Western Australia to South Australia: the Outback by train

Take a short ferry ride on Rottnest Express this morning and travel from the buzzing capital city of Perth to the picturesque nature lovers' paradise of Rottnest Island, home to one of Australia's most loveable (and photogenic) marsupials, the quokka. Apart from a small colony on the mainland, Rottnest Island is the only place where quokkas can be found on Earth, and you are likely to see several emerging from the bush as you explore the islet.

Today you'll spend the day exploring the Margaret River Region on a private tour. You'll taste your way through the region's top wineries, explore art galleries and enjoy scenic coastal views before making your way back to Perth.

After collecting your car hire, you'll begin your drive from Perth to Esperance via Hyden. A classic Western Australian road trip, this journey will take you through the quiet wheatbelt country before stopping at Wave Rock, the striking granite cliff shaped like a breaking wave. From there, the road south becomes more remote and scenic, with salt lakes and wide horizons leading you toward Esperance’s famously clear water and white beaches.

Esperance is all about stunning coastlines and easy-going days. We recommend beach hopping through Cape Le Grand National Park, taking in the views from Frenchman Peak, cruising the Great Ocean Drive for lookouts and pink-tinted lakes, and relaxing along the foreshore with a swim or fish and chips by the water — you may be lucky enough to be accompanied by a kangaroo or two on the white sand beaches.

This morning, get an early start to make the journey across the southern coast from Esperance to Albany. There are some great places to stop for walks along the way — beautiful coastline, sand plains, and river valleys — and make sure to keep your eyes peeled for whales as you go. This afternoon, visit Torndirrup National Park to admire the Indian Ocean tussling with the various blowholes and rock formations, most notably at 'The Gap.'

Walk the streets of the historic maritime town of Albany and explore convict jails, old taverns, whaling ships, settlers' cottages, and grand National Trust homes. Later in the day, you might wish to head to one of the region’s beaches, such as Middleton Beach or Salmon Beach.

Travel close to the Southern Ocean today, along the coastal road to Walpole and enjoy the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. This impressively engineered structure allows you to walk through the canopy of the Red Tingle Forest high above the ground. There is a pretty walk at ground level, too, for those less keen on heights. In the afternoon, you might like to visit one of Pemberton’s quaint boutique wineries or head out for a walk in one of the region’s towering karri forests before you continue to the Margaret River Region.

Today, relax on a guided tour of the Margaret River Region that blends scenic highlights with tastings at a selection of boutique wineries. Learn about the area's winemaking history while taking in the region's natural beauty.

Take your time making your way back to Perth today, as you will board the Indian Pacific in the late afternoon and get to know the other explorers on your train. You'll pull away from Perth, leave the Indian Ocean behind, and cruise toward the Pacific. Tonight, dinner is served on board, featuring contemporary Australian cuisine with seasonal and regional tastes.

Awake to see the sunrise unfold across Australia's largest Outback town, Kalgoorlie. This morning, you'll delve into this mining town's fascinating past and present, visiting the region's gold-rush era and the modern-day 'super pit' mine. Decide how you would like to explore Kalgoorlie from your choice of off-train experiences, including morning refreshments. Re-boarding the train for brunch, the remainder of the day is spent on board at your leisure. Sit back and enjoy the hospitality as you take in the 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, late-night bonfire and stargazing experience.

Spend your final day on the Indian Pacific gliding through the rural landscapes of South Australia, with the Flinders Ranges, Spencer Gulf, and Adelaide Plains unfolding outside your window. Enjoy an unhurried onboard breakfast and lunch before rolling into Adelaide in the afternoon, marking the end of your memorable Nullarbor journey.

Depart Adelaide on a 20-minute flight to Kangaroo Island, where your wildlife adventure continues. Your guide will meet you at the airport and whisk you away on a safari-style expedition to meet the locals - koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, Australian sea lions and fur seals.

Continue your exploration of Kangaroo Island with the included touring, or unwind with a good book and relax at your hotel.

Today, take the short 20‑minute flight back to Adelaide to begin your Audley exclusive five-night 'Wine to Mountains' experience. Your guide will meet you on arrival and escort you directly to the Barossa Valley to continue your journey.

Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel before setting out on a full-day private exploration of the Barossa. Visit iconic attractions such as Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, wander through charming historic villages, and enjoy curated wine tastings at renowned cellar doors, paired with a delicious lunch.

Leisurely enjoy the Barossa before making your way through the Outback landscapes as you journey toward Rawnsley Park Station. On arrival, check-in for an exclusive three‑night stay in a beautifully appointed eco‑villa, surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Flinders Ranges.

Wake to the dramatic beauty of the rugged ranges of Rawnsley Park. Today you'll explore ancient gorges and view abundant wildlife on a private guided 4x4 tour before enjoying a relaxed lunch at a local hotel. Return to Rawnsley Park Station in the late afternoon for a tranquil evening immersed in Outback serenity and a star-studded sky.

Take in sweeping aerial views of the Flinders Ranges today on a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound. Continue with a half‑day Station Run tour, where you’ll delve into Rawnsley Park’s pastoral heritage and learn about its innovative sustainable practices. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at your own pace — relax at your eco‑villa or set out on one of the nearby walking trails to soak up the Outback landscape.

Begin your final morning in the Flinders Ranges with a guided three‑hour breakfast walk to the base of Rawnsley Bluff, ending with a hearty bush‑cooked breakfast enjoyed in the wilderness. Afterwards, a private road transfer will take you to Whyalla Airport for your onward flight to Adelaide for your last night in Australia.

A private transfer will pick you up at your hotel for your onward flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.