abandoned in the 1950's, the Railway was revived in 1974 by the volunteers of the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society who have progressively restored a remarkable collection of heritage locomotives and carriages.
Tonight you’ll be nearing the Wilpena Pound. A massive bowl almost 100 kilometres wide that stands above the surrounding plains, looks like a crater but the rim is actually made up of the stumps of huge mountains, believed to have been as high as the Himalayas, that have been eroded over millennia. It was called a pound by the early settlers in the 1850s – they thought it looked like a traditional sheep pen.
Approximate distance driven: 160km - 2hrs
This morning you are in for a real treat! Take to the skies on a 20 minute scenic flight over Wilpena Pound. Completing a circuit of Wilpena Pound where your pilot will point out the Elder Range, Edeowie Gorge, Heysen Range, Lake Torrens, Bunyeroo Gorge, Brachina Gorge, St Mary Peak and the Pound Gap. You will clearly see how the Flinders Ranges appears to be a backbone on the landscape. This is an extraordinary sight and great for photographers.
This scenic flight is operated by the Wilpena Pound Resort and the resort staff will direct you to the meeting point.
After returning to the ground, enjoy the rest of the day to explore the Flinders Ranges at your own pace. Having a vehicle gives you the perfect opportunity to access a huge range of walks or points of interest.
This morning, pack the car and begin your journey South along Flinders Ranges Way towards the Clare Valley. The Clare Valley is home to over 40 cellar doors and wineries, boasting some of the best Riesling in Australia.
Approximate distance driven: 294km - 3.5hrs
Today start slowly, maybe sleep in a little. Today’s drive is an easy 144km to Adelaide. Before heading back Adelaide, perhaps visit the Powder Magazine - erected in 1847 it’s the oldest remaining mine building in Australia. Alternatively, you may want to see the Unicorn Brewery Cellars, which was built in 1873 and consisted of a tall malting tower, offices, cooper's workshop, steam engine and boiler to operate the pumps, and manager's residence. The cellars were excavated and completed in 1873. Due to new licensing laws, introduced at the turn of the century, the Brewery closed in 1902 and the buildings were demolished for their stone in 1911.
Approximate distance driven: 144km - 2hrs
At the appropriate time, return your vehicle at Hertz Adelaide downtown depot before making your way to Adelaide Parkland Terminal to join your Indian Pacific Journey.
Indian Pacific guests heading west from Adelaide to Perth will celebrate the start of their journey with the ‘Flavours of South Australia Welcome Dinner’, held at the Adelaide Parklands Terminal. A showcase of fabulous food and world-class wine, this complimentary pre-boarding event delivers the best bottles from around SA and sublime regional offerings from both land and sea.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with expansive desert views, followed by a stop at the outback ghost town of Cook. A spectacular dinner under the stars awaits at Rawlinna (seasonal), the Nullarbor outpost that borders a ‘little’ sheep station of a mere 8,000 square kilometres.
After a restful sleep, sit down for breakfast as the picturesque rolling hills of the Avon Valley pass you by. Perth is your final destination, arriving mid-afternoon. Upon arrival make your way to your hotel. A taxi or Uber ride will cost you between $10-15.
Make your way to Barrack Street Jetty and board the Rottnest Express ferry to Rottnest Island, located 22km offshore. Then explore the beauty and tranquility of Rottnest as you sit back and relax in the comfort of an air conditioned coach. This 90-minute circumnavigation of the island takes you out to some of Rottnest’s most spectacular locations including the Wadjemup Lighthouse and the rugged West End and provides you with a complete interpretation of the island through a passionate and knowledgeable crew. This tour will provide you with an insight into Rottnest’s cultural and historical heritage, diverse wildlife and fauna and social heritage. You will also have a chance to step outside and have a stroll along the boardwalk at the majestic look-out point at West End.
Today collect your vehicle from Hertz Downtown Depot and drive to Margaret River- one of Australia's largest wine regions. With more than 200 vineyards, Margaret River produces more than 25% of Australia’s premium wine.
