Discover Australia By Rail with The Ghan & Indian Pacific

Embark on this fun way of exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Melbourne in a short span of time. Hop on a bicycle and accompany your knowledgeable guide past trendy streets, verdant parks, charming boutiques quaint cafes, and hidden alleys. Sample authentic Melbourne hospitality and relish gourmet treats as you ride along the streets of this cosmopolitain city. Enrich your experience with interesting trivia about the different ethnic localities in this tour designed by city journalist and photographer Murray Johnson. Learn why the city streets that are lined with lava and the reason Eureka Tower is glazed with real gold. Feel the wind in your hair as you cycle to the city’s best rooftop bar, Little Saigon, and the Greek tavern without a menu. Ride past the shop that has 40,000 cookbooks and the men’s salon that gives customers a free beer with every haircut! Return to your hotel having gathered all the inside info on one of the world’s most livable cities. (Duration: 4.5 hrs; Time: 1000 hrs; Shared Activity; Lunch included; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Immerse yourself in the ultimate outback adventure on this exciting tour of the Red Center region. Settle into a comfortable four wheel drive for the enjoyable ride to Mount Conner, which sits within a sprawling, fully operational, private cattle station. Drive across the rugged landscape as your expert guide reveals the mysteries of the desert environment such as survival techniques adopted by the various species of flora and fauna. Stroll around Curtin Springs Station as you soak in the welcoming warmth of the typical outback homestead. Get a glimpse of the ancient inland salt lake located on the station as you gain insights into the history of the region’s cattle industry. Learn about the pastoralists of the cattle station who battle the challenges of this arid environment every day. Watch the gorgeous sunset over the mountain before you sit down to savor a sumptuous home cooked, three course dinner at the homestead. After a day well-spent, get dropped back at your hotel. (Full Day; Shared Activity; Group Size: 4-11 guests; Dinner and Refreshments Included; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Discover the fascinating underwater world and come up close with endemic marine species! Cruise in comfort on the “Ocean Freedom”, a luxury catamaran, to two spectacular locations at Upolu Cay and the Reef. Fuel up with tea, coffee, fresh fruit, and Danish pastries before the vessel moors at a private location on the outer edge of Upolu Reef. You could swim or snorkel in the clear waters and also choose to go diving in order to get a better look at the gorgeous corals. Hop into a glass-bottom boat with a marine naturalist to learn more about this fragile ecosystem. Relish lunch with fresh seafood delicacies as you sail to the second location. Explore the water world some more or sunbathe on the deck as you soak in the splendid views. Afterward, enjoy a freshwater shower before you munch on cheese, cake, and crackers while the catamaran sails back. (Full Day; Time: 0715 hrs; Group Size: 1-75 Guests; Shared Activity; Afternoon and Morning Tea, Lunch Included; Fitness Level: Easy. Snorkeling equipment and instructions are included.)

Explore the bustling city of Brisbane by yourself at your own pace. You could begin your day early by catching the sunrise at Mt Coot-tha Lookout. Later, hiking through national parks, forests, and wetlands spread across Brisbane’s countryside can be particularly rewarding. If you wish, head to Kangaroo Point Cliffs and picnic as the locals do. If you are in the city on a Sunday, ride the vintage Steam Train Sunday across town and admire its interiors. Nearby, Brisbane Powerhouse, a tram station converted into an arts and culture hub, is known for its stand-up comedy shows by the Brisbane River. There are also amazing theater performances at the underground Spring Hill Reservoirs for you to enjoy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try abseiling on the Story Bridge and explore the shipwrecks near Moreton Island on kayaks at night! Wind up your day with a meal at Sunny town’s authentic Asian-style hawker stalls if you wish. (Half Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included).