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  • Escorted Tour

Top End Northern Explorer

Australia Cruise and Rail

CROSSING AUSTRALIA’S NULLARBOR PLAINS FROM SYDNEY TO PERTH ON THE ICONIC INDIAN PACIFIC TRAIN BEGINS THIS NEW AUSTRALIAN TOUR OF CONTRASTS.  

 Perth, West Australia’s showpiece, sets off a seven-night visit in the south-west. Fremantle is an ideal cruise departure port for 17 nights of cruising along the West Australian and Kimberley coastline with a day in the pearling capital Broome on the way to Darwin. Cairns and Brisbane are also interesting ports to spend a day before arriving in Sydney. The Crown Princess is a very comfortable 4-star cruise ship with all the bells and whistles to entertain you on your days at sea.

Why not join us on another of our Australian journeys.

Your travel itinerary

Tuesday 22 April

Auckland – Sydney

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Depart Auckland on Air New Zealand to arrive in Sydney mid-morning. Transfer to an inner city hotel with the remainder of the day free. 

Welcome Dinner at the hotel.

Wednesday 23 April

Sydney – Broken Hill

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After breakfast and a late check out, transfer to Central Railway Station for your early-afternoon departure on the legendary Indian Pacific train to Perth.Settle in and relax as the train passes through the Blue Mountains - a stunning backdrop of rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls.

Thursday 24 April

Broken Hill – Adelaide

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Arrive in the ‘Silver City’ of Broken Hill this morning. Discover the mining history and artistic culture of this unique town and heritage-listed city. After lunch on board, we reach Adelaide for more Off Train Experiences, including a visit to the world-renowned wine-producing region of the Barossa Valley or soak up the quaint village of Hahndorf with quintessential German food.

Friday 25 April

Nullarbor Plain

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Today we travel the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world before arriving in Rawlinna this evening for drinks and canapés by the fire. 

Saturday 26 April

Arrive Perth

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Admire the lovely undulations of the Avon Valley and arrive in Perth after lunch. Transfer to an inner-city hotel. 

Sunday 27 April

Perth

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A morning city tour after breakfast, takes in Perth, the Kings Park Botanical Gardens and Fremantle. A Swan River Cruise completes the day. 

Monday 28 April

Perth

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Today explore the beautiful capital of Western Australia at your leisure. Why not take the express ferry to Rottnest Island which has stunning beaches, woodlands, salt lakes and its marsupial population of Quokkas.

Tuesday 29 April

Margaret River

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Tour to Margaret River, beginning with a drive to Cape Leeuwin, the most south-westerly point of Australia where the Indian and Pacific Oceans meet. Visit the famous lighthouse and later Mammoth Caves, a large limestone cavern where a guided tour is included. 

Wednesday 30 April

Perth

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Enjoy a day at your leisure. Take a stroll along Swan River and take in in the beautiful views of the city skyline.

Thursday 01 May

Perth B

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A fascinating day out visiting Australia’s only Benedictine Abbey, New Norcia, and the mystical Pinnacle Desert. 

 

Friday 02 May

Perth

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Final day to explore the “City of Light”.  See the artistic side of the city, the State Theatre Centre or the Art Gallery of Western Australia or have a water-view lunch at Elizabeth Quay.

Saturday 03 May

Perth – Embark ‘Crown Princess’

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After breakfast, transfer to Fremantle to board our home for the next 17 nights. Time to familiarise yourself with the on-board amenities. Set sail mid-afternoon.

Sunday 04 May

Geraldton

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Boasting beautiful beaches, this city makes it a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. The city also has a rich maritime history, with attractions like the HMAS Sydney II Memorial and the Geraldton Museum showcasing its naval heritage.

 

Monday 05 May

– Tuesday 06 At Sea

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Time to relax and enjoy the ship as you cruise along the West Australian coastline. Or join the countless number of events on board - cooking demonstrations, trivia contests and enrichment programs.

 

Wednesday 07 May

Broome

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Broome was known as the ‘Pearling Capital’ of the world when Japanese, Chinese and Aboriginal divers toiled in arduous conditions to harvest the pearls. Although still a remote outpost, Broome has become a popular tourist destination. 

 

Thursday 08 May

Yampi Sound Scenic Cruising

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The crystal-clear waters and natural beauty continue with more opportunities to spot a wide range of marine life. 

Friday 09 May

Kimberley Coast Scenic Cruising

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Although the mainland has been inhabited for many years, the ruggedly beautiful Kimberley Coastline remains unspoilt. With dramatic red cliffs, reefs, islands and aquamarine waters, cruising the Indian Ocean is a great way to see it all.

Saturday 10 May

Darwin

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A day in the Northern capital. Why not take a sightseeing tour – a perfect introduction to Darwin’s history and quirky charm with time to explore on your own.

 

Sunday 11 May

- Wednesday 14 At Sea

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Two days of simply cruising and enjoying ‘Crown Princess.’ Maybe treat yourself to one of the specialty restaurants in the evening and a Broadway-style show in the theatre.

