Gone are the days of driving around the country in an old campervan – ‘the big lap’ can now be done much more easily in comfort and style.
This rail and sail adventure combines two iconic experiences – the Indian Pacific train journey across the Nullarbor and a Top End cruise – to complete a circumnavigation of Australia.
Starting in Sydney on 9 February 2017, passengers board Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas for a 16-night voyage to Perth, visiting six cities along the way.
Sailing north along the east coast, the first port of call is Brisbane, followed by Cairns (Yorkeys Knob) and Darwin, with two days at sea in between each stop. As a special bonus, halfway through the cruise is one full day in Bali (Benoa), where passengers can tour the island, try the local cuisine or a cheap massage.
Radiance of the Seas then heads down Australia’s west coast to Port Hedland and the windswept beaches of Geraldton. Arriving in Perth on 25 February, passengers have one night in Perth before embarking on the Indian Pacific the next day.
Travelling in a Gold Service private cabin with ensuite facilities, you can indulge in all-inclusive dining, drinks and off-train excursions. The onboard Queen Adelaide Restaurant serves contemporary cuisine using the finest produce sourced from the regions through which the train travels. Complimentary local wines, beers and non-alcoholic beverages are also offered in the restaurant, while the outback view passes by.
In the morning, the Indian Pacific pulls into Kalgoorlie for a full day to explore Australia's largest outback city, known for its gold rush history and grand colonial buildings. The included excursion to Hannan’s North Tourist Mine allows access to the minerals exhibition, Chinese Gardens and the ‘Super Pit’, which is the world’s largest single open cut mining operation (3.6 kilometres long, 1.6 kilometres wide and 512 metres deep).
After a brief stop in Cook (population: 4), the train continues to Adelaide where the included options range from a city tour to a foodie trip to the Central Market.
The last stop is Broken Hill, where you can take a coach tour or walk to the infamous Palace Hotel for a drink, before returning to Sydney.
The 20-night ‘Top End & Trains’ cruise-tour package is priced from AU$4,799 per person twin share, based on an inside cabin on the Radiance of the Seas (or for only AU$1,000 more, upgrade to a private balcony cabin).
This special deal also includes a bonus US$100 per cabin onboard credit; pre-paid ships gratuities; all shipboard main meals (excluding specialty restaurants); one night 4-star accommodation in Perth; and the three-night Indian Pacific rail journey.
