Itinerary
Intro Map
The Ghan - Top End Explorer
Day 1 Board The Ghan in Adelaide
Step aboard The Ghan in Adelaide for an unforgettable adventure to the Top End. Settle into your cabin and see the changes in landscape from your window as the train leaves the city, heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond.
Overnight stay aboard The Ghan.
Day 2 The Ghan: Alice Springs
After your first night enjoying the fine dining and relaxed luxury of this iconic train, you’ll wake to an amazing outback sunrise at Marla – a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border that marks the start of the Oodnadatta Track.
Enjoy more incredible scenery before arriving at Alice Springs early in the afternoon to enjoy an Off Train Experience that reveals more of this historic outback town.
Overnight stay aboard The Ghan.
Day 3 The Ghan: Katherine and Darwin
As you head further north into the tropics, prepare to experience one of the Top End’s most impressive natural wonders. The stunning Nitmiluk Gorge lies within the massive 292,000 hectares of Nitmiluk National Park near Katherine.
You’ll have the chance to explore it from the water with a guided cruise – an Off Train Experience you'll never forget. A few hours later, you’ll arrive in Darwin and transfer to your accommodation.
Overnight stay in Darwin at Double Tree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin.
Day 4 Darwin to Kakadu National Park
Today your touring with Outback Spirit commences. Depart Darwin heading towards Kakadu National Park. Much of the route is along the Arnhem highway, passing 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, we enter the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, stopping at the Mamukala Wetlands and the Bowali Visitor Centre before arriving at your accommodation, the Crocodile Hotel at Jabiru, so named for the crocodile shape it takes.
*Due to the seasonal weather experienced in the Top End during March and April, we will visit the Bowali Visitor Centre on the second day here, and the cruise will occur on Adelaide River with crossings at Mary River, West Alligator and South Alligator Rivers.
Overnight stay at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (Due to availability, some stays may be at Cooinda Lodge Darwin)
Day 5 Kakadu National Park
Begin the day with a drive to the East Alligator River region, known as the gateway to Arnhem Land. Take a spectacular local indigenous cruise on the East Alligator River and listen to the stories of the region as you spot the large saltwater crocodiles that dwell in these waters. After a peaceful cruise, it’s time to reboard the coach and head to the World Heritage Ubirr art site, home to some of the world's most outstanding rock art.
Enjoy a 1-kilometre circular track walk and take in the amazing rock art. There will be time for those feeling fit to make the steep 250m climb to the top of the rocky escarpment for magnificent views across the Magela floodplain.
Enjoy a light lunch before visiting a local indigenous community arts centre, where there is the opportunity to watch local artists at work and possibly purchase some artwork.
Later, we head out to Nourlangie where you can take in ancient rock paintings and spectacular vistas as you take a 1.5 kilometre walk around this incredible indigenous site. Then it’s time to head back to the hotel to relax and enjoy dinner.
** Due to the seasonal weather experienced in the Top End during March and April you may visit the Bowali and Warradjan Visitor Centres in place of Ubirr, and the cruise will occur on Yellow Waters.
Overnight stay at Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel (Due to availability, some stays may be at Cooinda Lodge Darwin)
Day 6 Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Darwin
This morning is a 6.45am departure to Jabiru Airport, where you'll gain another perspective on this incredible environment. Take to the skies on a 60-minute scenic flight over ancient escarpments, floodplains and winding rivers, exhibiting the results of 1.8 billion years of continuous erosion. Your flight includes live commentary from your pilot as you glide over these spectacular ancient lands.
Following our morning flight, we depart Kakadu National Park and head towards Batchelor, the gateway to Litchfield National Park. Containing several types of typical Top End habitats, Litchfield National Park is abundant with lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls, and cascades.
After stopping for morning tea, we head onto Wangi Falls; a large plunge pool surrounded by shady grassed areas. The falls flow all year round and after a light lunch, you can take a dip in the crystal-clear pool.
Our next stop is Florence Falls. Here you can watch from the scenic viewing platform as the spectacular falls cascade into the plunge pool below. We then head for Darwin, arriving early evening, where your Outback Spirit Tour comes to an end.
Overnight stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin.
Day 7 Darwin
Take in the top sights of this tropical city on a morning tour, including the Stokes Hill Wharf area, Botanic Gardens, the Chinese Temple, the Mooring Basin, and Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, plus Darwin Aviation Museum. In the evening, admire a spectacular sunset while feasting on a Territory-style dinner featuring local seafood and produce on a Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise.
Overnight stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin.
Day 8 Farewell
Your Top End experience comes to an end as you check out of your accommodation after breakfast and farewell Darwin.
Accommodation
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade
Darwin
Perfectly locate on Darwin Esplanade, take in the breathtaking views of the harbor and enjoy hotel's trademark cookies when you arrive. Experience an imaginative combination of food and wine and unwind by the stunning outdoor pool after a long day of sightseeing around Darwin.
Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel
Kakadu National Park
An idyllic retreat located in the wilderness of Kakadu National Park and is the perfect base to start exploring many of Kakadu’s most significant natural attractions. Cool off in the large outdoor pool, the perfect oasis for relaxing in between discovery tours before feasting on Kakadu bush tucker & gourmet dining at the Escarpment restaurant and bar.
