TRACKS TO THE DREAMTIME

Your Australia vacation begins in Perth, an ideal city to touch down and spend a couple of days shaking off the jetlag. Perth is one of the world’s most isolated cities, but with its buzzing cosmopolitan vibe, you’d never know it. From your stylish central hotel, COMO The Treasury, make the most of the colourful bars, the gourmet restaurants, the world-class galleries, the pretty parks and the beautiful beaches.

Board the Indian Pacific train in Perth for your 3-day journey eastwards to Adelaide. The Indian Pacific enables you to travel in style and ease along the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world. Sit back, relax, and take in the views of remote wildernesses such as the Nullabor Plain as you enjoy gourmet Australian cuisine such as fresh fish and local beef, and comfortable nights in your private cabin, rocked gently to sleep as you travel over the tracks.

On arrival into Adelaide, you’ll be taken to the airport for the 30-minute flight to Kingscote airport on Kangaroo Island. This beautiful island is home to a wide variety of wildlife, in addition to the kangaroos that give it its name, such as koalas, echidnas, little penguins, sea lions and a wide range of birds, and you can see whales and dolphins off the coast. You’ll also find stunning, remote beaches and rugged, windswept coastlines, and clifftop rock formations such as the aptly-named Remarkable Rocks. Stay at Lifetime Private Retreats, perched on the scenic cliffs of the island.

Today, you’ll fly back to Adelaide, and be taken to the Barossa Valley and Kingsford Homestead, a historic farmhouse on the edge of the valley. Cycle through the countryside, stopping for a delicious picnic, and sample the local vintages of this beautiful region on a wine tasting tour. This is one of Australia’s finest dining spots, where you can savour award-winning, exquisite cuisine that showcases fresh, local, seasonal ingredients, washed down with wines from the vineyards on the doorstep, of course.

Return to Adelaide to board the legendary Ghan for one of the world’s greatest train journeys, heading up the centre of Australia to Darwin. The Ghan harks back to the golden era of train travel, and you can take in vast, otherwise inaccessible landscapes from the comfort of your seat as you travel north. Watch the scenery change as you pass from the lush green wine valleys of the south to the distinctive red Outback of the north, and travel through the heart of the country.

Along the way, there’s a chance to stop and explore beautiful and unique spots such as the underground town of Coober Pedy, Alice Springs, in the centre of the Outback, and the dramatic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.

Back aboard, enjoy hearty breakfasts, delicious afternoon teas and exquisite three-course dinners, and sleep in a private, luxurious cabin – some come with TVs, mini-bars and private bathrooms, and on your return from enjoying dinner in the dining car, you’ll find your bed made up for you and a nightcap and chocolates on your bedside table.

On arrival in the tropical and diverse city of Darwin, check in to the Hilton hotel and cool off in the pool or relax with a cocktail in the lounge, before seeing the region’s indigenous art in the galleries or heading out to Mindil Beach to browse the markets and watch the sunset – a fitting end to your Australian adventure.