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Australian Wilderness & Outback Journeys
Private and luxury journeys to The Kimberley, Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Red Centre, Flinders Ranges, Lake Eyre...
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Greatest Rail Journeys in Australia
A luxury holiday of a life time on one of the great Australian rail journeys. Rail & Sail, Reef & Rail, Outback & Rail...
Embark on a unique and epic experience, exploring the Northern Territory’s breathtaking natural wonders on this spectacular 11-day rail journey by The Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Alice Springs. Exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon, Uluru and Kata Tjuta, cruising Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, and witness the Territory’s remarkable landscapes and icons.
Embark rail journey onboard The Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide. With a history dating back over 90 years to the first Afghan-Australian cameleers, this legendary train evokes a frontier spirit, a romantic connection to the land, and travelling on it creates a moving and unforgettable life experience.
Arrive in Katherine and discover the spectacular sandstone country of Nitmiluk National Park and the majestic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge on a guided cruise. If you’d prefer to take it easy, venture out to an ...
Arrive in Katherine and discover the spectacular sandstone country of Nitmiluk National Park and the majestic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge on a guided cruise. If you’d prefer to take it easy, venture out to an authentic cattle station to witness real horse-starting and working dog demonstrations entwined with live music and humorous bush tales.
Arrive in Alice Springs, venture out to Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta and Uluru, the beating red heart of Australia. Explore these otherworldly rock formations and learn about their cultural and spiritual significance to the Aboriginal peoples. The sunrises and sunsets you will see here are unforgettable.
On the way back to Alice Springs, stop in at Watarrka National Park for a guided climb to the rim of Kings Canyon. You will have the chance to visit the Garden of Eden, a beautiful rock hole surrounded by rare plants found nowhere else on Earth.
Enjoy an unique dining at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, under a chandelier of stars (The Ghan Expedition Unique Experience). Reboard the Ghan and continue your journey north to Adelaide passing through the majestic Flinders Ranges. Your tour concludes in Adelaide.
Throughout your travels, you’ll stay 10-nights 4 & 5 star accommodations on a twin share basis including 4 days/3 nights onboard the Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Alice Springs and Alice Springs to Adelaide. You’ll receive Gold Service everyday: rooms with all the comforts of home, fascinating Off Train Excursions, knowledgeable guides and, onboard The Ghan, all-inclusive gourmet dining, fine wines and beverages. All transport and transfers provided. Luggage allowance is 60 kilograms per person.
Travel across the country and immerse yourself in the Northern Territory’s breathtaking natural wonders on this spectacular 11-day rail journey from Darwin to Adelaide. This truly is the holiday of a lifetime!
Reverse Route: "THE GHAN" Red Centre Spectacular (Adelaide to Darwin) 10D9N
Cabin Upgrade: The price is based on Gold Twin/Gold Single. Upgrade to Gold Superior and Platinum Service is available at an additional cost. Please contact us to book cabin upgrade.
Solo Travel: For solo traveller, Gold Single is available onboard The Ghan. Please contact us to book Gold Single. Please contact us to book.
Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.
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Departing from Darwin, begin your journey through the heart of Australia onboard The Ghan. From the comfort of your private cabin, you’ll look on in wonder as the landscape continues to transform as you head towards Katherine, where you’ll venture on an Off Train Experience you’ll never forget. Be transported in a region renowned for jaw-dropping natural assets. Katherine boasts one of the Top End’s best –the incredible Nitmiluk Gorge. You’ll visit the spectacular sandstone country where mesmerising cliffs glow in the changing light. The sheer walls of the gorge, etched by time and the elements, are home to a myriad of animal and plant life, much of it unique to this area and all playing a role to the lives of its traditional owners.
Unwind back onboard and take time to explore the legendary train, to get acquainted with the first-class facilities – the Queen Adelaide Restaurant and the Outback Explorer Lounge – and mingle with your fellow travellers.
As darkness swallows the rich ochre tones of the outback, it’s time to indulge in a regionally inspired dinner and all-inclusive fine wines and beverages.
Start your day with a freshly brewed coffee or juice as the day dawns at Marla, an outback outpost in the remote reaches of South Australia. Make sure to have your camera handy for when the sky begins to bleed red, yellow and pink across The Ghan and the surrounding landscape. You are sure to feel as if you are on another planet!
Continue on to Alice Springs, the beating red heart of Australia. Enjoy breakfast on the train as you cross the border into the Northern Territory and pass through the majestic MacDonnell Ranges. Upon arrival into Alice Springs, join your choice of Off Train Experiences. Once complete, you will be transferred to your hotel to enjoy the evening at leisure.
You’ll stay the next two nights at DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs.
Today your 5-night Red Centre adventure group tour starts. You will be met by your professional crew and enjoy a brief afternoon tour of Alice Springs, learning what makes this unique outback outpost tick, before dinner at the hotel.
Feel the anticipation build as you travel towards Kings Canyon. Depart Alice Springs and travel the Mereenie Loop through the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Visit Standley Chasm and uncover the hidden jewel of Ormiston Gorge, considered the most beautiful secluded waterhole in the area. A perfect invitation for a refreshing afternoon swim amongst the serene surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled for wallabies while admiring the colourful, sweeping walls surrounding its waterhole before arriving at Kings Canyon.