The Ghan
Upgrade availableThe Ghan offers more than transit between Adelaide to Darwin and vice versa. Onboard you will find sumptuous dining, elegant private cabins, attentive service, and the camaraderie of your fellow travellers and when the train stops, the adventures begin. Choose from a huge range of included off-train experiences to create your own rich and rewarding personal journey through Australia’s outback and beyond.
GOLD SERVICE
Immerse yourself in the world of romance that epitomises rail travel with our Gold Service offering. Our most popular service option has everything you’ll need to feel at home for the duration of your journey.
Choose between Gold Twin or Single cabins, both of which provide the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day’s journey.
And after a day of off-train activities, your cabin provides the perfect place to relax and recharge before heading for the lounge or dining carriage. With room to stretch out and all the comforts of home, Gold Service is the most popular level of service aboard The Ghan. You’ll enjoy private cabin accommodation together with all-inclusive dining, beverages and a range of fascinating Off Train Excursions at key stops.
Gold includes hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and three-course dinners. You may also choose to complement your meal with our selection of premium wines and beverages, all included in your fare.
Gold Twin Cabins
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 include
- Power outlets in cabin
- In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary available
- All-inclusive dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant
- All-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
- All-inclusive Off Train Excursions and Short Stops
- Luggage allowance is 60kg per guest
- Complimentary Shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin to selected hotels in the city centre
Single cabins available – or upgrade to the highest level of service onboard, Platinum Service.
Room Upgrades
Gold Single Cabin
A compact sleeper cabin featuring a bed that converts to a seat by day, private vanity, with shared shower/toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage.
Australia’s iconic rail journeys offer purpose-built carriages to do it in superb style. Our Gold Service Single is a comfortable sleeper cabin option that offers all the luxurious inclusions of the Gold Service Twin such as fully inclusive dining with three gourmet meals per day, all-inclusive Australian wines, beers, base spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, and your choice of Off Train Experiences as you travel.
Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.
Gold Premium
Gold Premium is a new style of travel for 2024 – For travellers who want that little bit more. Accommodated in newly designed, contemporary cabins, guests have exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining carriage for meals and socialising.
The Gold Premium Lounge is your social hub. Think luxe leather banquettes and swivel chairs made for sinking into, and mood lighting creating an elegant ambiance that references the romance inherent in train travel.
Gold Premium Dining is a feast in multiple ways, with a contemporary design that respects Art Deco as the setting for carefully curated meals, from hearty breakfasts to two-course regionally inspired lunches and delectable four-course dinners, featuring the finest ingredients from local suppliers, farmers and providores. Naturally, this is accompanied by a selection of premium Australian wines.
Gold Premium Twin
A newly designed, contemporary cabin that converts from a lounge by day into sleeping berths at night.
Gold Premium Suite
The Gold Premium Suite has a three-quarter-size double bed plus a fold-down upper berth and a lounge area, with extra room to relax.
Gold Premium (Twin & Suite) service includes:
- Premium amenities, luxuriously soft linen and silk eye masks
- Exclusive access to the Gold Premium Lounge and Gold Premium Dining carriage
- Two-course, regionally inspired lunches and four-course dinners
- All-inclusive premium Australian wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
- All-inclusive Off Train Experiences and preferences on tour selections
- 75kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 25 kg each)
- Priority luggage check-in
- Power outlets in cabin
- In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
- Complimentary shuttle bus transfers available in Darwin and Brisbane to selected hotels in the city centre.
Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.
Platinum
Platinum
Nothing enhances the romance of rail travel quite like Platinum Service. Tailored for the discerning traveller, our Platinum Service adds a new level of sophistication to your journey. Stylishly appointed and spacious cabins are complemented by discreet, personalised service and access to the exclusive Platinum Club carriage for meals, relaxation and socialising. As you’d expect, the food and wine are of the highest standard. Enjoy hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and four-course dinners, all regionally inspired and paired with champagne and premium wines.
And it all begins before you’ve even stepped aboard. Platinum guests receive private transfers before and after your journey, beginning the adventure in style.
Platinum cabins offer premium extras, like a full-size en suite, expansive window views from the train, and exclusive use of the Platinum Club carriage. Add to that the luxurious linen, French Champagne, Bracegirdle’s chocolates, a nightcap at turndown and more, and you’re in for an exceptional experience.
Platinum service includes:
- All-inclusive dining, beverages, and Off Train Experiences
- Spacious Double or Twin cabin almost twice the size of a Gold Service Twin cabin
- By day, cabins are set up lounge-style with a moveable table and two ottomans
- By night, lounges are converted to double or twin beds
- En suite equipped with separate shower, vanity with cupboard space, toilet and Australian bathroom amenities
- Power outlets and in-cabin safe
- In-cabin music channels and journey audio commentary
- Panoramic windows offering views from both sides of the train
- Access to the exclusive Platinum Club for dining and socialising
- Freshly prepared continental breakfasts served upon request in-cabin
- Refreshments served in-cabin
- Transfers at the start and end of your journey available for guests within 60 km of the terminal
- 90 kg checked luggage allowance per guest (3 x 30 kg each).
Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.