The Indian Pacific Escape Overland Adventure (Double) (FRE - ADL)
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Port
Fremantle (Perth), Australia
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All,68
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$6999.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
6 Days/ 5 Nights
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Meals Included
Meals included
The Indian-Pacific train is named for the two oceans it kisses, crossing Australia with avid adventurers (like you) taking in the furthest and most remote reaches of the Outback from its plush interior and its picture windows. It is one of the Great Train Rides of the World. You're here for this very purpose -- don't miss it!
Day 1 (L/D)
Leave the ship in Fremantle for a scenic ferry ride to Rottnest Island and a coach tour to explore its stunning beauty. Visit some of the island's most spectacular locations while learning about its cultural, historical, and social heritage. The quokka -- a tiny kangaroo-like creature -- is an adorable, quirky little addition to the diverse wildlife and endemic flora that call the island home.
The Oliver Hill train takes you to Rottnest Island's historic Oliver Hill Guns and Tunnels. There are more than 60 steps here.
Return to Fremantle by ferry and then transfer to the East Perth Train Terminal for your journey aboard the Indian Pacific Train.
Settle into your cabin as the Indian Pacific train pulls away from Perth, leaving the Indian Ocean behind and heading across Australia toward the Pacific. Spend the evening getting to know your fellow travelers, as a wonderful dinner is served on board featuring contemporary Australian cuisine with seasonal and regional flavors.
Hotel: Indian Pacific Train - Gold Premium Twin Cabin
Day 2 (B/L/D) Indian Pacific Train/Kalgoorlie/Cook
Awaken to see the sunrise unfold across Australia's largest Outback town, Kalgoorlie. The train pauses here, and you'll step off to explore.
Decide how you want to explore Kalgoorlie with your choice of Off-Train Experiences, including morning refreshments:
1. The Super Pit - an active working gold mine
2. Hannans Tourist Mine - an interpretive center with more than 30 exhibits
3. A guided walk through Kalgoorlie to learn of the town's history, stories, and legends.
Reboard the train mid-morning in time for brunch, and 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 state borders and time zones, entering South Australia before dinner. In the 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.
Hotel: Indian Pacific Train - Gold Premium Twin Cabin
Day 3 (B/L) Indian Pacific Train - Adelaide
Savor your final day on board, taking in the passing scenery, reminiscing with newfound friends, and indulging in a leisurely final breakfast and lunch. Arrive at Adelaide Parklands Terminal in the afternoon to complete your epic Nullarbor Plain train crossing. Disembark from the train, collect your luggage, and transfer to the Stamford Plaza Hotel.
Dinner tonight is not included and is at your own expense.
Hotel: Stamford Adelaide - Superior City View Room
Day 4 (B/D) Adelaide
Breakfast is served in the hotel's restaurant.
This morning, set out to Mount Lofty for a view from the summit at 2,300 feet above sea level. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Kangaroo Island.
Taste a curated miniature degustation wine-tasting experience at The Lane Vineyard. Five wines are each paired with a bite-sized sampling from the restaurant's menu.
Stop at Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf, for some free time. Lunch is not included. You will have time to purchase lunch at your own expense.
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Jurlique's Biodynamic Farm in the stunning Adelaide Hills. This is your chance to experience a connection to nature and learn more about their sustainable practices and processes.
d'Arenberg welcomes you to Art Evolution Australia, currently showcasing the largest Salvador Dalí sculpture exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere. Adding to the collection are some very rare Dalí sculptures recently rediscovered in Switzerland. Your entry ticket includes the Dalí exhibit and a group wine tasting.
Tonight, indulge in a five-course degustation menu including paired beverages at one of the hotel restaurants.
Hotel: Stamford Adelaide - Superior City View Room
Day 5 (B/L/D) Adelaide
After breakfast, head off on a scenic panoramic drive to the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Board the Spirit of Coorong for a cruise to the Goolwa Barrage (dyke). Pass through the lock and into the Coorong lowland region to view the mouth of the Murray River. From here, you'll cruise into the sparkling waters of Coorong National Park, past spectacularly white sand dunes. Watch for birdlife here, as winged companions wheel above the boat. A delicious cold lunch is served with tea or coffee.
At Godfrey's Landing, leave the boat for a guided stroll along the boardwalk, which leads you through the sand dunes of the Younghusband Peninsula to the undisturbed white sandy beaches of the Great Southern Ocean. Your guide explains the dune flora and fauna and how the Aboriginal people once lived in the area.
Cruise further into Coorong National Park to see another of the barrages separating the Coorong region from Lake Alexandrina. The barrage (dyke) and lock system here keeps saltwater out of the Murray River at high tide, allowing farmers to irrigate with fresh water from the river. Your guide will explain the associated benefits and environmental impact.
On your return drive to Adelaide, enjoy a stop at a McLaren Vale winery for an in-depth Shiraz tasting experience.
The National Wine Centre of Australia, nestled on the edge of Adelaide's beautiful Botanic Gardens, dishes up a captivating "feed-me" style menu, expertly curated by the Head Chef and featuring the best regional produce from South Australia. Each dish is carefully designed to take your taste buds on a remarkable journey of flavor and texture. To elevate the experience, each course is paired with exceptional wines, creating a sensory adventure to both delight and surprise your palate.
Hotel: Stamford Adelaide - Superior City View Room
Day 6 (B) Adelaide
After breakfast in the hotel's restaurant, transfer to the Outer Harbour and rejoin the ship, waiting for you at the pier.
Notes:
Tour requires considerable walking in a desert climate. Summer temperatures in Adelaide and its surrounding regions can reach as high as 104°F (40°C), and the Outback is even hotter. Not advisable for guests who are sensitive to extreme heat and dehydration. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, cobblestones, inclines, gravel, grass, and many steps. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Bring sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. Bring a broad-brimmed hat; wear sunscreen and insect repellent. Bring a refillable water bottle. The tour is guided; an escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing; the cut-off date is 185 days before the ship's call at Fremantle. Accommodation is included (hotels are subject to change). Transportation by air-conditioned coach, any flights and entrance fees indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), water on the vehicle, and meals (as indicated) are also included. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour.
Cancellation Policy:
This excursion is non-refundable within 185 days prior to arrival into Fremantle. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour cost, including if you cancel your cruise voyage within 185 days prior to arrival into Fremantle.
Respiratory Devices:
Stringent regulations apply to air transportation of breathing/respiratory devices. Guests intending to bring such a device must notify Holland America Line's head office or the Shore Excursions team on board at least 30 days before the start of the tour. FAA documentation and a physician's authorized letter detailing the device's particular use and technical information about the device are required. Each airline will inspect the device before boarding to ensure compliance; it is your responsibility to ensure adequate screening time before boarding your flight.
Important information regarding visa requirements:
You must bring your passport with you on the tour. It is solely each participant's responsibility to obtain any necessary visas, tourist cards and vaccinations, if required, to participate in Overland Adventures and/or Overnights and to keep apprised of any policy changes. Visas may be required for any/all countries your tour departs from and travels through, and for the country where you will rejoin the ship. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the cruise. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. US and Canadian citizens can reach them by phone or email: US citizens: 866 788 1100 or email customerservice@cibtvisa.com. Canadian citizens: 866 935 8472 or email customerservice@cibtvisas.ca. CIBTvisas phone numbers and email addresses for Dutch, German, Australian, United Kingdom, Belgian, Singapore, Spanish, Swiss and French citizens can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of Holland America Line's website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at https://CIBTvisas.com/hollandamerica. You must advise CIBTvisas of your Overland Adventures or Overnights, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.