A Transcontinental Australian Adventure
Girls on the Road Again | May 2027 | 9 Days | 24 May – 1 June 2027
From sparkling city lights and champagne lunches to outback legends and star-filled skies, this is Australia turned all the way up.
We kick things off in Sydney during the dazzling VIVID Festival, then roll west aboard the legendary Indian Pacific, crossing the continent in effortless style. Think incredible food, unforgettable scenery, laughter-filled lounges and experiences you’ll still be talking about years from now — all shared with a fabulous group of like-minded women.
This isn’t just a holiday. It’s an adventure with flair, flavour and a whole lot of fun.
Monday 24 May 2027 – Auckland ✈ Sydney
Let the good times roll as we depart Auckland on Qantas, where you’ll be welcomed by your Travel With Lesley Whyte tour escort — from here on in, everything is taken care of.
Touch down in Sydney and transfer to our centrally located hotel, perfectly placed to soak up the buzz of the city and the magic of VIVID Sydney.
And then… we start as we mean to go on.
Today is all about style and sparkle, with a private lunch with bubbles at the iconic Ralph Lauren Australian flagship store. As a special treat, you’ll receive an AUD $500 Ralph Lauren shopping voucher — because what’s a girls’ trip without a little retail therapy?
This afternoon is yours to relax or explore before we gather for dinner at the much-loved China Lane, one of Sydney’s favourite hidden gems.
After dinner, step out into the glow of VIVID, wandering illuminated laneways and waterfront displays at Circular Quay or Darling Harbour — it’s colourful, creative and utterly unforgettable.
Tuesday 25 May 2027 – Sydney, Served Fresh
After breakfast, we head somewhere wonderfully Sydney — the Sydney Fish Market — for a three-hour hands-on cooking class.
We’ve chosen something special, and once the cooking is done, it’s time to sit down, clink glasses and enjoy what we’ve created together. Food, fun and fabulous company — tick, tick, tick.
The afternoon is free to recharge before a show-stopping evening.
Tonight, we transfer to Darling Harbour to board a Captain Cook dinner cruise, where a six-course degustation menu with matched wines awaits. As Sydney sparkles around us, watch the VIVID light displays dance across the harbour — a magical view from the water that few ever experience.
After docking, it’s a short transfer back to our hotel — full, happy and glowing.
Wednesday 26 May 2027 – All Aboard the Indian Pacific
After breakfast, we check out and store our bags, then stroll across to the iconic Queen Victoria Building for a spot of last-minute shopping.
Late morning, we settle in for a beautiful high tea, complete with a cocktail (of course), plus tea and coffee — a relaxed and elegant send-off before our great rail adventure begins.
This afternoon, we transfer to Central Station and step aboard the legendary Indian Pacific.
Settle into your Gold Service cabin, toast the journey ahead, and watch as the city fades into the Blue Mountains and the wide-open Australian interior.
Life Onboard the Indian Pacific – Gold Service
Gold Single Cabin
Perfect for solo travellers, with a comfy seat by day and a cosy bed by night. Enjoy all-inclusive dining and beverages, plus access to the Outback Explorer Lounge — the social hub of the train. Shared bathrooms are located at the end of the carriage.
Gold Twin Cabin
The most popular option, featuring a lounge by day, upper and lower beds by night, and a private ensuite. Enjoy elegant meals in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant and relaxed evenings in the Outback Explorer Lounge.
Off-Train Experiences – Choose Your Adventure
Broken Hill – Silver City Stories
A Miner’s Journey
Explore the heart of Broken Hill at the striking Line of Lode Miners Memorial, with local storytellers bringing its rugged past to life. Enjoy morning tea with sweeping views before a guided coach tour through heritage streets and outback landscapes.
Fitness Level: Low
Broken Hill on Show
Kick things off at the Tipsy Camel with the fabulous Shelita, Broken Hill’s legendary drag queen, followed by a hands-on cooking experience with award-winning chef Lee Cecchin, celebrating native ingredients and outback flavours. Finish with a scenic coach tour that reveals the town’s creative soul.
Fitness Level: Low
Adelaide – Food, Wine & Hillside Charm
Taste of McLaren Vale
An indulgent evening at the iconic Star of Greece, featuring guided wine tastings paired with local delicacies and breathtaking coastal views where vineyards meet the sea.
