18 Day Indian Pacific Kimberley & Kakadu
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 transcontinental journey following the footsteps of legendary adventurers, gold rush prospectors and bush pioneers, explore Rottnest Island’s unique flora, fauna & culture, visit the Horizontal Falls by sea and air, fly to the Bungle Bungle, witness crocodiles in Kakadu, see the spectacular falls of Litchfield National Park
✓ 3 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
✓ 14 nights’ accommodation in 3- 4 star hotels
✓ 20 meals throughout
✓ Included flights from Perth to Broome to Kununurra to Darwin
✓ Unbelievable flights over the Horizontal Falls and Purnululu National Park
✓ Escorted days 15 - 17 to experience Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield National Park
✓ Transportation included as per the itinerary
✓ In depth sightseeing as per itinerary
✓ 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 Sydney!
From Sydney Airport (SYD) to the city there are a few options: the Sydney Airport Link Train runs frequently and takes approximately 15 minutes. Ride-share options cost around AU$35 to Sydney's CBD.
Hotel check-in is from 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 the hotel's storage.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore Sydney.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
The Hunter is famous for its wineries and variety of cuisines cooked from fresh local produce. Our food and wine tours take you on a journey from the vine to the glass as you enjoy delicious, Australian made wines coupled with menus designed to complement every drop.
We have a motto when it comes to our Hunter Valley food and wine tours, “our wine is our canvass, and our food is our paint”. Let us help you appreciate the art of perfectly matched wine and food at the region's most renowned wineries.
Our mission is to make your day not just an outing, but an expedition, exploring vineyards, and experiencing first class cooking in idyllic surrounds.
Departs: 06.20am
Includes: Pick up and drop from your hotel, breakfast, lunch, 3 boutique winery tastings
Arrives: 06.30pm
Board your luxury yacht and cruise up Darling Harbour at a relaxed pace to the main body of Sydney Harbour. After clearing the commuter traffic, hoist the sails and cut the engines for the sail out to the harbour heads. Drop anchor in a peaceful bay for a gourmet lunch with Australian wine, beer & soft drinks. There is plenty of time to try your hand at fishing, go for a swim or just relax on the yacht.
Departs: 10.00am
Includes: Pick up from your hotel, fully qualified skipper, gourmet lunch with Australian wine, beer & soft drinks, all gear for fishing & snorkelling, towels.
Arrives: 03.00pm. Tour ends at Aquarium Pontoon Darling Harbour
Your transcontinental adventure begins in Sydney where you board The Indian Pacific. Prepare for a journey of contrasts, from lush vineyards to vast goldmines, majestic mountains to the barren expanse of the Nullarbor, from cities of four million to ghost towns of four.
As the train winds through the breathtaking Blue Mountains, explore the comforts of life onboard, get acquainted with your cabin and fellow travellers. After settling in, savour your first meal – a regionally-inspired dinner paired with all-inclusive fine wines and beverages.
After dinner, join fellow guests for a late night drink or head back to your cabin for your first night onboard.
This morning, the train arrives into the ‘Silver City’ of Broken Hill as the day begins.
Today, you will you embark on a morning of 'Off Train Excursions' to discover the mining history and artistic culture of this unique town where the streets are wide and there’s a pub on every corner.
Lunch is served onboard as The Indian Pacific enters the southern tip of the spectacular and ancient Flinders Ranges.
Arriving in the city of Adelaide in the afternoon, you have the choice of a tour of the city, a visit to the world famous Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale wine regions (seasonal), or a trip to the beautiful Adelaide Hills featuring the culinary delights of Hahndorf.
You’ll awake to the seemingly endless expanse of the Nullarbor Plain.
Breakfast is served as you travel along the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world.
This evening, your sense of wonder will be ignited as you enjoy the tranquillity of dinner under the brilliant desert stars in the remote and beautiful Rawlinna (seasonal).
Breakfast is served as you glide through the mild skies and cool green vales of the Avon Valley on your way to Perth, arriving after an onboard lunch.
Upon arrival into East Perth Train Station, make your way to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
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.
At the appropriate time, make your way to Perth airport and board your flight to Broome. A taxi or Uber ride will cost you between $30 and $35.
On arrival to Broome airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. You may like to visit Sunset Bar & Grill famous for their cocktails overlooking the waterfront at Cable Beach.
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Broome to relax by the pool, or join in more sightseeing.
Today you will be collected from your hotel to journey deep into the heart of pristine wilderness on a full-day tour from Broome. Experience the Horizontal Falls and more via return scenic flights and fast boat cruise. Be amazed by the incredible forces of one of the world’s largest tidal movements. Your highly experienced skipper navigates your boat back and forth through the Horizontal Falls. Have your camera ready as your one-hour return flight takes off from Cockatoo Island, flying low across the Horizontal Falls for an aerial perspective of your day in the Kimberley.
