All aboard the new Indian Pacific itinerary: longer, slower, better

To label the Indian Pacific one of the grandest journeys in Australia is to under-value the experience. This is one of the greatest journeys in the world, with very few, if any, peers.

It is one of only a few truly transcontinental journeys in the world and the only one that is easily completed from one carriage in less than a week.

What started life as a pragmatic passenger train 50-plus years ago is now unquestionably a journey of epic experiences . And more remarkably still, it continues to improve.

Indian Pacific train — The *Indian Pacific* journey is brimming with old-world charm. (Image: Journey Beyond)

Launching in 2025, the new Perth to Sydney journey is now four nights (Sydney to Perth remains three nights) with a host of unforgettable experiences: bonfire and nightcap in the middle of the Nullarbor, a full morning in Broken Hill and Blue Mountains and the combination of two Aussie icons, The Indian Pacific and Seppeltsfield to host a memorable evening in the Barossa Valley.

Seppeltsfield dinner, Barossa Valley, SA

Indian Pacific Seppeltsfield Signature Dinner Drone Barossa Valley — The exclusive Seppeltsfield dinner is the signature moment. (Image: Journey Beyond)

The signature moment from this new and improved four-day itinerary is the exclusive dinner at Seppeltsfield in the Barossa on the third evening.

Having traversed half the country, 24 hours of which is the mesmerising Nullarbor plain, we pass through the wheatfields of South Australia to arrive at the suitably named Long Plain.

Seventy-five kilometres north of Adelaide in the heart of the Yorke Peninsula’s wheat country, an endless carpet of golden stubble stretches out before me; the remnant of the lush fields of wheat left by the industrial headers who slashed off the valuable seed heads last January.

The 25 carriages of the Indian Pacific slow to walking pace before the unexpected jolt required to finally exhaust the inertia of a train that stretches further than the eye can easily see, brings us to a standstill. We amble the eight carriages from our Gold Class Premium lounge car to a suitable disembarking spot for the one-hour (60-kilometre) coach drive to Seppeltsfield.

JBR Accommodation Gold Premium Lounge — The Gold Class Premium lounge car is the perfect meeting spot. (Image: Journey Beyond)

We toast our good fortune on the manicured lawns and private gardens of the historic winery estate with bubbles and gourmet popcorn as the sun sets, flanked by several of the 2000-plus iconic Seppeltsfield palm trees that line the property.

Seppeltsfield’s Executive Chef Owen Andrews is flipping the racks of beef eye fillet over the charcoal as we enter the Barrell Room – a cavernous, corrugated iron shed. Strings of lights are stretched over six long tables surrounded by barrels and a dance floor; it feels like a feasting hall for Vikings.

In about two hours, the guests will form a Congo line almost as long as the Indian Pacific itself, encouraged by the band that has belted out all the hits to get the crowd on the dance floor

Indian Pacific Seppeltsfield Signature Dinner Barossa Valley SA — The Seppeltsfield fest is world-class. (Image: Journey Beyond)

But first, we feast. Platters of eye fillet and pesto chicken breast are joined by roast potatoes, honey carrots and a green salad. Iconic Barossa shiraz and Eden Valley shiraz are in plentiful supply, and of course, the port barrel preserved cheese platter to finish is accompanied by the equally renowned Para Grand Tawny.

A closely guarded bottle of 1925 Vintage Para Tawny sits on one of the bars. For a charge, guests can sip the rare antique nectar.

Before the dance kicks off in earnest, Seppeltsfield’s Master Cooper Andrew Young fires up a flamethrower to demonstrate the art of turning a wine barrel into a whiskey barrel.

The drive back to the Indian Pacific in Adelaide starts with much shiraz, riesling and port-induced merriment and mirth that peters into the rhythmic bass of snoozing.

Broken Hill, NSW

The morning after the extravagant meal at Seppeltsfield, we arrive in the mining town that gave birth to the “Big Australia", BHP, Broken Hill.

