Northern Explorer
with Sydney stay
Rail & Sail
with Journey Beyond
- 17-night Northern Explorer Princess Cruise
- Indian Pacific journey including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences
- Departs Perth on 1 April 2026
- Members save 5% off rail portion^
Covering a large swathe of Australia, this incredible rail and sail adventure takes you from coast to coast and back again, through spectacular natural landscapes, where you’ll have opportunities for deeper exploration through a range of day-trip activities and Off Train Experiences. This is a journey of contrasts, with spectacular coastlines, pristine beaches, and the vast expanse of the Nullarbor Plain, demonstrating Australia’s diverse landscapes.



Highlights
- Itinerary: Perth, Exmouth, Broome, Yampi Sound, Kimberley Coast, Darwin, Port Douglas, Willis Island, Brisbane, Sydney with optional shore excursions^
- Choose from a selection of on-board dining options to tempt your tastebuds
- Enjoy a musical production in the Princess Theatre
- See one of the many guest entertainers
- Join a cooking demonstration, dance class, trivia contest and more~
- Cruise Sydney Harbour on a 78ft luxury vessel and enjoy a premium lunch with Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney
- Sail past Sydney Opera House and the Iconic Sydney cityscape, Taronga Zoo, Luna Park and more
- Discover the mining heritage of the Silver City, Broken Hill
- Ponder the vastness of the Australian continent as you cross the Nullarbor Plain
- Enjoy sightseeing and fine food and wine around cosmopolitan Adelaide.
~ Cruise itineraries and onboard offerings are not guaranteed. Charges apply to some activities, venues and menu items.
^ Shore Excursions have fees applied
Inclusions
- 17-day Northern Explorer onboard Crown Princess cruise ship from Fremantle to Sydney, including select main meals
- Transfer from Cruise terminal to hotel
- 4 nights’ accommodation in Sydney, including breakfast.
- Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
- Transfer from hotel to Central Train Station
- 4 days aboard the Indian Pacific, Sydney to Perth including all meals, beverages and Off Train Experiences in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Cook and Rawlinna
- 24 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 20 dinners
A valid passport or government-issued photo identification is required to travel onboard Crown Princess. Cruise itineraries and on-board offerings are not guaranteed. Charges apply to some activities, venues and menu items.
Departs: 01 April - 25 April 2026
Cabin Type |
Fare Type |
Interior |
Gold Twin | Everyday Fare | $9260 |
Advance Purchase | $8740 | |
Member Fare | $9070 | |
Gold Single | Everyday Fare | $13,650 |
Advance Purchase |
$13,175 |
|
Member Fare | $13,480 |
Above prices are from prices, per person and subject to availability and change without notice.
*Advertised price is per person, twin share and based on the Advance Purchase Fare in a Gold Twin Cabin aboard the Indian Pacific and an Interior Cabin aboard Crown Princess. Please enquire with your local RAC Travel Centre for cabin upgrades.
Crown Princess cabin types
Interior = category Interior IB Mid-forward, Mid-aft: Aloha, Baja, Caribe, Dolphin decks, Mid-ship: Riviera deck.
Indian Pacific fare types
Advance Purchase: Are you booking at least 6 months in advance? Please enquire about the Advance Purchase Fare to get the lowest price! For Advance Purchase Rail Journeys, full payment will be required at the time of booking and a stricter cancellation and amendment policy applies.
Everyday Fare: For Everyday Rail Journeys, you may pay in two parts, a deposit at time of booking and the balance no later than 45 days prior to departure. Everyday Fares are generally a bit more expensive than Advance Purchase Fares but offer more flexible cancellation and amendment policy.
RAC Member Fare: The RAC Member Fare is based on the Everyday Fare. The same terms and conditions apply but as a RAC member you save 5% off the Everyday Fare on the rail portion of this package.
Please enquire with your local RAC travel consultant for cabin upgrades and current availability and pricing.
Day 1 - Board the Crown Princess in Fremantle
Make your way to the Cruise Terminal and board the Crown Princess®, ready to truly light up the seas, serving up tantalising cuisine, dazzling live entertainment, and enriching experiences. Relax in The Sanctuary~, a tranquil heaven reserved for adults, or put your feet up at Movies Under the Stars (TM) - whatever you decide to do, your time onboard will be unforgettable. Lying at the mouth of the Swan River, historic Fremantle - founded in 1829 - is your gateway to Perth, the capital of Western Australia. Situated on the banks of the Swan River some 15 miles upriver from Fremantle, Perth is a bustling city where soaring high-rises co-exist with elegant sandstone buildings from the colonial era.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight:17 nights Crown Princess
Day 2 - Crown Princess, at sea
Familiarise yourself with the layout of the ship today. A variety of everyday dining venues are available including The Salty Dog Grill, Horizon Court, International Café, and Slice Pizzeria. Choose from specialty restaurants~ Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Crown Grill, the
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 3 – Crown Princess, Exmouth
(Water Shuttle Required, Wheelchair Access Limited)
Exmouth lies some 780 miles north of Perth on the rugged and stunningly beautiful Northwest Cape. This remote corner of Australia has been of strategic importance since the days of the Second World War. In fact, Exmouth was built in 1964 to support the Harold E. Holt Communications Station. Nearly 45 years later, the base remains a top-secret installation. The North Cape is also an impressive travel destination. Here rugged mountains and stony gorges descend to stunning beaches. Australia's longest fringing reef lies just offshore. Its crystalline waters boast great fishing, and whale sharks are frequently encountered basking on the surface between April and July.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 4 - Crown Princess, at sea
Relax in one of the lounges, read a good book or visit The Sanctuary, an exclusive adults-only retreat offering a relaxing alternative to the myriad outdoor activities and entertainment available elsewhere on the ship.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5 – Crown Princess, Broome
Built on the back of the pearl trade, Broome is a wonderfully multicultural town on the rugged North West coast of Western Australia. This fascinating and diverse remote outpost boasts one of the country’s premier beaches – stunning Cable Beach stretches more than 20 kilometres along the coastline of the Indian Ocean.
