Overview
You’ll experience Australian wildlife in their natural habitat and visit incredible remote landscapes as you explore Australia by train on The Ghan, before continuing on to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks for deeper exploration of the Top End’s diverse natural habitats.
Itinerary
Intro Map
The Ghan - Top End Explorer
Day 1 Board The Ghan in Adelaide
Board The Ghan in Adelaide for an incredible showcase journey of inland Australia. As the train leaves the city heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond, the dramatic changes in landscape from pastoral land to arid outback scenes will ignite your imagination. Lunch is served on board – this is the first of many superb, chef-prepared gourmet meals, showcasing regional flair and season flavours.
Overnight stay aboard The Ghan.
Day 2 The Ghan: Alice Springs
After your first night enjoying the fine dining and relaxed comfort of this iconic train, you’ll wake to an unforgettable outback sunrise at Marla – a remote outpost 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border that marks the start of the Oodnadatta Track. Enjoy the magnificent scenery as you make your way onwards to Alice Springs, where you have a selection of Off Train Experiences to choose from. There’s an experience to suit everyone, from an off-road mountain bike adventure to the Alice Explorer tour, a cultural experience at Standley Chasm, meeting the wildlife at the Desert Park, or taking in the astounding beauty of Simpson’s Gap. Alternatively, take it all in from the air, with an optional upgrade helicopter flight.
Overnight stay aboard The Ghan.
Day 3 The Ghan: Katherine and Darwin
When the landscape transforms into rocky gorges and fast flowing canyon streams, prepare to experience one of the Top End’s most impressive natural wonders on a boat cruise along Nitmiluk Gorge. Alternatively, the Katherine Outback Experience lets you into the lives of those who call the outback home. There is also a helicopter flight upgrade available, for those wishing to see Nitmiluk from an aerial perspective. Continue to Darwin, where you’ll disembark The Ghan and be transferred to your overnight accommodation. After checking in, you may wish to explore the Waterfront Precinct with its many restaurants and bars.
Overnight stay in Darwin at Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
Day 4 Darwin to Kakadu National Park
As one adventure ends, another begins with Outback Spirit. This morning, depart Darwin and head towards Kakadu National Park. Much of the route is along the Arnhem Highway, passing the productive region of Humpty Doo, where some of the Top End’s tropical fruits are grown. Cross the Adelaide River, with its vast wetlands, attracting migratory birds before arriving at Mary River, where you will take to the water on a cruise that showcases local wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife. Continuing east, enter the dual World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, for both environmental and cultural values, 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, you will visit the Bowali Visitor Centre on Day 2, 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)
Day 5 Kakadu National Park
This morning, rise with the sun for an early departure to Jabiru Airport. Here, you will take to the skies to gain a new perspective of this incredible environment. Enjoy 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. After landing at Jabiru Airport, depart for 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 the 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. Then, it’s time to stretch your legs on a one-kilometre circular track walk. 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 heading to Nourlangie where you'll see more ancient rock paintings and spectacular vistas on a 1.5 kilometre walk around this special Indigenous site. 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)
Day 6 Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Darwin
Today, 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, 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. Your next stop is Florence Falls. Here you can watch from the scenic viewing platform as the spectacular falls cascade into the plunge pool below. Then head for Darwin, arriving early evening, where your Outback Spirit Tour concludes.
Overnight stay at Hilton Garden Inn Darwin.
Day 7 Darwin
Today is free for you to enjoy the sights of Darwin at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll along the Waterfront Precinct or visit the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. 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 Hilton Garden Inn 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
The Ghan
Upgrade availableThe Ghan offers more than transit between cities. 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
Immerse yourself in the world of romance that epitomises rail travel with Gold Service.
Choose between Gold Twin or Single cabins, both of which provide the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day’s journey. 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. 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
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
Nothing enhances the romance of rail travel quite like Platinum Service. Tailored for the discerning traveller, 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.
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