Today, the town and I celebrate its more recent fame as the setting for iconic scenes from The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

In a flurry of pastel pink, silver and turquois sequins Shelita Buffet (I am embarrassed to admit as I write this I have just got the pun, She’ll Eat A Buffet) exits her parked 4×4 ute, pauses dutifully at the zebra crossing before striding across in her white high heeled ankle boots to greet waiting Indian Pacific guests at Broken Hill station on a crystal-clear Monday morning…

It is an entrance befitting the queen of the city. She is built to play front row for the NRL and is all sass and fun as she leads our merry band on a walking tour of the city, mixing the industrial history of the town with a more contemporary context.

Indian Pacific trip — The Broken Hill stop is a cultural experience like no other.

“The Royal Theatre is now the only nightclub in town; sticky floors and smells of disappointment." She quips on one of the early stops before stating the establishment was the largest theatre outside Sydney for a long time and has hosted some of Australia’s most celebrated rockers, Cold Chisel being the most recognised.

Discussing the many movies that have been filmed in Broken Hill, Shelita is full of pithy commentary. “Wake in Fright is about a man who is stuck in Broken Hill drinking every day and can’t escape… it is the story of my life".

Not entirely true. I find out later at the Tipsy Camel from Shelita’s mother, who is serving up drinks and light refreshments in between songs, trivia, bingo and games as part of Shelita’s show, that she returned from a life as a chef in Adelaide to build her show in her hometown of Broken Hill. Her builder brother not only helps with the renovations to the former brewery but also helps Shelita into her figure-hugging costumes between songs.

Kalgoorlie, WA

Rail Gold Premium Cabin Day — Wake up to views of the desert. (Image: Journey Beyond)

The new Indian Pacific itinerary now connects two of Australia’s greatest outback mining towns in one journey, Broken Hill and Kalgoorlie. On the first morning after leaving Perth, I opt for the Hannan’s North Tourist Mine experience.

Grabbing a fine dirty chai from the lounge before disembarking, we are greeted at Hannan’s by Jason Dimer. He delivers a poignant Welcome to Country at the small onsite theatrette before revealing how his Irish grandfather and First Nations grandmother’s relationship brought two tribes together at the beginning of the 20th Century.

We leave the small theatre and head to the two-up shed where local historian Danny Sheehan entertains with the numerous stories of two-up shenanigans in Kalgoorlie.

Back onboard, brunch is a welcome sight. In anticipation of the three-course meal, I decided the breakfast BLT with hollandaise sauce may be a little lighter than the gammon steak, but I immediately have food envy when I spy the two dishes on a table next to me.

Indian Pacific Rail Gold Premium Dining — Dine onboard the *Indian Pacific*. (Image: Journey Beyond)

Aysha, our waitress, takes matters into her own hands for dessert. She delivers both the natural yoghurt parfait as I ordered and a second plate of blueberry, apple and pear toast “just because it is so good". Three-course brunch is now three and a half courses of superb dishes.

Meanwhile, the Nullarbor creeps into view as the Great Western Woodland recedes from sight.

Cook, Nullarbor, SA

Indian Pacific On Train View Nullarbor — Spend hours admiring the view of the Nullarbor. (Image: Journey Beyond)

The feature-filled Nullarbor is today’s backdrop. Endless red sand, shrubs and the occasional flitting bird interrupt the seemingly lifeless landscape. We laze in the lounge car reading books and chatting with fellow travellers, or retire to our Gold Class Premium cabin to read, watch the Nullarbor like an endlessly flickering fire and nod off. No reception is a welcome enforced disconnect.

I rouse myself for afternoon tea and trivia with an onboard musician before lazing and lolling to be roused again for dinner. This unavoidable, disconnected, slow pace is liberating.

Indian Pacific Experience Cook SA — Spend the evening in ghost town, Cook. (Image: Journey Beyond)

After dinner, the highlight of the day and the new journey is a stop at Cook in the middle of the Nullarbor for a bonfire, nightcap and stargazing.

This is big sky country, the quintessential Australian outback vastness that overwhelms most Westerners’ preconception of the possibilities of landscapes.

And, here in the middle of the night, I get to look up, around and beyond into the solar system, with a glass of port and a chocolate almond or three.