Meals: Breakfasts, lunch & dinner
Day 6 - Crown Princess, Yampi Sound (Scenic Cruising)
Yampi Sound is a part of the Indian Ocean off the coast of north-western Australia, in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It is located between King Sound and Collier Bay and is jam packed with natural wonders. The Traditional Owners of the areas around the Sound are the Umiida people. The Sound contains many islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, the largest being Koolan Island; others include Cockatoo Island, Irvine Island, Bathurst Island, Finch Islands, Hidden Island, Baylis Islands and Iron Islands. The rich fish life is an attraction for bottlenose dolphins that come to feed in the early mornings.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7 - Crown Princess, Kimberley Coast (Scenic Cruising)
Renowned as one of the most important and spectacular wilderness regions on earth, you will get to see the beauty of the Kimberley from the ocean. The dramatic coastline framed by stark red cliffs has been identified as one of the least impacted marine environments in the world. With more than 2,600 islands scattered beyond the reefs, the area is rich in biodiversity and wildlife. Expect to see plenty of exotic birdlife as you cruise past this amazing wonderland.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 8 - Crown Princess, at sea
Today is yours to enjoy. Take some time to relax and revitalise with a dip in one of the freshwater pools or hot tubs. Enjoy the sea breeze as you soak up the sun in a padded lounger with a good book, listen to music, or dream about your next adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 9 – Crown Princess, Darwin
Closer to Indonesia than to any other Australian city, Darwin is the capital of the ‘Top End’ and is home to more than half the population of the remote, vast Northern Territory. A popular starting point for outback adventures, there’s plenty of fascinating history to explore in and around Darwin.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 10, 11 & 12 - Crown Princess, at sea
Plan your onboard activities for the next three days whilst at sea. Perhaps indulge in a decadent afternoon tea in the dining room, where you can enjoy freshly prepared finger sandwiches, cakes and cookies, accompanied by a wide variety of teas or coffee. Throughout the day and night, Movies under the Stars is an exclusive open-air poolside amphitheatre and is the go to destination for feature films, thrilling concerts and exciting sporting events. Cozy up under a fleece blanket in the comfortable lounger and feast on complimentary fresh-popped popcorn in the evening or delicious cookies and milk during the day and enjoy that exciting car chase or mystery thriller on the giant screen. Don't forget to peruse the daily newsletter Princess Patter' for the days events.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 13 - Crown Princess, Port Douglas
(Water Shuttle Required, Wheelchair Access Limited)
Located between the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas provides a perfect gateway to hardy adventurers en route to rainforest and reef.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 14 - Crown Princess, Willis Island (Scenic Cruising)
Willis Island is one of several tropical islands sitting beyond the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea Islands Territory and is surrounded by thriving reefs where many creatures make their homes. Numbering into the thousands, Willis Island itself caters to many species of seabirds, including Masked, Brown and Red-footed Boobiesthat cry out nearly 24 hours a day. It is also an important nesting ground for turtles.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 15 – Crown Princess, at sea
Enjoy today at your leisure. Perhaps Attend a Champagne Art Auction, take a stroll through the European-style Piazza, where roving performers will delight you with their skills, or practice your putting in a round of mini-golf.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 16 - Crown Princess, Brisbane
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland is in the Sunshine State and boasts of over 280 days of sunshine per year Brisbane is known for its laid back and friendly atmosphere, sophisticated art galleries and museums, beautiful botanic gardens, and Moreton Bay. The Brisbane River, which flows through the city, gives you great access to both north and south via the famous CityCats.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 17 - Crown Princess, at sea
Visit the Shops of Princess for the last chance to pick up some keepsakes and souvenirs. Enjoy a musical production, dabble in the casino~, or simply relax in a lounge sipping one last cocktail~ as you enjoy your final evening on board the Crown Princess.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 18 – Crown Princess, Sydney
As your ship passes Harbour Heads, you are presented with the shimmering skyline of Sydney - hailed by many seafarers as "the most beautiful harbour in the world." Two prominent landmarks, Harbour Bridge and the sail like curves of the Sydney Opera House, grace the backdrop of this picturesque harbour. Farewell the Crown Princess® this morning as you disembark upon arrival into Sydney. After you are transferred to your accommodation, the rest of the day is at your leisure to discover the many attractions of this buzzing city.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: 4 nights Hilton Sydney
Day 19 – Sydney
Today is yours to explore the Harbour City, from the CBD to Chinatown, Manly to Newtown, or Barangaroo to Darling Harbour. There are plenty of diverse sights, flavours and experiences to enjoy, including museums, galleries, aquariums, gardens and more. Consider booking an optional tour (additional expense) to make the most of your time in the harbour city.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 20 -Sydney