This morning you will be collected from your hotel for a Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour. You will follow the progress of the huge Pinctada Maxima shells as they are placed in panels and suspended to feed in the fast flowing tidal waters of Willie Creek. The world’s largest and most precious pearls grow on the Pearl Coast. After your tour including damper and tea, the Willie Creek Showroom reveals more insights into pearls and pearling, as well as offering affordable loose pearls, unique pearl farm jewellery and pearl shell products. Visiting the farm by air-conditioned coach is an excellent way to see some of the countryside with an experienced guide. Your coach captain will take the time to acquaint you with some of the more unusual native plants and wildlife on the 38km trip.
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning. At the appropriate time, your transfer will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Broome airport in time to board your flight to Kununurra.
Hotel pick up time: The transfer company will have your flight details. Please reconfirm with the transfer company 24 hours prior to departure to confirm your hotel pick up time.
Kununurra is the gateway town to the East Kimberley, and a great base if you'd like to explore some of Western Australia's most remarkable natural attractions.
On arrival in Kununurra, board your including transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Kununurra airport transfer: On arrival, your hotel will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation. This does not need to be reconfirmed unless your flight time changes.
The following itinerary applies when this activity falls between the months of June - August:
Today you will be collected from your accommodation at 9.00am before boarding your boat from the marina. Cruising this spectacular waterway, you will marvel at the spectacular scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna found along the way and maybe even spot a crocodile! Relax a while as we stop at one of our Riverside Camp’s for a buffet lunch, before we then have you cruising up to the Ord Top Dam – an incredible sight when finding yourself at its water line base on the Lake Kununurra side!
Boarding a coach you will drive across the Ord Top Dam and a stop at a scenic lookout. As we leave the Lake Argyle township, stop at the historic Durack Homestead Museum. The Museum was constructed as a replica of the original family Homestead and uses the original Homestead stone. Reboarding the coach, return to your accommodation in Kununurra through Durack country, arriving at approximately 3.30pm.
Hotel pick up details: Pick up for today's tour starts at approximately 9:00AM. Please reconfirm your tour 24 hours prior (contact details will be provided with your final documentation)
The following itinerary applies when this activity falls between the months of March, April, May & September:
Today you will be collected from your accommodation at 11.30am and taken by coach through Durack country to Lake Argyle. As we near Lake Argyle, we will take a short break at the historic Durack Homestead Museum. This Museum was constructed as a replica of the original family Homestead and uses the original Homestead stone.
Reboarding the coach, you will drive a short distance to Lake Argyle Resort before viewing the enormous Lake Argyle from a scenic look-out. Crossing the Ord Top Dam wall, you will see the Ord Hydro-Power Station before boarding your boat for a scenic journey back to Kununurra. Marvel at the spectacular scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna found along the way, including the elusive freshwater crocodile! Enjoy afternoon tea at our riverside camp before heading back to Kununurra. Take in a colourful East Kimberley sunset before docking back at the Marina and re-boarding your coach for your accommodation, arriving at approximately 6.00pm
Hotel pick up details (April, May & September): Pick up for today's tour starts at approximately 11:30AM. Please reconfirm your tour 24 hours prior (contact details will be provided with your final documentation)
The below itinerary applies to departures on the 15th March 2022 and from 20th September 2022 to 01st November 2022 (Sightseeing flight):
Today you’ll be collected from your hotel before boarding a 2 hour scenic flight that takes you on an unforgettable adventure over the Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle, the Argyle Diamond Mine and the Ord River Irrigation Area. You will also fly over the stunning Carr Boyd and Osmand Ranges, the Ord and Bow Rivers before returning to Kununurra
The below itinerary applies to departures from 22nd of March 2022 to 6th September 2022 (Sightseeing flight & walking):
Today you’ll be collected from your hotel before boarding a scenic flight that takes you on an unforgettable adventure over the Bungle Bungle Range, Lake Argyle, the Argyle Diamond Mine and the Ord River Irrigation Area. You will also fly over the stunning Carr Boyd and Osmand Ranges, the Ord and Bow Rivers. Reaching Purnululu National Park, you will land at the remote and unsealed Bellburn Airstrip, where you are met by a tour guide and an air-conditioned 4WD bus. From the Airstrip, your guide will drive further into the Park, to begin the guided walk throughout the famous eroded towers and black and orange banded beehive domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. This walk is of moderate intensity, and is about 3-kilometres in distance. Follow your guide into Cathedral Gorge, where towering cliffs open up to form a space with incredible natural acoustics. Whilst in the Gorge, enjoy a tasty picnic-style lunch whilst relaxing in one of the most beautiful spots in the park. After a short rest, walk along the dry creek bed of Piccaninny Creek, before returning to Bellburn Airstrip. You will then board your return scenic flight to Kununurra, with views of the Argyle Diamond Mine along the way.
