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.

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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.

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Indian Pacific Perth to Sydney new itinerary

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

Day 1

Step aboard the Indian Pacific for an epic 4352km adventure to see Australia like never before.

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

Day 2

From the goldfields of Kalgoorlie to the silence of the Nullarbor and the tiny ghost town of Cook, this is the wild heart of Australia.

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

Wine country on the rails. The Indian Pacific slows down for a day of world-class vineyards and laid-back charm in the Barossa Valley.

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

Join the fabulous Shelita Buffet for a tour of Broken Hill, where history, art and drag come together for a one-of-a-kind outback adventure.

Breakfast onboard, arrive at Broken Hill.

12.30pm depart Broken Hill.

Lunch and dinner onboard (prime emu spotting).

Day 5

We're swapping outback dust for green valleys as the Indian Pacific winds its way into the misty Blue Mountains. The final stretch takes us into Sydney, where the journey ends – but the memories last a lifetime.

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

Lunch at Echo Point.

Join a chartered commuter train for the journey into Sydney.

From rainforest walks and scenic drives to historic gold-rush towns and standout regional dining experiences, you can find it all in West Gippsland.

Hover over West Gippsland on Google Earth and you’ll see vast tracts of land spread out like green velveteen around the Toorongo Falls Reserve. It’s a landscape that feels almost impossibly lush for a region sitting little more than an hour from Melbourne.

Track southeast in late autumn and early winter and you’ll see pockets of the Mt Baw Baw Plateau dusted in snow. In addition to the forests of mountain ash veined with creeks and rivers, there are pastures and farmland cross-stitched together to form pretty patchworks.

But West Gippsland isn’t defined by scenery alone: in addition to its awe-inspiring nature, a Venn diagram of the region includes gold-rush history and great culinary experiences. Spend a long weekend here and it quickly becomes clear how often these three overlap.

Getting there

Messmates Dining west gippsland — Spend the weekend eating and exploring in West Gippsland. (Credit: Messmates Dining)

Getting to West Gippsland involves as easy drive – it’s just over an hour out of Melbourne along the Monash Freeway.

Not driving? Catch the train from Melbourne on the Gippsland line, terminating at either Traralgon or Bairnsdale, and hop off at Warragul or Drouin.

Visit historic villages

Walhalla historic township — Wander into Australia’s Gold Rush history at Walhalla. (Credit: Rob Blackburn)

The West Gippsland region is on the Traditional Lands of the Kulin and Kurnai nations, specifically linked to the Bunurong, Gunaikurnai and Wurundjeri Peoples, whose connection to Country stretches back thousands of years.

European settlement occurred in the 19th century as timber cutters, farmers and gold seekers pushed into the region’s dense forests. Small towns grew around sawmills and railway lines, and many of those gold rush settlements, timber towns and railway villages still shape the character of the region today.

The most evocative of these is Walhalla Historic Township, a remarkably preserved gold-rush township tucked deep in the mountains. In the late 1800s, it was one of Victoria’s richest goldfields. Today visitors can step inside that history at the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine, where underground tours reveal the scale of the mining operation that once powered the town’s prosperity. Nearby, the Walhalla Goldfields Railway retraces part of the original narrow-gauge line through the valley, offering a slow journey past forest and river scenery.

Further west, Noojee is a classic mountain village. It’s surrounded by dense forest and waterfalls and has become a natural base for exploring the Baw Baw region. Just outside town, Noojee Trestle Bridge stands as one of West Gippsland’s most striking relics of the rail era. The towering wooden structure is the tallest surviving trestle bridge in Victoria and today forms the centrepiece of an easy scenic walk with wide views across the valley.

Alpine Trout Farm west gippsland — Catch your own lunch at Alpine Trout Farm. (Credit: Nicky Cawood)

At Alpine Trout Farm near Noojee, visitors can fish for trout in mountain-fed ponds before enjoying the catch prepared fresh onsite. It’s a simple experience that reflects the area’s long connection to the surrounding waterways.

Back in Warragul, the region’s main service town, the story shifts from heritage to modern regional life. With galleries, restaurants and sweeping views across the rolling farmland of Gippsland, the town has become a lively hub linking the district’s past with its evolving food and cultural scene. Drive through the town and you’ll find heritage buildings, old pubs and weatherboard cottages that hint at the area’s early days as a frontier landscape.

In other towns the past survives in quieter ways – a historic hall here, a century-old bakery there.

Walks, waterfalls and wild places

Toorongo Falls in west gippsland — Stroll Toorongo Falls Reserve. (Credit: Nicky Cawood)

Even simple roadside stops can feel cinematic in West Gippsland. The region also delivers plenty of opportunities to lace up your walking shoes.

One of the region’s most rewarding nature escapes lies just outside Noojee at Toorongo Falls Reserve. A network of walking tracks winds through the cool-temperate rainforest where towering mountain ash trees filter the light and the air smells of rich, damp earth. The 2.2-kilometre trail to the viewing platform overlooking Toorongo Falls is short, but spectacular, as the water cascades down over moss-covered rock faces into a cool, green gully in Little Toorongo River.

Further north, the Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort offers year-round adventures. In winter, the mountain attracts skiers and snowboarders. The warmer months are just as compelling, with scenic drives to see alpine wildflowers, mountain bike trails and panoramic hiking routes that open across the plateau.

Cyclists and walkers looking for a more relaxed pace can follow the Rokeby Neerim Rail Trail, which traces a former railway line through farmland and small Gippsland villages. The mostly flat trail passes rolling paddocks, creeks and historic bridges, making it an easy way to drop it down a gear when exploring the countryside.

Taste the best eats of West Gippsland

Hogget Kitchen west gippsland — Taste the best of the region at Hogget Kitchen.

For many travellers, the real drawcards of West Gippsland are the food and wine. The region sits in the heart of Victoria’s fertile dairy country, and that agricultural backdrop has helped shape a dining scene where seasonal produce and local provenance take centre stage.

Hogget Kitchen has helped put Warragul firmly on the radar for serious regional dining in West Gippsland. Here, head chef and owner Trevor Perkins runs the kitchen alongside well-known winemakers William (Bill) Downie and Pat Sullivan. Hogget Kitchen lives up to its promise of exceptional destination dining; what lands on the table depends largely on what nearby farms have harvested that week as well as a wine list from Wild Dog Winery and other Gippsland producers.

Warragul is also where you’ll find Messmates Dining where the kitchen team is led by Michelin-trained chefs. The Euro-leaning bistro and wine bar brings a polished edge to the local dining scene using produce sourced from across West Gippsland.

For something more casual, the century-old Noojee Hotel is the kind of hub that every traveller dreams of finding after a long drive. Expect generous pub classics served on the sunny deck in summer or beside the crackle of a log fire in winter. Nearby, rustic Toolshed Bar, Bistro & Cabins is the place to go for a wood-fired pizza topped with smoked local trout paired with Gippsland wine, making it a rewarding stop for lunch or an overnight stay.

Time your visit with the Truffle Festival

Food lovers visiting in winter should consider timing their trip to coincide with Noojee Truffle Festival, running from 10 July to 2 August 2026. The inaugural event celebrates the region’s emerging truffle industry with tastings, special menus and events built around one of winter’s most prized ingredients.

Start planning your long weekend in West Gippsland at visitgippsland.com.au.