Indian Pacific: The Cross of the South in Australia

Flight to Australia on request. Allow approximately 22 hours of flying.

Individual arrival at Sydney.
Meet your driver and transfer to your hotel, located in the city centre. Check-in and free time.

Sydney is Australia’s most populous city and one of the most recognisable thanks to its famous sail-shaped Opera House, its iconic bridge, and its renowned beaches such as Bondi Beach. Vibrant and cosmopolitan, it combines lively city life, protected natural spaces, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle. With its lush gardens, museums, historic neighbourhoods and outstanding bay panoramas, Sydney is an ideal gateway for discovering the Australian continent.

Overnight in Sydney

Early in the morning, meet your French-speaking guide at the foot of the Sydney Opera House for an in-depth exploration of this spectacular building, inaugurated in 1972. Listed by UNESCO, this unique place blends technical ingenuity with artistic boldness, and was once considered among the seven new wonders of the world. Your guide will share unexpected anecdotes and cultural behind-the-scenes stories that helped shape this monument into a true icon.

Then, head for the water: set sail for a lunchtime cruise in the Sydney Harbour, one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world. An opportunity to admire the Opera House from another angle and sail beneath the majestic arch of the Harbour Bridge. Unforgettable views guaranteed—bring your camera!

Free afternoon. Wander through lively neighbourhoods, visit a museum, or simply enjoy the sunny quays.

Overnight in Sydney. (B, L)

After a free morning to enjoy Sydney at your own pace, you’ll be transferred to the central station, where you’ll board one of the country’s most legendary trains: the Indian Pacific.

Your train journey in Australia begins! Board the “Indian Pacific” heading to Adelaide.
You’ll travel in a private compartment for 2 people with WC and shower. Share friendly moments in the communal lounge Outback Explorer Lounge, over a coffee prepared by a barista or a carefully selected glass of white wine. Then, make your way to the restaurant Queen Adelaide to enjoy your dinner.
End the day with one last drink in the lounge, before returning to the comfort of your cabin for the night.

Overnight on board the train. (B, L, D)

Early morning, the train reaches Broken Hill, your first stop in the Australian outback hinterland.
This iconic mining town opens its doors to you through a guided visit combining industrial history and Aboriginal artistic creation.

You’ll discover notable places such as Trades Hall, a witness to workers’ struggles, or the Miners Memorial, perched on top of a hill overlooking the town. A light snack will round off this morning immersion.

Want something a little more unusual? Follow Shelita Buffet, a colourful character and self-proclaimed queen of the Outback, for a quirky, unforgettable guided tour!

After boarding the train again, it continues westwards. In the afternoon, arrival in Adelaide, where you leave the train and freely head to your hotel in the heart of the city centre.

Overnight in Adelaide. (B, L)

After breakfast, you set off for a group guided tour of Adelaide, the elegant and leafy capital of South Australia. With an enthusiastic English-speaking guide, you trace the city’s evolution from its colonial foundations to its current status as a major regional metropolis.

During two hours of strolling, you explore the city centre’s must-see sights: the Treasury Building, St Francis Xavier Cathedral, and Victoria Square, also known by its Aboriginal name Tarndanyangga, a symbolic place of Kaurna culture. Statues of local figures and buildings steeped in history punctuate this urban route. The tour ends at midday in front of the former General Post Office.

The afternoon is free, so you can enjoy the side streets at your own pace or visit one of the city’s museums.

Overnight in Adelaide. (B)

Another day full of contrasts!

From Adelaide, head out for a full day of adventure on Kangaroo Island. After a scenic journey through the Fleurieu Peninsula, you board the SeaLink ferry for a crossing to Penneshaw.

Once there, discover the sea lions of Seal Bay, and spot koalas, kangaroos and echidnas in the Flinders Chase National Park, then explore the stunning landscapes of the Remarkable Rocks and the Admirals Arch.

A two-course lunch is included. The day ends at the animal park on the island, before the return ferry and bus to Adelaide later in the evening.

Overnight in Adelaide. (B, L)

You board the “The Overland” train early in the morning for an 11-hour journey south to Victoria.
One of Australia’s most iconic trains, it connects Adelaide to Melbourne, offering a comfortable and picturesque alternative to flying or driving. On board, you pass through the great open spaces of southern Australia and the green landscapes of Victoria, in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Arrive in Melbourne in the evening. Free transfer and check-in at the ideal hotel.

Overnight in Melbourne. (B)

Meet your guide in the city centre for a walking exploration of Melbourne, between colonial heritage, lively laneways and iconic architecture. From Collins Street to Hosier Lane, you’ll see the city’s contrasts: historic buildings, street art, cathedrals, cultural squares and leafy gardens.

You then continue to the Shrine of Remembrance, with views over the city centre, and then head past major sporting landmarks such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The tour continues through the historic neighbourhoods, all the way to the former Melbourne Gaol, passing by Fitzroy Gardens, Cook’s Cottage and the Queen Victoria Market.

Free afternoon for personal discovery.

Overnight in Melbourne. (B)

Set off for a day out in the open air on Phillip Island, a true haven for Australia’s animals.
You can download the French-language commentary from the app provided on the day of the visit.

First stop at Moonlit Sanctuary, where you can observe koalas, kangaroos and other local species in a protected setting. You then continue to Nobbies, a spectacular site offering views over the ocean and the largest colony of Australian sea lions.

Towards the end of the day, head to the beach to watch the famous penguin parade, a touching and unique moment. Return to Melbourne in the evening.

Overnight in Melbourne. (B)

Depart for the town of Belgrave, the starting point of the famous Puffing Billy steam train. On the way, you’ll stop in the Dandenong Ranges to admire the forest landscapes.

On board the century-old locomotive, you’ll travel through a mountainous region with a retro charm—perfect for photo lovers. After this unique experience, head to Healesville Sanctuary, a reserve where you’ll meet koalas, kangaroos, platypuses, dingoes and other iconic species.

The day ends in the Yarra Valley, with a delicious stop at an artisan chocolate-ice cream shop, before returning to Melbourne.

Overnight in Melbourne. (B, L)
*In the event of high fire risk, replaced by a diesel locomotive.

Today, you begin your return journey, with an early-morning departure on the mainline train Melbourne – Sydney. A wonderful journey through the rural heart of Australia, lasting around 11 hours.

The train passes through the rolling Albury-Wodonga region, marking the border between Victoria and New South Wales. It then continues through the agricultural landscapes of the Riverina, a vast grain plain dotted with small towns such as Wagga Wagga.

Arrival in Sydney in the early evening. Free transfer and check-in at the hotel, with time at leisure.

Overnight in Sydney. (Breakfast)

Depending on your departure, enjoy a free morning/day in Sydney.
Private transfer to reach the airport. (Breakfast)

Additional overnight, return flight departing from Sydney on request.