Experience authentic Australia as you embark on a holiday like no other during fascinating city stays, enlightening tours and an iconic Indian Pacific rail journey. Step on board the elegant Grand Princess® for a full-board voyage discovering the rugged natural beauty and wonders of New Zealand.

From the white curves of the Opera House to surfers dotted along the waves on Bondi Beach, Sydney is a heady mix of culture and nature. During your four-night stay you could explore beautiful beaches and feel the warm sand between your toes, discover all 30 hectares at the Royal Botanic Gardens, or simply wander through The Rocks district where you can buy delicious street food while buskers strum their guitars.

Today you’ll enjoy a fully escorted tour to the Blue Mountains, home to eucalyptus forests, native bushlands, scenic walking tracks, cascading waterfalls, and the world famous Three Sisters rock formation. Relish a journey on one of the world’s steepest railways, Katoomba scenic railway, as you a ride on the glass-roofed carriages over Jamison Valley and its majestic canyons. You will return by the Skyway gondola for unforgettable panoramic views as well as savouring a stop by Echo Point to admire the breathtaking views of the Three Sisters.

Sydney offers a feast of cultural treats, from first-class museums and galleries to boutique pint-sized cinemas. Why not get the adrenalin flowing by taking the dizzying 360-degree Sky Tour around Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, or even climbing to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, known locally as the ‘Coathanger.’  And don’t forget the city’s globally acclaimed food scene, with everything from gourmet street stalls to innovative fine dining to tempt your tastebuds.

This evening you will cruise Sydney for dinner with the best backdrop in town - Sydney's unforgettable harbour with highlights including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Enjoy a multi-course chef-designed all-inclusive menu featuring the best of New South Wales ingredients, all of which showcase the multicultural influences on the Sydney dining scene paired with wines from some of New South Wales’ most prestigious wine regions. 

Your transcontinental adventure begins the moment you board the majestic Indian Pacific. Prepare for a true journey of contrasts, from the heights of the majestic Blue Mountains to the barren expanse of the Nullarbor Plain and from cities of 4 million to ghost towns of just four. As you roll through ever-changing scenery, explore the comforts of life onboard or settle into your comfortable cabin. As evening falls, savour a regionally inspired dinner paired with all-inclusive fine wines and beverages before escaping to the lounge for a night cap.

This morning you’ll arrive in the ‘Silver City’ of Broken Hill, one of Australia’s legendary Outback bases. Here you’ll enjoy morning off train experiences to discover the mining history and the colourful Central Market of this unique town. After lunch is served back on board, you’ll arrive in the beautiful city of Adelaide where you’ll have the choice of a city tour or a trip to the spectacular Adelaide Hills featuring the culinary delights of Hahndorf.

You’ll awake to the seemingly endless expanse of the sweeping Nullarbor Plain. Breakfast is served as you travel along the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world. Following a leisurely breakfast, you’ll step off the train for a short stop in Cook. Once a bustling railway community, now effectively a ghost town, Cook gives new meaning to the expression “middle of nowhere”. Take some time to reflect on the changing landscapes in your journey and to enjoy the hospitality of the Outback Explorer Lounge as you arrive on the edge of Western Australia.

Disembarking in Perth, you’ll have a three-night hotel stay in which to relish the joys of this city’s idyllically warm climate. Perth combines sophisticated attractions and cultural events with beautiful beaches with an easy-going attitude to create one of Australia’s most liveable cities. Rottnest Island, 19km off the coast of Fremantle, is surrounded by secluded bays and beaches offering a haven for wildlife and an escape from city life with excellent snorkelling, fishing, surfing and diving.

Today you’ll enjoy a taste of Perth and Fremantle during a half-day explorer tour. Beginning in Perth, take in all the major attractions of the revitalised Perth CBD, including the Western Australia Cricket Ground and Optus Stadium. From here, you’ll head to Kings Park Botanical Gardens, where you could admire the spectacular wildflowers or take in the stunning views over the city skyline. In historic Fremantle, embrace the impressive facades of this heritage listed city and enjoy some time to explore before returning to Perth.

For your final day in Perth, you could learn more about the history that created this city. Walk within the halls of Fremantle Prison to grant you an insight to the former penal colony. However, if you prefer that all that glitters is gold, you could head to the Perth Mint, a museum that delves into Australia’s gold history with vault tours.

A lively and friendly city, Cairns is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef surrounded on three sides by lush rainforest. Dine at cosy cafés and brunch joints, guaranteed to leave your tastebuds tantalised, take a leisurely stroll along the impressive Esplanadé featuring a large, open-air lagoon swimming pool or visit the Botanic Gardens brimming with striking native flowers, plants, and trees.

Today you’ll witness spectacular views as you board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and glide above the rainforest canopy to Kuranda with stops along the way at Red Peak Station and Barron Falls Station. Upon arrival, explore the village, before you transfer to the Rainforestation Nature Park for lunch and a performance by the Pamagirri Aboriginal Dance Troupe. Next, you’ll tour through the tropical rainforest in an amphibious Army Duck and visit the Tropical Fruit Orchard. The final part of your trip takes you to the Koala and Wildlife Park where you could hand feed kangaroos.

