"THE GHAN EXPEDITION" The Ultimate Territory (Darwin to Adelaide) 16D15N

Arrive into Darwin and indulge your sense of fun and adventure in the Northern Territory’s tropical capital city. The day is yours to explore this bustling city at your leisure. Unwind and make use of the hotel’s large outdoor swimming pool, fully equipped fitness centre and in-house movies. Or, venture into the CBD and sample the city’s attractions such as Mitchell Street, Smith Street Shopping Mall and Crocosaurus Cove. You may also wish to take it easy around Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct, where you will find a popular wave pool, saltwater lagoon and colourful cafes and eateries.  

Take pleasure in a little sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. The day is yours to delve deeper into Darwin's delights. From the sparkling harbour and WWII history to the city's Asian-influenced food and tropical outdoor lifestyle, Darwin is an adventurers' paradise with endless things to discover.

Take a leisurely stroll at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct just minutes walk from the city. Ride the swell at the popular wave pool, swim in the saltwater lagoon, recharge at the cafes and colourful eateries, have a craft beer in the tavern, enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants or sit in the shade in the lush parklands with engaging public art. Then visit the attractions at nearby Stokes Hill Wharf with fabulous views over Darwin Harbour. Sample the city's attractions and wander through Darwin’s Smith Street Mall for luxury boutique shopping where you'll find fine crocodile and pearl products or visit its hidden galleries of contemporary works featuring paintings from highly collectable Aboriginal artists.

In the late afternoon, check out the city’s best angles on an iconic sunset cruise of Darwin Harbour. Aboard the Charles Darwin, cruise for two and a half hours and enjoy a sumptuous Territory-inspired buffet with fresh Australian seafood and local produce, served in air-conditioned surrounds. The crew will provide commentary along the way, giving you an insight into the Harbour’s history, cultural significance and biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including crocodiles, dolphins, dugongs and turtles.  

This morning, say farewell to Darwin and journey along the Arnhem Highway to the heart of Kakadu National Park, one of the world’s most spectacular natural environments. Pass the productive region of Humpty Do, where a vast array of tropical fruits is grown, and crossing the Adelaide River, with its vast wetlands, which attract migratory birds. At the Mary River, take to the water on a cruise that showcases the local wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and the abundance of birdlife in the region.

Continuing east, you’ll arrive at World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park and check in to the Crocodile Hotel at Jabiru, so named for the crocodile shape it takes.

*During March and April, the cruise will be on Adelaide River, with crossings at Mary River, West & South Alligator Rivers. Due to availability some stays maybe at Cooinda Lodge.

Delve deeper into Kakadu at Ubirr, another famous Aboriginal rock art gallery. Ubirr’s rock art is considered among the best in the world, with fine examples of x-ray painting as well as contact art from the time when Indigenous people first encountered Europeans. During your visit, you’ll climb a moderately steep 250 metre track to a rocky outlook with magnificent views across the Nadab floodplain.

Next up, take a local indigenous cruise on the East Alligator River. Hear the stories of the region as you spot the large saltwater crocodiles that dwell in these waters. Returning to our sturdy yet comfortable vehicle, we’ll traverse Cahill’s Crossing to visit the town of Oenpelli, stopping at the Injalak gallery to admire the indigenous artworks.

Returning to Jabiru, you’ll gain another perspective on the incredible environments you experienced today on a 30- minute scenic flight that takes you over ancient escarpments, floodplains and winding rivers and exhibits the results of 1.8 billion years of continuous erosion. This flight includes live commentary from your pilot as you glide over these spectacular ancient lands.

**During March and April, touring may visit Nourlangie Rock Art, the Bowali Visitor Centre, and cruise the South Alligator River in place of Ubirr, Injalak Gallery and cruising the East Alligator River. Order of sites subject to change with weather conditions.

Check out after breakfast to return to the Arnhem highway, diverting towards the town of Batchelor, the gateway to Litchfield National Park. Litchfield National Park contains several types of typical Top End habitats, including lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls, and cascades. Your first stop is Florence Falls, but one waterfall is never enough, so you’ll continue on to Wangi Falls. After a light lunch, you can take a dip in the large, crystal-clear pool of the waterfall before returning to Darwin and checking in to your hotel.

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 arriving at Alice Springs. 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 brunch 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.

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 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 delcious breakftas 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.