Sunset at the Menindee Lakes

Days 1 & 2
Fly from Los Angeles or San Francisco across the Pacific Ocean to Sydney, Australia.

Day 3
Arriving early this morning, enjoy a guided cruise on Sydney’s spectacular harbor with landmark sights such as the famous Opera House and the Harbor Bridge.

Day 4
Join a half-day tour of Sydney, followed by free time for independent sight-seeing.

Day 5
A free day to enjoy more of Sydney, rated by many to be the world’s most beautiful city!

Day 6
Leave Sydney in the early afternoon with the world famous Indian Pacific Train and travel first through the magnificent Blue Mountains, then through country New South Wales and the outback to Broken Hill. Your accommodation tonight will be a First Class Cabin aboard the train.

Day 7
You will be collected at the Broken Hill train station upon arrival of the Indian Pacific for a small group tour into the outback. Leaving Broken Hill travel north for approx. 80 miles to a working “outback” sheep station (large farm). This family owned property is unique as it incorporates a natural sanctuary for fauna and flora as well as an abundance of Aboriginal rock art. Your guide will show you wildlife like big red kangaroos, emus, eagles and much more. After lunch continue your journey on remote station roads, through ever changing countryside, to the remote White Cliffs Opal Field. Dinner and accommodation will be in the famous underground Motel - a very unique experience!

Day 8
Spend the morning inspecting this extraordinary outback settlement. Learn how and why the community lives underground. Visit some underground opal galleries and perhaps purchase one of the magnificent local opal products. Before lunch you will see the 'Old Field' where in search for “color” over 50,000 holes have been dug since the 1890's. Return to Broken Hill for dinner and overnight.

Day 9
Leaving Broken Hill behind travel to Kinchega National Park with its spectacular Menindee Lakes. The surface area of these lakes is seven times greater than that of Sydney Harbor! Taking the ‘scenic drive’, follow the mighty Darling river where native bird and animal life abound among the enormous river red gums. After lunch visit the small outback township of Menindee for your overnight stay and enjoy the peace and serenity of the outback.

Day 10
After breakfast make your way to the Mungo National Park via Pooncarie, another old river port town along the Darling River. Continuing your journey toward the World Heritage Area of the ancient Willandra Lakes, arriving at Mungo National Park with its amazing "Walls of China" and spectacular wildlife. This almost lunar like landscape will inspire the photographer and enchant the nature lover. In the afternoon drive to Mildura for your overnight stay.

Day 11
Early morning flight from Mildura to Adelaide. Pick up your rental car and drive to the world famous Barossa Valley, a popular wine growing region in Australia. Spend 2 nights in this area, which gives you plenty of time to do some serious wine tasting!

Day 12
Free time to visit wineries and explore the picturesque valley. The Barossa is Australia's best-known wine region. Comprised of the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley, it is home to some of the oldest Shiraz vineyards in the world, acclaimed Rieslings and iconic wine brands. The Barossa is a gourmet lover's paradise enriched in a strong cultural heritage reflected in its wine, food, buildings and people.

Day 13
In the afternoon drive to Adelaide, charming capital of South Australia. Maybe some last minute shopping before heading home? Spend the night in Adelaide.

Day 14
Return your rental car at the airport and fly from Adelaide via Sydney back to the US, arriving on the same day.

Enjoy a picnic in a vineyard

Mungo National Park