Experience the wonders of majestic Kings Canyon with your choice of walk, including the 6km rim walk, featuring breathtaking views of the Watarrka National Park. Be captivated by vast sandstone landscapes that mingle with ancient rock formations and gorges to create a surreal scene like nowhere else in the country. Plunging 270 metres/885 feet to the canyon floor, walking its rim reveals incredibly beautiful sandstone formations carved by wind and water. A climb of 500 steps is worth every effort, giving staggering views atop the canyon. Traverse the hidden Garden of Eden, a waterhole bringing abundant life to the area and considered an important men’s sacred place where their Dreaming stories can be shared in private. Be captivated by its lush greenery casting a stark contrast against the rock formations. While here, uncover The Lost City, a set of rock formations that resemble an ancient city.
Alternatively, a less arduous 2.6km walk along the canyon floor give you up close encounters with its vast sandstone landscapes that'll leave you in awe. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to take a thrilling helicopter flight over Kings Canyon and the Watarrka National Park.
PLEASE NOTE: Additional costs are applicable and weight limits apply to all scenic flights.
Feel the anticipation build as you travel towards Uluru (Ayers Rock), the beating red heart of Australia.
Pass through Kings Creek Station and enjoy an informative paper talk and lunch at Curtin Springs, before arriving at Uluru. This evening’s unique ‘Sounds of Silence’ dining experience under the stars begins with canapes and chilled sparkling wine, accompanied by the sound of the didgeridoo and the resident star talker who decodes the southern night sky as you feast on a premium bush tucker inspired buffet.
Rise with the sun to experience the full splendour of Uluru at dawn. As sunlight plays with the landscape, the rock formation changes colour before your eyes.
From here, a short drive takes you to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), which simply translated means ‘heads many’. Admire the stunning rock formations on a guided walk into Walpa Gorge.
In the afternoon, you’ll travel around the base of Uluru. You’ll visit Kuniya walk and Mutitjulu Waterhole, one of the few permanent water sources around Uluru. You may see wallabies among the tall grasses and river red gum trees. Bush foods also abound including tjantu (bush tomatoes), ili (figs) and arnguli (bush plums). Take a moment to sit quietly and listen to the sounds of the beginning of time. Learn about traditional Anangu culture on a tour around the base of Uluru.
This evening, head to an exclusive dune-top location with majestic views of Uluru. Enjoy drinks and canapes as artist Bruce Munro’s global phenomenon ‘Field of Light’ comes to life, before exploring the stunning display via dedicated pathways.
PLEASE NOTE: Dinner this evening will be at approximately 9pm.
After a leisurely breakfast, set your sights on Alice Springs. Pause at Mount Conner, one of the ‘Three Giants’ of the desert, before arriving at your hotel in Alice Springs in the afternoon.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before checking out to explore Alice Springs. Wander through the charming Telegraph Station, the original site of Alice Springs’ first European settlement.See the desert come alive and learn about the flora and fauna that thrive in Central Australia at the Alice Springs Desert Park. Follow pathways through three desert habitats to the free-flying birds of prey show in the nature theatre. Spot local reptiles, bats, birds and the Australian Bilby in the cool, dark nocturnal house.
You'll return to your hotel to join a scheduled transfer to the Alice Springs Rail Station where it’s time to get back onboard The Ghan and get reacquainted with your cabin. As you embark on another journey through the desert, mingle with your fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge or simply relax, look out your window and watch the world go by.
This evening, enjoy a truly unique dining experience. Tuck into a mouth-watering meal and enjoy a cold beer or fine wine at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, under a chandelier of stars.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast onboard before your morning stop at Manguri. You’ll venture into the weird and wonderful opal mining township of Coober Pedy, where more than half of the residents live underground. Here, you’ll enjoy a day of discovery, and a gourmet lunch in the most unique of locations: underground. Unwind back on the train where dinner awaits. Enjoy a nightcap as your journey continues.
Wake up to the sights from your cabin window this morning feeling inspired. You’ll see a dramatic change in landscape as the rich ochre tones of the outback make way for the green fields of South Australia. Enjoy a leisurely brunch as you pass through the majestic Flinders Ranges and prepare for your mid-morning arrival into Adelaide, completing one of the world’s great train journeys.
NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.
Departs Darwin Wednesdays and Saturdays Apr - Oct.
Price guide is based on Gold Twin/Gold Single. Please contact us for group bookings or cabin upgrade to Gold Superior and Platinum Service. Prices are subject to change.
Please contact us for availability checking and prices for different cabin types.
- The departure point is Darwin, Northern Territory
- The finish point is Adelaide, South Australia
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Adelaide and Darwin
Gold Twin
Gold Twin offers a comfortable sleeper cabin featuring private en suite and upper and lower berths that convert to a three-seater lounge by day.
Features:
Gold Superior
Gold Superior cabins feature a ¾ size double bed plus an additional fold down upper berth, lounge area, TV and DVD player, mini-bar and en suite.
Gold Single
Gold Single offers a compact sleeper cabin featuring a bed that converts to a seat by day and shared shower/toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage.
Platinum Service
As the highest level of service, Platinum Service offers guests a range of deluxe extras including Platinum Transfers, in-cabin breakfasts, personalised cabin steward service and access to the exclusive Platinum Club.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.