Fitness Level: Low
Adelaide Hills & Hahndorf
Travel to charming Hahndorf, choosing between:
- Udder Delights cheese tasting with cider, or
- Ambleside Distillers gin flight paired with artisan chocolates
Wrap things up with a lively Bavarian-inspired dinner at The Haus, before returning to the train.
Fitness Level: Low
The Nullarbor – Big Skies & Bonfires
Cook
Step into the eerie charm of Cook, a ghost town with a fascinating railway history deep in Australia’s interior.
Rawlinna – Outback Under the Stars
Disembark at remote Rawlinna Station for drinks and canapés beside a glowing bonfire, under the vast Nullarbor sky — one of those pinch-me travel moments you’ll never forget.
Saturday 29 May 2027 – Perth, We’ve Arrived
Arrive in Perth and transfer to our centrally located hotel. Enjoy some downtime before we gather for a celebratory dinner, sharing stories, laughs and memories from our incredible coast-to-coast adventure.
Sunday 30 & Monday 31 May – Perth & Surrounds
Over the next two delicious days, enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner as we explore:
- Margaret River — wine, chocolate and nougat
- Swan Valley — gourmet produce and boutique wineries
A relaxed, indulgent finale to an unforgettable journey.
Tuesday 1 June 2027 – Homeward Bound
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for return flights to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch — heading home with new friendships, amazing memories and a smile that lasts long after the suitcase is unpacked.
Tour Inclusions
Everything you need is covered! Just pack your essentials and bring your credit card for any personal purchases.
- Flights for New Zealand Passengers: Economy-class international and domestic flights (Auckland-Sydney-Perth-Auckland).
- Flights for Passengers Outside of New Zealand & Australia: Please enquire for pricing
- Indian Pacific: Your choice of a Gold Twin or Gold Single cabin for a luxurious rail journey.
- Accommodation: Relax in premium 4-star accommodations in Sydney and Perth.
- Meals: Enjoy delicious meals as outlined in the itinerary, with wines included at dinner.
- Fully Escorted: Led by a Travel With Lesley Whyte tour escort for a seamless and unforgettable experience.
- Transportation & Activities: All transport and activities detailed in the itinerary are included.
- Exclusive Gifts: AU$500 Ralph Lauren voucher to be spent in store .
Tour Exclusions
- Travel Insurance: Ensure you have coverage for your trip.
- Transport to Connect with the Tour: Arrange your own transportation to join the tour.
- Additional Alcohol & Spirits: Alcohol beyond the provided allowance is at your own expense.
- Visa Costs: If traveling on a non-New Zealand passport, you are responsible for securing and paying for your Australian visa.
- Mobile Roaming Charges: Any costs associated with mobile phone usage while abroad are not included.
Tour Details
Enjoy your own private room or cabin at no extra cost – subject to availability
- Group Size: 9-11 travellers
- Early Bird Price: NZ$17,800 per person [book before 31st April 2026]
- Second Release Price: NZ$18,800 per person [book before 30th June 2026]
- Final Release Price: NZ$19,800 per person [book before 31st August 2026]
Australian Travellers
If you’re based in Australia, airfares from your nearest Qantas-serviced airport are included. Flights will be coordinated to align with the arrival and departure schedules of the New Zealand group for a seamless experience.
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of NZ$2,000 is required to secure your place – you can transfer your booking to another person without penalty any time prior to 180 days.
- $5,000 due 1st May 2026
- $9,800 due 1st November 2026
- 45 Days Before Travel: Final balance payment is due.
Book Now!
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is ideal for women who crave adventure, luxury, and meaningful connections. With spaces limited, now is the perfect time to secure your place!
Book now by clicking “click here to book” button or email lesley@travelwithlesleywhyte.com if you have any questions.
Let’s make memories that last a lifetime!
| Ticket Type | Price | Cart |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Per Person: Share Cabin & Room: Rails, Red Dust & City Lights - 2027 | $2,000 | |
| Deposit Per Person: Solo Cabin & Room: Rails, Red Dust & City Lights - 2027 | $2,000 |