Blue Mountains, NSW

Uncle David King tour in the Blue Mountains off train experience Indian Pacific — Uncle David King’s mother is part of the Stolen Generation. (Image: Quentin Long)

The Blue Mountains excursion on the fifth and final morning is proof of the original thinking used to create this new, more immersive off-train experience-led itinerary.

After passengers disembark for morning and lunch in the mountains, the train itself continues to Sydney Central Station. We will make the final two-hour journey to Sydney on a chartered passenger regional train.

Uncle David King leads our cultural tour of the Scenic World rainforest. He speaks in the forthright, passionate manner of an experienced elder who has connected thousands of interested visitors to the ancient culture and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal Australia.

The world's steepest railway — The world’s steepest railway. (Image: Quentin Long)

His mother, part of the Stolen Generation, only started sharing her culture and experience with her children in 1996, waiting until “she felt culturally safe"; when she felt it would not be a burden to her children and accepted by a more accepting modern Australian community. Uncle David shares this uncomfortable narrative with such obvious pride and humour, focusing on the positive that he is now custodian of such knowledge, devoid of judgement that his acquisition of the knowledge was challenging.

His positivity and humour make the simple 90-minute tour a delight. Sitting on the verandah, Uncle David passes around a weighty nulla and equally dangerous boomerang designed not to return but break the legs of mammals.

Descending the world’s steepest railway, we stroll the easy boardwalks among the rainforest as Uncle David’s commentary ranges from modern to ancient. “That is the toilet paper tree, but not big enough for me."

Indian Pacific Perth to Sydney is more than a journey of a lifetime

Indian Pacific drone shot in Lake Julia, WA — The *Indian Pacific* is a transcontinental journey that demands a place on every traveller’s bucket list. (Image: Journey Beyond)

The facts of the Indian Pacific are undeniable: a transcontinental journey accompanied by outstanding food and wine and superb service. In four nights of relative comfort and luxury on the Indian Pacific, you gain an intimate understanding.

But more than that, the Indian Pacific is a journey across the formative landscapes that have shaped the people, from First Nations to industrial and agricultural pioneers.

Indian Pacific Perth to Sydney new itinerary

The new four-night, five-day itinerary is as follows:

Day 1

Board Perth at 4pm and depart at 6pm. Dinner onboard.

Day 2

Arrive in Kalgoorlie at 6am for off-train experiences.

Brunch back onboard at 10.30am.

Afternoon tea and trivia.

Dinner onboard.

Arrive at Cook for bonfire, stargazing and nightcap.

Day 3

Breakfast and lunch onboard, crossing the Nullarbor.

Arrive at Long Plain and board the coaches for a one-hour drive to Seppeltsfield.

Depart Seppeltsfield at 10pm and reboard the train in Adelaide.

Day 4

Breakfast onboard, arrive at Broken Hill.

12.30pm depart Broken Hill.

Lunch and dinner onboard (prime emu spotting).

Day 5

Breakfast onboard, disembark for Blue Mountains experiences at 9am.

Lunch at Echo Point.

Join a chartered commuter train for the journey into Sydney.

A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating.

Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned.

Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world.

Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria — Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves.

The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.

Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions.

Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.

Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed — Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)

As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene.

Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure.

The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po , where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls.

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed , the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles.

Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

pink Lake Tyrrel, Wimmera Mallee, Victoria Australia — Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)

Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes.

Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell , which turns pink during wet and warm conditions.

The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden.

And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic.

Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

border inn in the Wimmera Mallee — Meet the locals at Border Inn.

As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area.

The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality.

The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green. For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.

A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times.

Wimmera Mallee accommodation

Fulham Homestead in wimmera mallee — Escape to Fulham Homestead.

If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest. After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge , also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway.

For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning.

The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike.

If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre.

Annual events

Wimmera Mallee Nhill Aviation Museum — Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.

You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again.

Each year, the Lake Chalegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark.

Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival , a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show , which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj , a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community.

From the quirky to the tasty, start planning at visitwimmeramallee.com.au