Today is another day at leisure to continue your exploration of the buzzing city centre, or perhaps enjoy some retail therapy.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 21 - Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise
The morning is at your leisure until it’s time to board your Sydney Harbour Lunch cruise with Journey Beyond Cruise Sydney. Experience one of the world’s most iconic cities from a different perspective, on an all-inclusive lunch cruise on our exclusive 78ft luxury vessel. Enjoy a premium two-course menu featuring regionally sourced ingredients. Departing Darling Harbour, we cruise towards Sydney Harbour Bridge and pass the iconic Sydney cityscape and Sydney Opera House. We believe lunch should be a long, lavish affair, so we serve generous al la carte meals inspired by local and regional produce, paired with a selection of beers, wines from some of the finest wine-producing regions in NSW, soft drinks and tea or coffee.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Day 22 - Board the Indian Pacific in Sydney
to begin your epic adventure on board the Indian Pacific. Enjoy some predeparture hospitality while you get acquainted with your cabin and fellow travellers. Leaving city skylines and the fast-paced urban lifestyle behind, the Indian Pacific winds through the Blue Mountains with spectacular views to the left and right. Relax in your cabin or socialise in the lounge with a cup of coffee or afternoon tipple on request. Tonight, you will enjoy your first meal on board – a regionally inspired dinner paired with fine wine and beverages. After dinner, consider a nightcap in the lounge before you retire to your cabin.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Overnight: 3 nights Indian Pacific
Day 23 - Indian Pacific, Broken Hill and Adelaide
After breakfast, prepare for your first Off Train Experience in Broken Hill, the Silver City. Explore mining heritage through visiting the Broken Hill Trades Hall and the striking Miners Memorial that stands over the town or for a different take on Broken Hill, go on a tour of the main drag with fabulous local Drag Queen sensation, Shelita Buffet. Art aficionados may opt to visit the captivating Living Desert Sculpture site or take in the exhibitions at the oldest regional art gallery in New South. Alternatively, ignite a sense of nostalgia at Bells Milk Bar, an icon of Broken Hill, sipping on malted milk while a performance by Cindy and Johnny takes you back to the 50’s. Lunch is served back on board as the Indian Pacific enters the southern tip of the ancient Flinders Ranges. Arriving in Adelaide in the late afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity for an Off Train Experience, exploring the South Australian Museum or indulging in an epicurean experience. Visit the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale to sample fine South Australian wines before an indulgent meal, or try a cheese or gin tasting in the charming Adelaide Hills village of Hahndorf before feasting at Haus, Haus – a German restaurant showcasing the best in local produce. Alternatively, visit Adelaide Central Markets for a tour and exclusive sit-down dinner. After dinner, return to the train to continue your journey west.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 24 - Indian Pacific, Nullarbor
Today is all about those amazing outback views as you cross this famous stretch of the Australian interior, the Nullarbor Plain, on the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world. En route, the Indian Pacific calls in to Cook, once-bustling, now almost-ghost town that was originally built as a support town for the railway. Travelling further west, the next stop is at Rawlinna on the fringe of Australia’s largest sheep station for a signature dinner under a thousand stars (Subject to weather conditions)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 25 - Indian Pacific, Perth
Admire the delightful undulations of the Avon Valley and enjoy a final breakfast on board as the final stage of your transcontinental crossing unfolds before disembarking in Perth where your epic ocean and rail journey comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
Cruise itinerary and onboard offerings are not guaranteed. Charges apply to some activities, venues and menu items. Shore Excursions have fees applied.
May 2025
Travel Talk with Journey Beyond
Date: 22 May 2025
Join us for an afternoon tea and discover unforgettable rail journeys aboard the iconic Indian Pacific and Ghan. Enjoy a warm cup of tea and delightful treats as an expert from Journey Beyond shares insights into onboard experiences and various itineraries including a unique rail & sail adventure.
*Terms & Conditions: All prices shown are starting prices, capacity controlled and subject to availability and change at any time. Advertised price is per person, twin share based on Interior Cabin aboard Crown Princess and a Gold Twin Cabin booked on the Advance Purchase fare aboard the Indian Pacific. 25% deposit due at time of booking with full payment due at 45 days from departure date. Full cancellation fees apply if booking is cancelled within 45 days of departure date. Tours are subject to availability. All prices correct as at 8 April 2025 and subject to availability and change at any time. A valid passport or government-issued photo identification is required to travel onboard Crown Princess. Shore Excursions have fees applied.
^RAC members receive a 5% discount of the rail portion (booked on Everyday Fare) of the package. Please enquire for full terms & conditions with your local RAC travel consultant.
General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.