ITINERARY:

DAY 1: Ghan Train Adelaide to Alice Springs
Make your own way to the Ghan railway station in Adelaide to begin your journey that departs at 12 noon. What lies ahead is rugged, beautiful and spectacular – through the Red Centre to the tropical north of Australia. Settle into your cabin and watch the rolling pastoral lands of South Australia from your window, or meet your fellow travellers in the lounge car. Before long some of the oldest rock formations in the world, the Flinders Ranges, come into view. As darkness envelops the rugged outback, it’s time to indulge in a regionally-inspired dinner and all-inclusive fine wines and beverages. (Overnight on The Ghan)

Day 2: Alice Springs – The Ghan
Begin with a freshly brewed coffee or juice as the day dawns at Marla, an outback outpost in the remote reaches of South Australia. It is here, deep inland, that you will enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience, as you watch the desert come to life at sunrise. All aboard for brunch as you make your way through the MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs where a choice of Off Train Excursions awaits. Alice is an iconic Red Centre outpost. 1,500 kilometres from the nearest major city, it may be remote, but offers plenty to explore – home to doctors who fly, rivers that run dry, and a cast of colourful characters. Your time in the ‘capital out of the outback’ offers numerous opportunities to explore its historic legacy and unique environment before its time to reboard and continue north. (Overnight on The Ghan)

DAY 3: Katherine & Darwin
Your day dawns in the tropical north. The pristine wilderness of Katherine is stirring and powerful, and you’ll have the chance to explore it from the water or land with your choice of off train experiences. Cruise the jaw-dropping Nitmiluk Gorge, learn more about its ancient Indigenous rock paintings and gain insight into the culture of the traditional owners of Nitmiluk, the Jawoyn people. As evening falls, arrive in Darwin to complete your epic Australian train journey.

Upon arrival at the Top End, please catch a taxi to your Darwin hotel. You can relax and explore your hotel and its facilities, or perhaps take a stroll around the neighbourhood and central Darwin.

DAY 4: Darwin Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
Today is free to explore the Northern Territory's capital with the Hop On Hop Off Bus that stops at many of the main attractions. The tropical northern city of Darwin is located on a massive and spectacular harbour on the Timor Sea. It has a multicultural population of 129,062 people, that is a melting-pot cultures from more than 50 countries, who pride themselves on their unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle. Darwin has year round balmy weather and has many popular attractions including Aquascene, Burnett House, Casuarina Coastal Reserve, Charles Darwin National Park, Cullen Bay Marina, Darwin Convention Centre, Deckchair Cinema, East Point Reserve & Lake Alexander, Fannie Bay Gaol, George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Indo Pacific Marine, Lyons Cottage, Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, Museum & Art Gallery of the NT, Northern Territory Parliament House, USS Peary Memorial and the fascinating World War II Oil Storage Tunnels. There is plenty to see and do in our magnificent and vibrant Top End.

DAY 5: Kakadu National Park Explorer Tour
Today’s full day tour takes you to famous Kakadu. World Heritage listed and the largest National Park in Australia, Kakadu is one of the most diverse landscapes you’ll ever experience, and you’ll be amazed at the population of wildlife in the water, on the land and flying above. See some of the most amazing terrain Australia has to offer on your way to and inside Kakadu. Marvel at the concentration of rock art sites that illustrate Aboriginal culture, some dating back 50,000 years.

DAY 6: Heritage Walk and Depart Darwin
Before it’s time to farewell the Northern Territory, join our Darwin Heritage Walk and walk the paths of pioneers. Local guides will cheerfully share their passion for the town they call home as they tell of its history through the World War II bombings and Cyclone Tracy, to current day. Discover many of the remaining buildings such as the old Court House and Police Station, Browns Mart and the Old Palmerston Town Hall ruins, all of which have been painstakingly reconstructed. View Government House, Parliament House and the Northern Territory Supreme Court on our journey through the streets of this modern tropical city. There are many hidden treasures to see on foot and plenty of opportunities to capture photographs of the public artworks, architecture, historic buildings, tropical plants and wildlife.

After the tour, please catch a taxi to Darwin airport for your flight home. We can also book additional nights in Darwin if you would like to visit Litchfield National Park or see more of the Northern Territory.

Please note: The day by day descriptions published are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, road and rail line conditions, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that ultimately are for the client’s benefit. It is essential that clients are flexible and open minded in this regard.