Northern Explorer with Perth Stay – Crown Princess® 2026

Feel the excitement build as you arrive at Central Station to begin your epic adventure on board the Indian Pacific. Departing Sydney’s Central Station, get acquainted with your cabin and fellow travellers. Take in spectacular views as the Indian Pacific winds through the Blue Mountains. Tonight, you will enjoy your first meal on board – a regionally inspired dinner paired with fine wine and beverages. After dinner, consider a nightcap in the lounge before you retire to your cabin. (D)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Indian Pacific

After breakfast, prepare for your first Off Train Experience in Broken Hill, the Silver City. Explore mining heritage through visiting the Broken Hill Trades Hall and the striking Miners Memorial that stands over the town or for a different take on Broken Hill, go on a tour of the main drag with fabulous local Drag Queen sensation, Shelita Buffet.

Art aficionados may opt to visit the captivating Living Desert Sculpture site or take in the exhibitions at the oldest regional art gallery in New South. Alternatively, ignite a sense of nostalgia at Bells Milk Bar, an icon of Broken Hill, sipping on malted milk while a performance by Cindy and Johnny takes you back to the 50’s.

Lunch is served back on board as the Indian Pacific enters the southern tip of the ancient Flinders Ranges.

Arriving in Adelaide in the late afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity for an Off Train Experience, exploring the South Australian Museum or indulging in an epicurean experience. Visit the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale to sample fine South Australian wines before an indulgent meal, or try a cheese or gin tasting in the charming Adelaide Hills village of Hahndorf before feasting at Haus – a German restaurant showcasing the best in local produce. Alternatively, visit Adelaide Central Markets for a tour and exclusive sit-down dinner.

After dinner, return to the train to continue your journey west. (B,L,D)

Today is all about those amazing outback views as you cross this famous stretch of the Australian interior, the ancient Nullarbor Plain, on the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world. Enroute, the Indian Pacific calls in to Cook, once-bustling, now almost-ghost town that was originally built as a support town for the railway.

Travelling further west, the next stop is at Rawlinna on the fringe of Australia’s largest sheep station for a signature dinner under a thousand stars (weather permitting) (B,L,D)

Admire the delightful undulations of the Avon Valley and enjoy a final breakfast on board as the final stage of your transcontinental crossing unfolds, heading into Perth. After being transferred to your hotel, relax and enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B)

OVERNIGHT: 4 nights Novotel Perth Murray Street

It might be the largest state in Australia, but Western Australia’s capital city features a conveniently compact centre, packed with things to see and do. Enjoy your day at leisure in Perth visiting Kings Park, Barrack Square, or some of the many museums and galleries. (B)

Today is a day of relaxation. Take advantage of the hotel facilities, explore the city of Perth, or take in the delights of the port city of Fremantle. (B)

Join the scheduled transfer by Rottnest Express or make your way to Barrack Street Jetty and board Rottnest Express bound for Rottnest Island, 22kms offshore. A 90-minute air-conditioned bus tour around ‘Rotto’ takes you to some spectacular locations, including Wadjemup Lighthouse and the boardwalk lookout at the rugged west end. Enjoy time to explore the island at your leisure – make sure you meet a quokka. Return to Perth by ferry in the afternoon. (B)

You will be transferred to the Cruise Terminal and board the Crown Princess®, ready to truly light up the seas, serving up tantalising cuisine, dazzling live entertainment, and enriching experiences. Relax in The Sanctuary~, a tranquil haven reserved for adults, or put your feet up at Movies Under the Stars ^(TM) – whatever you decide to do, your time onboard will be unforgettable.

Lying at the mouth of the Swan River, historic Fremantle – founded in 1829 – is your gateway to Perth, the capital of Western Australia. Situated on the banks of the Swan River some 15 miles upriver from Fremantle, Perth is a bustling city where soaring high-rises co-exist with elegant sandstone buildings from the colonial era (B,D)

OVERNIGHT: 17 nights Crown Princess®

Familiarise yourself with the layout of the ship today. A variety of everyday dining venues are available including The Salty Dog Grill, Horizon Court, International Café, and Slice Pizzeria. Choose from specialty restaurants – Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Crown Grill, the Salty Dog Gastropub and the Chef’s Table Experience. (B,L,D)

Exmouth lies some 780 miles north of Perth on the rugged and stunningly beautiful Northwest Cape. This remote corner of Australia has been of strategic importance since the days of the Second World War. In fact, Exmouth was built in 1964 to support the Harold E. Holt Communications Station. Nearly 45 years later, the base remains a top-secret installation. The North Cape is also an impressive travel destination. Here rugged mountains and stony gorges descend to stunning beaches. Australia’s longest fringing reef lies just offshore. Its crystalline waters boast great fishing, and whale sharks are frequently sighted between April and July. (B,L,D)