Approximate distance driven: 270km, 3.5hrs
Today enjoy a guided Margaret River wine experiencing the region’s amazing food, wine and culture. Yo will be collected from your accommodation at approximately 9.30am and get the day started with a coffee tasting at a local roaster before heading to your first boutique winery experience for the day. Experience first hand the subtle flavours of extra virgin olive oils before enjoying a relaxing lunch and cleansing ale at a local brewery. The afternoon will see you two cellar doors including a cheese & wine pairing. Finish off the day with a visit to a chocolate factory to indulge in all things cocoa.
Today is free for you to continue exploring the area. If wine is the name of the game, take your time to explore some of the 90 cellar doors in the region.
Alternatively, exploring the caving system is also a popular activity in Margaret River. It is difficult to choose the best cave. You can marvel at the reflections on Lake Cave’s permanent lake, be dwarfed in Jewel Cave’s enormous chambers and take it easy on the Mammoth Cave self- guided tour. At Yallingup’s Ngilgi Cave, you will learn the Aboriginal legend as you look up at limestone shawl formations– or delve deeper into the cave on an adventure tour. Cave opening hours and tours start from 9am and finish between 4pm and 5pm. Entry fee is approximately $22.50 per adult.
If travelling between late July and August, you want to consider a cruise to witness the mighty Humpback on their migration path. This tour departs from Augusta, 50km south of Margaret River
Today you will make your way to Augusta, approx 50kms from your accommodation. Your tour will start on an amazing luxury catamaran to take you out to the magnificent Western Australia Whales. The vessel has 5 viewing decks over three levels from which you can sight the magnificent Humpback, Southern Right and occasionally, the very rare Blue Whale along with Seals, Dolphins and migratory bird life from all over the world.
Season runs from May to August
Duration approx 2 hours
Start the last driving leg of your trip.
On the way north, you may want to stop at Busselton Jetty. This 150+ year old timber jetty stretches 1.84km into the Geographe Bay - making it the longest timber jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you walk to the end or take the jetty train, make sure to check out the Underwater Observatory for a glimpse of the sea life that inhabits this artificial environment.
Further north, you may want to pay a visit to the Dolphin Discovery Centre, in Bunbury. Walk down to the “interaction zone” for an opportunity to say to the many dolphins that visit this bay all year round. There is no entrance fee but please make sure you follow the instructions of dolphin volunteers
If you’re feeling peckish, you may want to explore Bunbury Farmers market, which opens daily from 7.30am to 5.30pm.
Today your Indian Pacific adventure comes to an end in Fremantle.
Check-out & departure information
Hotel check out is at 11am. You are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area if departing later.
Today you can return your vehicle at the Airport depot.
Click HERE for more information on the Indian Pacific train
Gold Service (Included)
Platinum Service - From $1,920 per person additional
Please note: Due to heavy demand Platinum cabins are sold out on all departures from 1st March 2022 to 29th of November, 2022. If you wish to upgrade to platinum please choose a departure in January, February or December 2022.
Platinum Service promises and delivers a journey beyond expectations, it includes deluxe extras such as Platinum Transfers, access to the Platinum Club plus a superior food and wine offering.
Platinum cabins are almost twice the size of Gold Twin Cabins in both your room and private en suite. By day your cabin is configured as a private lounge with deluxe lounge seating, a table and two ottomans, by night the lounges convert into two comfortable twin beds.
From an additional $1,920 per person and is subject to availability upon booking.
Please note, there are no single rooms in the Platinum category
The Indian Pacific offers a range of included off train experiences which can be viewed by CLICKING HERE
Off Train Experiences are included in your fare and can be booked on boarding the train (no pre-booking available).
Optional tours offered are paid. These optional activities are paid directly to The Indian Pacific on board (no pre-booking available)
Upgrade to an Intermediate SUV - Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
You may want to upgrade your car hire to an Intermediate SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group K) or Similar for an extra AUD$200 in total.
Upgrade to a Large SUV - Toyota Kluger or similar
Full Size SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group H) or Similar for an extra AUD$775 in total.