Enjoying full commentary, we begin in Chinatown hearing fascinating stories of this colourful precinct. Learn about the ancient art of pearling from one of the local pearl producers, Cygnet Bay, and enjoy a historical sound show at the famous Sun Pictures, the worlds oldest operating open air picture garden (now listed in the Guinness World Records).
We take a drive through Old Broome to view typical Broome architecture and old Pearling Masters homes then view the aqua waters of Roebuck Bay at Town Beach and learn of Broome’s One Day War. We then stop at Matsos Broome Brewery to sample their hand made ales and famous ginger beer (complimentary tasting included). Afterwards, visit the tranquil Japanese Cemetery and take an easy paced walk at Gantheaume Point known for dinosaur footprints and the story of Anastasia’s Pool.
Today you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport to board your flight to Darwin. Most flights depart Kununurra from 3:30pm onwards giving you free time in the morning. On arrival in Darwin, please make your way to your centrally located hotel for check-in.
Kakadu National Park is a timeless place – a landscape of exceptional beauty and diversity. Mangrove fringed coastal areas blend into expansive flood plains, lowland hills flanked to the east by sandstone escarpments, all interwoven between various open woodland and forest habitats. Teeming with wildlife in the water, on the land and in the air, there are many species which provide a diversity and concentration seen nowhere else. The land takes on different forms and different colours with the passing of each season.
Travel across Adelaide River and Marrakai Plains and deep into Kakadu National Park. There is the opportunity for an optional 50 minute scenic flight (SKF50 -own expense). Visit the Warradjan Cultural Centre and view the informative displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu; we join our local guide for a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. Search for saltwater crocodiles and the colourful range of birdlife for which this region is renowned. After a lunch stop at Nourlangie Rock, your guide will lead a walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock art, before returning to Darwin.
Katherine Gorge is a network of thirteen gorges carved from billion-year-old sandstone by the Katherine River in Nitmiluk National Park. Aboriginal culture is strong in the area and there are many Aboriginal rock art sites dotted throughout the Park. It is a haven for nature lovers, with its rugged landscapes, dramatic waterfalls and lush gorges providing an abundance of flora and fauna.
Leaving Darwin we travel south through tropical countryside, passing former WWII airstrips en route to Adelaide River. We make a short stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery, a site dedicated to those killed in the air raids in Darwin in the 1940’s.
Continue to Edith Falls, where there is time for a refreshing swim in the paperbark and pandanas fringed waterhole beneath the falls (conditions permitting). After your included lunch, we join a 1.5 Gorge Cruise through Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park, a swim opportunity and a detailed visit to the Rock Art Site. The cruise will travel as far up the second gorge as possible, and will allow time for passengers to swim, so don’t forget to bring your bathers! Our tour of the first two gorges takes us past sheer rock walls and requires a short walk to reach the second gorge. Enjoy a brief tour of Katherine, the hub of the region’s cattle and farming industries. Travel via Pine Creek, an historic gold mining town, to our evening stop at Adelaide River where you may purchase dinner (own expense) before returning to Darwin
Litchfield National Park contains several types of typical Top End habitats including lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls and cascades. The park encloses much of the spectacular Tabletop Range, which is a wide sandstone plateau mostly surrounded by cliffs. During the green season four major waterfalls thunder from the cliffs to tropical rock pools many metres below. During the dry season, the waterfalls flow more gently, making the waterholes the perfect spot for a cool dip. The Park’s traditional owners are the Wagait Aboriginal people, many of whom live in the area.
We follow the Stuart Highway via the township of Batchelor to Litchfield National Park where we will visit the main falls. First stop is Florence Falls, where you have the opportunity for a scenic and interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest walk. There is also the chance for a swim by making your way down the stairs to the plunge pool below. Travel on to Tolmer Falls for a magnificent view of the water cascading down to the deep waterhole at the base of the falls. Finally we visit Wangi Falls, with its large crystal clear pool, another relaxing spot for a swim. On the way back to Darwin we make a stop in at Howard Spring Nature Park, where you will have the chance to feed the Barramundi & Turtles. A great day for taking many fascinating photos, including the amazing stand of termite mounds.
Today your Indian Pacific, Kimberley & Kakadu trip comes to an end. At the appropriate time make your way to the airport or continue your onward journey. Darwin Airport is located approximately 10km from your hotel and a taxi ride will cost you between $25 and $30.
Click HERE for more information on the Indian Pacific train
Gold Service (Included)
Platinum Service - From $2,440 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 $2,440 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)
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 the conclusion of the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre and post-tour accommodation
To enhance your journey, we're offering the following optional tours that you can participate in on your free days:
Due to two tours operating on Day 1, please note you can only select one option in Sydney.
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.
Please note, this itinerary does operate in reverse on select dates. Please CLICK HERE to access the itinerary in the reverse order.