Relax in one of the lounges, read a good book or visit The Sanctuary ~ an exclusive adults-only retreat offering a relaxing alternative to the myriad outdoor activities and entertainment available elsewhere on the ship (B,L,D)

Built on the back of the pearl trade, Broome is a wonderfully multicultural town on the rugged North West coast of Western Australia. This fascinating and diverse remote outpost boasts one of the country’s premier beaches – stunning Cable Beach stretches more than 20 kilometres along the coastline of the Indian Ocean. (B,L,D)

Yampi Sound is a part of the Indian Ocean off the coast of north-western Australia, in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It is located between King Sound and Collier Bay. The Traditional Owners of the areas around the Sound are the Umiida people. The Sound contains many islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, the largest being Koolan Island; others include Cockatoo Island, Irvine Island, Bathurst Island, Finch Islands, Hidden Island, Baylis Islands and Iron Islands. The rich fish life is an attraction for bottlenose dolphins that come to feed in the early mornings. (B,L,D)

Renowned as one of the most important and spectacular wilderness regions on Earth, you will get to see the beauty of the Kimberley from the ocean. The dramatic coastline framed by stark red cliffs has been identified as one of the least impacted marine environments in the world. With more than 2,600 islands scattered beyond the reefs, the area is rich in biodiversity and wildlife. Expect to see plenty of exotic birdlife as you cruise past this amazing wonderland. (B,L,D)

Today is yours to enjoy. Take some time to relax and revitalise with a dip in one of the freshwater pools or hot tubs. Enjoy the sea breeze as you soak up the sun in a padded lounger with a good book, listen to music, or dream about your next adventure. (B)

Closer to Indonesia than to any other Australian city, Darwin is the capital of the “Top End” and is home to more than half the population of the remote, vast Northern Territory. A popular starting point for journeys through the Top End wilderness region’s many attractions, there’s plenty of fascinating history to explore in and around Darwin. (B,L,D)

Plan your onboard activities for the next three days whilst at sea. Throughout the day and night, Movies under the Stars is an exclusive open-air poolside amphitheatre and is the go to destination for feature films, thrilling concerts and exciting sporting events. Cozy up under a fleece blanket in the comfortable lounger and feast on complimentary fresh-popped popcorn in the evening or delicious cookies and milk during the day and enjoy that exciting car chase or mystery thriller on the giant screen. (B,L,D)

Perhaps indulge in a decadent afternoon tea in the dining room, where you can enjoy freshly prepared finger sandwiches, cakes and cookies, accompanied by a wide variety of teas or coffee. Enjoy the many facilities available to you on board the Crown Princess®. Don’t forget to peruse the daily newsletter ‘Princess Patter’ for today’s events. (B,L,D)

Enjoy the many facilities available to you on board the Crown Princess®. Don’t forget to peruse the daily newsletter ‘Princess Patter’ for today’s events.  (B,L,D)

(Water Shuttle Required, Wheelchair Access Limited)

Located between the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas provides a perfect gateway to hardy adventurers en route to rainforest and reef. (B,L,D)

Willis Island is one of several tropical islands sitting beyond the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea Islands Territory and is surrounded by thriving reefs where many creatures make their homes. Numbering into the thousands, Willis Island itself caters to many species of seabirds, including Masked, Brown and Red-footed Boobies that cry out nearly 24 hours a day. It is also an important nesting ground for turtles. (B,L,D)

Enjoy today at your leisure. Perhaps Attend a Champagne Art Auction, take a stroll through the European-style Piazza, where roving performers will delight you with their skills, or practice your putting in a round of mini-golf. (B,L,D)

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, located in the Sunshine State, boasts of having over 280 days of sunshine per year. Brisbane is known for its laid back and friendly atmosphere, sophisticated art galleries and museums, beautiful botanic gardens, and Moreton Bay. The Brisbane River, which flows through the city, gives you great access to both north and south via the famous CityCats (B,L,D)

Visit the Shops of Princess for the last chance to pick up some keepsakes and souvenirs. Enjoy a musical production, dabble in the casino~, or simply relax in a lounge, sipping one last cocktail~ as you enjoy your final evening on board the Crown Princess®. (B,L,D)

As your ship passes Harbour Heads, you are presented with the shimmering skyline of Sydney – hailed by many seafarers as “the most beautiful harbour in the world.” Two prominent landmarks, Harbour Bridge and the sail-like curves of the Sydney Opera House, grace the backdrop of this picturesque harbour. Farewell the Crown Princess® this morning as you disembark upon arrival into Sydney where your incredible rail and ocean journey comes to an end.(B)

~ Cruise itineraries and onboard offerings are not guaranteed. Charges apply to some activities, venues and menu items.