Southern Explorer with Perth Stay – CROWN Princess® 2026

The Crown Princess® departs from the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay.

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 on board will be unforgettable.

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 (D)

OVERNIGHT: 11 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. (B,L,D)

Tasmania’s capital has much in common with Sydney. Founded but a few years later, Hobart also owes its origins to the establishment of a penal colony – and its natural setting is just as impressive. Seen from its fine deep-water harbour, Hobart spills over the lower reaches of the Derwent Valley as Mt. Wellington towers in the background. Much of the city’s heritage is centred on the historic waterfront. North of the city stretches the vast parkland of the Queen’s Domain. Many of Tasmania’s other attractions are within easy reach of Hobart. (B,L,D)

Enjoy today at your leisure. Explore the ship and discover upcoming events and activities onboard using the Medallion app. Live music, games, Stargazing, dance classes and more – create your own itinerary on so you don’t miss a thing. 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. (B,L,D)

Melbourne is a UNESCO City of Literature and Australia’s cultural capital. It is home to arts, music and an unparalleled sporting scene. Effortlessly walkable, spend your time here strolling the quaint arcades and laneways. The ship docks at Melbourne’s Station Pier Cruise Terminal, a short light rail ride away from the city centre. (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)

Adelaide combines the charm of a picturesque country town with lively cosmopolitan offerings. The city centre is compact and easily walkable, with wide, tree-lined boulevards, superb Victorian and Edwardian architecture, tranquil parks and the highest number of restaurants per capita of any city in Australia. The ship docks at the Outer Harbour of Port Adelaide, with a railway station close by providing easy access to the city centre.

Beyond the city and the rugged Adelaide Hills lie the Barossa and Eden Valleys. Here Australian vintners are winning international acclaim for their Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. (B,L,D)

Today is yours 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. Don’t forget to peruse the daily newsletter ‘Princess Patter’ for today’s events. (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 full day at Sea on board the Crown Princess®. (B,L,D)

Albany is situated on the south coast of Western Australia’s tourist region. It faces the Southern Ocean and is on the shores of King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour. Being the site of the first European settlement, much of their legacy remains today with around 50 colonial buildings standing proudly as museums, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can take in almost two centuries of history on a 30-minute walk following the Amity Trail.

The whaling station at Frenchman Bay was the last whaling station in all of Australia, closing in 1978. Today it is home to Whale World, the only museum of its kind in the world to be housed in a formerly fully-operational whaling station. One can not only board a whaling boat but also have the opportunity to spot migrating whales. (B,L,D)

This vibrant coastal city is a laid-back charmer with an enticing array of natural wonders and active pursuits. Just steps from the mile-long Jetty are glistening white sand beaches and sun-drenched seaside villages. Yet the magic of the Margaret River area beckons with 120 premium wineries; ancient caves boasting a subterranean world of jaw-dropping stalactite, stalagmite, helictite and shawl formations; a fascinating Aboriginal culture rooted in ancient history; and a picture-perfect landscape of meandering country roads and spectacular scenery. (B,L,D)

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.

Farewell the Crown Princess® this morning as you disembark in Fremantle. After being transferred to your hotel, the day is yours to explore Perth at your leisure. (B)

OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Novotel Perth Murray Street

Join the scheduled transfer to Barrack Street Jetty and board Rottnest Express, bound for Rottnest Island, 22km 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 of the island. Enjoy time to explore the island at your leisure – make sure you meet a quokka. Return to Perth by ferry in the afternoon. (B)

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

Join the scheduled transfer from your accommodation to a welcome gathering, in celebration of the start of your journey across the country and along the world’s longest stretch of straight railway track. Spend a relaxed afternoon getting to know your fellow travellers after you board the Indian Pacific and pull away from Perth, leaving the Indian Ocean behind and cruising toward the Pacific.

Tonight, a delectable dinner is served on board, featuring contemporary Australian cuisine with seasonal and regional flavours. (B,D)

OVERNIGHT: 4 nights Indian Pacific

Awake to see the sunrise unfold across Australia’s largest outback town, Kalgoorlie. This morning, we’ll delve into this mining town’s fascinating past and present, with a visit to the region’s gold-rush era, now modern-day, Super Pit mine. Decide how you want to explore Kalgoorlie on your  choice of Off Train Experience, including morning refreshments. Reboarding the train mid-morning for brunch, the remainder of the day is 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 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. (B,D)

Spend the morning travelling through the pastoral lands and communities of remote South Australia as the Indian Pacific cruises past the Flinders Rangers, Spencer Gulf and the Adelaide Plains. Breakfast and lunch are both served on board. Mid-afternoon, the train pulls into Two Wells, where you’ll disembark and transfer in comfortable coaches for a short ride to the world-renowned, wine-producing region of the Barossa Valley. You’ll spend the evening at Seppeltsfield Winery, delighting in a signature dining experience in the vintage cellar.

A traditional ‘Firing of the Barrel’ display kicks off the evening, followed by a food and wine pairing curated by Executive Chef Owen Andrews, highlighting regional produce and traditional methods that reflect the story of the Barossa. Here, Platinum guests are also treated to a special 100-year-old wine tasting experience After dinner, you’ll return to the Indian Pacific, continuing your rail journey through the night. (B,L,D)

Crossing another border during the night, you’ll wake up in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, ready for the day’s activities in the Silver City. You’ll have a choice of four Off Train Experiences, including guided history, art and cultural experiences that showcase the highlights of Australia’s first heritage-listed city.

Returning to the train for lunch, admire the scenery as the Indian Pacific travels through regional New South Wales.

Tonight, dinner is served on board as you make the most of your final night exploring Australia by train. (B,L,D)

The Blue Mountains is known for its soaring sandstone ridges wrapped in native flora. This World Heritage-listed area marks your final stop before arriving in Sydney. Say goodbye to the Indian Pacific after breakfast, to travel deep into the mountains for this afternoon’s Off Train Experiences.

Scenic World includes four phenomenal mountain experiences, from the Scenic Skyway, which takes you over ancient ravines, with 360-degree vistas to the Scenic Cableway that glides over the forest to the valley floor and the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world. Alternatively, stretch your legs on a guided walk with spectacular views from numerous lookouts along the trail. Both experiences end at Echo Point Lookout, perched on the edge of the escarpment in Katoomba, where a light lunch is served.

Continue your journey on our chartered New South Wales rail service (fully hosted by our crew) into Sydney Central Station, where your incredible journey exploring capital cities, outback deserts, pristine islands, and remote wilderness concludes. (B,L)

Alternatively, if you prefer to arrive in Sydney earlier, stay on board the Indian Pacific to travel directly to Sydney Central Station, arriving before lunch. (B)