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included)
A total of AUD$230 per person (two people booking) or AUD$460 (one person booking) will be reduced from the total price. As this trip is on request, this adjustment will be reflected in your confirmation invoice.
Driving in Winter
Whilst Tasmanian roads are well maintained, during snowy weather in the winter months, some roads may be temporarily closed to all but all wheel drive vehicles. If travelling in winter, please consider upgrading your car hire to an all wheel drive one. See below under Car Hire Upgrade for more information & prices
Drivers Licence Requirement
Avis Australia will rent to drivers that present a current drivers licence. The renter has to have held the licence for 12 months. Avis Australia will not rent to any person on a Provisional or Probationary licence.
If foreign licence is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by an International Drivers Permit (containing an English translation).
Age Requirement
Medium size cars, minimum 21 years of age
SUVs & larger vehicles, minimum 25 years of age
Additional Drivers
Additional Driver fees will apply to each individual additional driver - with the exception of the lead driver’s spouse.
* $5.00 + GST per day, per additional driver
* Max charge of $25.00 + GST per additional driver (5 day max charge)
It is essential that proof of a valid driver’s licence is provided and that the additional driver signs the rental agreement.
The Spouse of the Lead Driver includes someone (of any gender) they are married to or in a relationship with.
Digital Drivers License
A Digital Drivers License is not accepted. Drivers require a hard copy license until further notice.
Rates Include
Vehicle Registration Fee (VRF), Administration Fee, Goods & Services Tax (GST),
Premium Location Surcharge (PLS) / Concession Recovery Fee (CRF), Loss Damage Waiver, Unlimited Kilometres, Nil Damage Excess.
Please note: The renter must always pay to Avis the following costs and fees:
The cost of repairing any:
· (a) ‘Overhead Damage’ means damage (excluding hail damage) to the Vehicle during the Rental Period above the top of the front and back windscreens, damage to third party property, caused by the Vehicle coming into contact with anything overhanging or obstructing its path, objects being placed on the roof of
the Vehicle, or You or any person standing or sitting on the roof of the Vehicle;
· (b) ‘Underbody Damage’ means damage to the Vehicle during the Rental Period caused by the Vehicle coming into contact with anything below the bottom of the door seal and the bottom of the front and rear bumper bars where Avis considers, acting reasonably, that the driver of the Vehicle is reasonably at fault for that damage;.
(c) You driving the Vehicle in a manner that results in total or partial inundation or immersion of the Vehicle in water or exposure of the Vehicle to salt water (including, without limitation, damage which occurs as a result of You driving the Vehicle through floods, creeks or rivers);
(d) damage to the Vehicle caused by a breach of clause 3, 4.1, 5.1 or 5.6 of the Avis Australia Rental Terms and Conditions (save, in respect of clause 4.1(m), for minor infractions);
(e) damage to a tyre or an Accessory not attributable to Fair Wear and Tear that is caused deliberately or recklessly by You;
(f) theft of the Vehicle, unless You report the Vehicle as stolen to the police immediately on becoming aware of the theft and provide a copy of the police report to Avis as soon as you receive it; or(g)
loss or damage to Your property, the property of a member of Your immediate family or of a person related to You if that loss or damage is from a breach of these terms and conditions.
The cost of any professional cleaning or odour extraction incurred by Avis because the driver or another person has been smoking in the Vehicle during the Rental Period and/or a reasonable administrative fee reflecting the cost of making arrangements for professional cleaning or smoke extraction.
For the purposes of paragraphs (a) to (g) above, any reference to You includes an Authorised Driver and any person You or the Authorised Driver allow to drive the Vehicle.
Rates Exclude
Airport Concession Fee, Fuel, Optional Extras (baby seats, snow chains etc)
Deposits
All rentals are subject to a deposit at the time of vehicle collection to cover miscellaneous/optional charges and may also have to cover the applicable insurance excess and a $100.00 fuel bond. A credit or debit card is required. Avis Australia accepts all major credit cards. Debit cards will be accepted if they meet the following requirements: Be issued by a recognised bank, Display the Visa or Master Card logo and hologram, Display the Cardholder Name and Display the Card Number. Prepaid and Reloadable Debit Cards as well as Travel Cards and EFTPOS cards will not be accepted.