 

Thursday 15 May

Cairns

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Cairns is one of Australia’s most-popular destinations, boasting three of Australia’s natural wonders. Just off shore are the immense bastions of living coral which form the Great Barrier Reef. 20km of superb beaches stretch to the north while inland lie the large Daintree National Park.

 

 

Friday 16 May

Willis Island Scenic Cruising

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A significant meteorological and wildlife outpost.

 

Saturday 17 May

Brisbane

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The cool and casual capital of Queensland offers all the glitz and glam of a big city without big city airs. Located on the banks of the Brisbane River and surrounded by rolling hills, this urban oasis is certainly a great day out.

 

Sunday 18 May

At Sea

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Monday 19 May

Sydney – Auckland

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Arrive into Sydney Harbour and disembark the Crown Princess. Transfer to the airport for a departure on Air New Zealand to Auckland. Arrive late afternoon.

Please ask us about extending your stay in Sydney!

 

Inclusions

• Return economy air travel on Air New Zealand Auckland – Sydney // Sydney – Auckland 

• One night’s accommodation Sydney

• 3 night rail journey, Sydney – Perth, on board Indian Pacific train - Gold Class including all  meals and drinks

• Off-train experiences in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook and Rawlinna

• Seven night’s in 4-star Accommodation in Perth

• Welcome Dinner Sydney

• Perth and Fremantle City Tour including river cruise

• Margaret River day tour

• Pinnacles and New Norcia tour

• 17 nights aboard ‘Crown Princess’ in a stateroom of your choice

• ‘Crown Princess’ gratuities, port taxes and fees

• International transfers 

• Daily Breakfast, 21 lunches, 21 dinners

• Pukekohe Travel escort - subject to 20 people travelling

Cost

Cost Per Person *
Auckland - Auckland
Twin ShareSingle
 Balcony  $18,970  $26,925
 Oceanview   $18,160 $25,411
Premium Economy Class Upgrade

+$585

Early Booking Discount (30 September 2024 ) $150
Previous International Pukekohe Travel Tour Discount $100

*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment

Exclusions

• Travel Insurance – compulsory (please ask us for a quote)

• Items of a personal nature

• Airport and airline taxes (approx.$275)

• Crown Princess Shore Excursions 

• Beverages onboard Crown Princess

Booking Conditions

• A non- refundable deposit of $4,000 per person will secure a place on this trip

• Full payment is due no later than 06 December 2024

Cancellations

• From the date of booking until 06 December 2024 – loss of deposit

• After 06 December 2024- no refund

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is essential. Please feel free to contact us for a quote.

General Information

Currency

• Australian Dollars

 Documentation

• A current passport is required, valid six months beyond date of travel

• No visa is required for New Zealand Passport holders

• All other passport holders – please ask

 

Luggage

Checked-in luggage is not accessible during the train journey. Pack your soft cabin bag with the essentials for the three nights. Smart casual is recommended for the Queen Adelaide Restaurant on board the train.

Clothing

• Daytime – comfortable touring clothes, good walking shoes. Evening – smart casual for hotels and on board the train

• Cruising: As above, with something more dressy for the special nights on board.

 

Temperatures      Max                 Min

Sydney               21˚C               15˚C

Adelaide           23˚C              14˚C

Perth                 22˚C            12˚C

Darwin             32˚C           22˚C

Brisbane        24˚C           15˚C

 

Fitness & Mobility

To ensure the tour is enjoyable for you and others in the group, a reasonable standard of fitness and mobility is required. It is expected you will arrive on tour fit, healthy and ready to travel.

Ship Information

Crown Princess

With its elegant design and luxurious amenities, the Crown Princess offers passengers an unforgettable experience at sea. Explore ashore and return to a relaxing atmosphere filled with world-class entertainment and dining – it’s a perfect balance of adventure and luxury.

Length 290m

Refurbished April 2018

Passengers 3080

Crew 1200

Ocean View Stateroom 44m2

This cabin includes all the amenities of an interior room, but has a spacious picture window for memorable views and which brings in natural light.

Balcony Stateroom 65m2

This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space to relax, dine or take in the inspiring scenery surrounding you.

 

Indian Pacific

• The Outback Explorer Lounge is the train’s centre of activity

• Gold Service Guests dine in the classically-appointed Queen Adelaide Restaurant

• Gold Twin - a comfortable sleeper cabin features private en-suite and upper and lower berths that convert to a threeseater lounge by day

• Gold Single - a compact sleeper cabin features a bed that converts to a seat by day and shared shower/toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage

Gold Class Service Features

• All-inclusive dining. A regionally-inspired menu paired with a selection of local wines

• All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages

• All-inclusive off-train excursions in Kalgoorlie, Rawlinna, Cook, Adelaide, Broken Hill and the Blue Mountains

 


Note: Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change

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