Covering a total area of 344,000 square kilometres and made up of 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living organism. You’ll be awe-struck by the staggering beauty of this majestic reef and the magical tapestry of colour that is laid out before you aboard your glass bottom boat. During your guided snorkel tour, you’ll see schools of exotic fish, sea turtles, manta rays and giant clams. As part of your tour, you’ll also enjoy delicious buffet lunch and afternoon tea before returning to shore.

A day of adventure awaits as you prepare for your final tour in Cairns. Step on board your private coach and sit back for your journey into the emerald canopies and weaving vines of the Daintree Rainforest, named by Sir David Attenborough as “the most extraordinary place on Earth.” You’ll first stop is a one-hour cruise along the mighty Daintree River. Learn about the intricate eco-system that coexists here between the unique flora and fauna that call this remarkable place their home. Once on the other side of the river, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in the rainforest before heading to Mossman Gorge for afternoon tea and guided walk. Discover more about the cultural significance of this ancient rainforest to the local Kuku Yalanji people. You’ll also get to wander the Marrdja Boardwalk, surrounded by towering trees and verdant mangrove swamps.

Flying to Melbourne, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the various bars and restaurants in the modern Federation Square. Not hungry? You could venture out into the Southbank area for the National Gallery of Victoria with incredible feats of Australian and indigenous art. The Queen Victoria Market that was established in 1878 still remains, and here you could shop for deliciously fresh local produce including speciality cheeses, savour a meal at one of the numerous cafés, or grab a warm, buttery croissant and coffee to go.

Today, you’ll explore the Yarra Valley during excursions to four renowned wineries: Balgownie Estate, Steels Gate Winery, Greenstone Vineyards, and Yering Farm. Enrich your knowledge of winemaking and tasting from an informed wine guide and savour a delicious lunch, all while taking in the stunning landscapes that envelope you.

Melbourne is famous for its markets, where you’ll find everything from local produce to arts and crafts and vintage fashion. The inner city’s leafy sections have a European feel, alongside New York-style 1950s Art Deco high-rises. Take a stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens, offering a kaleidoscope of colour whatever the season, with sweeping lawns, peaceful lakes and majestic trees that harbour a fantastic range of wildlife.

Embark Grand Princess® for the beginning of an incredible voyage around New Zealand. With a fantastic range of dining options and stellar entertainment, the Grand Princess® sets a high standard for Princess’ new MedallionClass™. From Movies Under the Stars® to Chocolate Journeys℠ discover what it means to have a grand time at sea.

For foodies, you couldn’t find a ship better than the Grand Princess®. Sample melt-in-your-mouth steak in the Crown Grill℠, tuck into exquisite seafood meals in the Crab Shack and treasure trattoria-style Italian food in Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria. Wherever and whatever you eat on board, every mouthful is a decadent treat.

You’ll cruise through spectacular natural Fiords in Southwest New Zealand, where mountain peaks are reflected in mirror-smooth waters. In this important wildlife habitat, you could spot a Little Blue penguin or two, as well as resident fur seals and playful dolphins, as you sail past breathtaking scenery where waterfalls plummet down sheer cliffs into still, deep waters. This unspoilt and rugged landscape will captivate even the most experienced traveller.

Breathe in the crisp, fresh air as you step on decidedly Scottish soil. Even though you may be half a world away and in a different country, the flavour remains the same from the blue Victorian buildings and beautiful green parks to local bars and pubs, it more than lives up to its title as the ‘Edinburgh of the South.’

For those who enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, Lyttelton is for you. With beatific views and nature trails snaking over emerald hills, it’s an endlessly captivating destination. A popular day-trip is Quail Island, once home to a leper colony and teeming with scenic paths and picnic spots. It’s also on the doorstop of Christchurch, where you could watch punts glide along the Avon River or admire the distinctly English ambience and architecture.

You’ll sail into New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, nestled in hills surrounding a sparkling bay on the southernmost point of the North Island. In this beautiful setting, admire the tiny white sails mingling with the cargo ships in the bay and charming Edwardian architecture contrasting with the contemporary city skyline. For panoramic city views, ride the iconic cable-car, which soars above the botanical gardens and hillsides dotted with colourful houses, to a lookout point high above Wellington.

Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities. The Bay of Plenty coastline has miles of golden beaches to enjoy. Explore the beautiful natural landscape in one of the many parks, and try your hand at mountain biking or white-water rafting. If you prefer a more laid-back holiday, spend a relaxing day dolphin-watching.

Auckland is home to the largest Polynesian population in the world and you’ll find plenty of Māori influences dotted around the city, from street names to statues. With a delightful blend of modern skyscrapers, beautiful black-sand beaches and hiking trails around Mount Eden, a dormant volcano, there’s something for everyone. A scenic ferry ride will take you to some of the 50 island gems in Auckland's majestic Hauraki Gulf or you could wander the meandering paths of Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park.

Delight in the fabulous range of activities that you can do day or night on the ship. Have a swim in the pool, bask in a luxurious massage in the Lotus Spa® or enjoy an afternoon tea to relax after the day’s activities. Then, in the evening, enjoy fabulous musical productions in the Princess Theater, sip a cocktail in the Vista Show Lounge or simply cuddle up with your loved one at Movies Under the Stars®.

Today you'll disembark Grand Princess® and head to the airport to fly home, with memories to last a lifetime.