With Mardi Gras over for another year, take advantage of some great off-season hotel packages in Sydney. And to get there, why not take one of the world’s greatest train journeys? The Indian Pacific travels the world’s longest straight stretch of railway track (478 kilometres), and travellers can even hire out a whole carriage for a group getaway. The Indian Pacific runs Wednesdays and Sundays from Perth and takes 3 nights to reach Sydney. Alternatively, book a quick flight and get to Sydney in time for the Pyrmont Arts Festival on Saturday, May 3 and the Kings Cross Food and Wine Festival on Sunday, May 4.

Kath Tenger