The amount of the deposit is not debited to the card at rental collection; an authority only is taken until the conclusion of the rental when any applicable charges will be debited. All renters must provide a credit card or approved debit card to enable LINKT to directly charge their applicable toll fees.
Restricted Driving Roads/Areas
The below detailed driving restrictions apply to rentals on Avis Tour Rates. Should the Avis vehicle be driven over the restricted roads / areas detailed below, or on the Rental Agreement, Avis Coverage will be void. Vehicle hire is subject to satisfactory road and weather conditions at all times.
General
The vehicle must only be used on roads that are properly formed and constructed as sealed, metalled or gravel roads (Unless the Vehicle is a 4 wheel drive vehicle).
All vehicles cannot be driven on beaches or through streams, dams, rivers or floodwaters. Vehicles may not be driven above the snow line.
Avis full Rental Terms & Conditions can be found HERE.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and now operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Our head office is located in Melbourne, Victoria, with offices around the globe to provide you with 24/7 support while you travel. When you book with Inspiring Vacations, you'll receive the support of travel professionals who are committed to the mission of inspiring people everywhere to experience the world.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling-off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Booking Process
Booking On Request
You can enhance your holiday by arriving early or staying longer upon conclusion of the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post tour accommodation
Upgrade to an Intermediate SUV - Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
You may want to upgrade your car hire to an Intermediate SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group K) or Similar for an extra $200 in total.
Upgrade to a Large SUV - Toyota Kluger or similar
Full Size SUV, 5 Door SUV, 4 Cylinder, Cruise Control, Reverse camera or sensors (Group H) or Similar for an extra $775 in total.
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included)
A total of $230 per person (two people booking) or $460 (one person booking) will be reduced from the total price. As this trip is on request, this adjustment will be reflected in your confirmation invoice.
To enhance your journey, we're offering the following optional tours that you can participate in on your free days:
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only.
Please note:
Gold Service - Available in twin configuration only. If selecting double upon check out, this configuration will only apply to your hotel accommodation.
Platnium Service - Available in double or twin configuration
Covid Itinerary Changes
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure
Single Supplement on the Indian Pacific
There is no single supplement for the Indian Pacific if utilising a Single Room. Single Rooms on the Indian Pacific are very limited and pricing is subject to availability. If the single cabins are not available at the time of booking, you will need to pay for a twin cabin at an additional cost of approx $2,700 for a Gold Twin in addition to the package price. This price is subject to change and as such, cannot be confirmed until after a booking has been made. If you are not happy with the price of the single supplement provided, you can request to cancel and receive a refund of your deposit. If the single supplement cost is suitable, this will be added to your invoice and part of the final balance payable. For an indicative cost prior to purchase, you are welcome to contact our Customer Service team.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Group Size
This package is made up of multiple components which will be provided by different operators throughout your trip. As such, group size will differ between operators and can be as intimate as 2 people or as lively as up to 60 people, depending on the activity and advertised inclusions. There may be unique cases where your selected travel date exceeds the expected group size for special events or types of activities, particularly during popular times of travel. For packages that include a train or cruise, you will be travelling with other passengers up to the capacity of this component.
When travelling with a group, no matter the size, we ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.
Tour Styles - This package is an Independent style.
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination.
This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding domestic & international airfares to your booking. Simply click on’ book now’, and under upgrades , you will be asked “Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?”. By selecting this option Inspiring Vacations will contact you to discuss adding flights to your chosen destination. We can then assist with turning your booking into a flight inclusive package.
Upon completing the purchase of your package and fulfilling the following booking requirements, you will be granted access to our flight portal via your Traveller Hub.
Once these criteria have been met, access will be made available to you via Traveller Hub to book your flights via our flight portal.
The following requests are able to be processed through the online flight portal:
The online flight portal is unable to process the following requests and you must book these yourself independently:
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.