Want to see more of Australia on the way? Just whistle!

Travelling aboard the Indian Pacific is a relaxing and comfortable way to see Australia. During your journey, the Indian Pacific offers optional Whistle Stop Tours to enable you to discover a little more of the towns and cities you are passing through. The tours are designed to fit in with the train timetable so even if you only have a short time off the train, you’ll still have the opportunity to take in some of the area’s highlights. So why not take the time to look through the tours on offer and make the most of your chance to see some of the local attractions.
 

BROKEN HILL, THE SILVER CITY

Broken Hill has been a major producer of silver, lead and zinc since 1883 hence its tag the ‘Silver City’. The natural attractions combined with the clear light and beautiful colours have inspired many fine artists who base themselves here. On this tour you will learn about the rich mining history. Visit Junction Mine, see Browne’s shaft and the birthplace of BHP. Visit Line of Lode Miner’s Memorial, see heritage listed buildings and tour the city and surrounds.

BROKEN HILL, WHITE'S MINERAL ARTS & MINING MUSUEM

White's Mineral Arts and Mining Museum is a unique experience, where you can go underground without actually going under! Usually you would associate minerals with making items like mobile phones, houses or cars - but what about using minerals to make art? That's exactly what Broken Hill mineral artist, Kevin 'Bushy' White, has been doing. An ex-miner, who uses raw minerals from Broken Hill's mines to document the mining history through this unique kind of art form. The glittering art works on the walls are a mosaic of colourful local minerals, carefully pieced together on canvas to replicate old mining photographs. They're hung alongside mining artefacts in a replica mining shaft, to tell the rich story of the industry in Broken Hill. Take a walk through the mining models, enjoy a guided tour and watch a video on the history of mining in Broken Hill.

ADELAIDE, THE FESTIVAL CITY

First laid out in 1836 by Colonel William Light, this elegant city is noted for its superb parklands, galleries and colonial buildings near beaches and hills. Tour the heart of Adelaide including sights of Montefiore Hill/Colonel Light’s Lookout. See Adelaide Oval Cricket Ground and Lake Torrens. Hear the history of this beautiful city as you pass the magnificent stone buildings of North Terrace, The Festival Centre and Rundle Street café scene. A brief but interesting introduction to Adelaide.

NATIONAL WINE CENTRE TOUR

The National Wine Centre was built in 2000, having won many awards for architecture, lighting and use of wood. Join your guided tour for an interactive display offering the chance to speak to a winemaker through interactive computer hologram displays and try your hand at virtual winemaking. Learn the stages of the wine making process and appreciating wine. On the Morning Tour, enjoy a coffee and wine tastings are available on request (additional cost). On the Afternoon Tour, enjoy a guided wine tasting of three wines.

ADELAIDE CENTRAL MARKET TRANSFER

The Adelaide Central Market, in the heart of the Central Business District is the epicenter of Food, Culture and Lifestyle for many South Australians. The largest fresh produce market in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 80 specialist stalls and the most visited tourist destination in South Australia. The 135 year old Adelaide Central Market is a must do for those with a love of food. Experience the buzz of the market at your own pace (This is a return trasnfer only, your time at the market is at your leisure).

ADELAIDE ZOO AND THE PANDAS

Adelaide Zoo is home to over 1,800 animals and almost 300 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish exhibited in magnificent botanic surroundings now expanded to 8 hectares. There’s plenty to see and do at Adelaide Zoo but most importantly, Adelaide Zoo has been entrusted with the care of two Giant Pandas. Wang Wang and Funi were carefully chosen because they are healthy, friendly, easy to handle and considered a fantastic genetic pairing for the global Giant Panda breeding program. Wang Wang and Funi are the only Giant Pandas in the Southern Hemisphere and first to live permanently in Australia. Take this opportunity to view the Giant Pandas or simply enjoy the many other animal exhibits. *Please note: Afternoon tour only.

COOK - THE NULLARBOR PLAIN

Cook, once a thriving railway settlement, now has only a handful of residents left and is one of the world’s most isolated outposts. Some 1,100 kilometres from Adelaide and 1,500 kilometres from Perth, its scattered lonely buildings straddle the Trans Continental rail line in the middle of the vast, harsh Nullarbor Plain. The train stops here for a short while to change drivers and take on water. Guests have the opportunity to briefly explore what today is little more than a ghost town. (This tour is self guided).

KALGOORLIE - AUSTRALIA'S GOLD CAPITAL

The gold rush, set off by Paddy Hannan’s discovery in 1893, was one of the biggest in Australian history. One hundred years on, the world’s largest single open cut mining operation continues to recover the precious metal, and the city has prospered as a result. There is a lot of fine architecture which includes the magnificent Town Hall. On this tour you will hear the story of the largest outback city in Australia that was built on gold and learn about the hardships encountered. Travel along Hannan Street to view the Heritage Buildings and the history of the many pubs.Visit the massive ‘Superpit’ Goldmine*, now more than 400 metres deep and over 3.3 kilometres long – flood lit at night for great viewing from the lookout. Tour is at night. Superpit may be closed due to inclement weather conditions.

ALL ABOUT PERTH

Make the most of your first morning in Perth and avoid waiting to check in to your accommodation (rooms are often not ready until late morning). This tour showcases Perth lifestyle, history, geography, shopping, entertainment, transport and recreation, ocean and river. Enjoy magnificent views from Kings Park. See the WACA Cricket Ground, Town Hall, Perth Mint, Parliament House, Burswood Casino and Barracks Arch. Travel past the Swan River and picturesque foreshore parklands. See Subiaco with its trendy boutiques and restaurants, Claremont with its up market shopping and the famous Millionaire’s Row. A great introduction to Perth. On completion of the tour, you will be delivered with your luggage to your city accommodation. (A map plus information regarding shopping and dining out is provided.)

HOW TO BOOK YOUR TOUR

To book a Whistle Stop Tour in Broken Hill, Adelaide, Kalgoorlie and Perth, simply book and pay for your tour with the bar staff or your Hospitality Attendant at your earliest opportunity. Child fares are valid for children aged 3-15 years inclusive.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The content of Whistle Stop Tours is subject to change without notice. All arrangements are subject to cancellation or modification due to inclement weather, late running of the train or other unforeseen circumstances. Fares are quoted in Australian dollars and include GST. All fares are subject to change without notice. Great Southern Rail does not own, operate or control Whistle Stop Tours. To the extent permitted by law, Great Southern Rail is not responsible for any injury, death, loss, accident, delay or irregularity whatsoever or expenses incurred resulting from a third party supplier’s acts or omissions. The travel services provided by these suppliers are subject to the conditions imposed by the suppliers and their liability may be limited by their tariffs, conditions of carriage, and agreements.