11 days / 10 nights from £1,065 per person

Take in the dramatic landscape of the Australian outback on board one of the world’s most exciting train journeys. The vast land mass of Australia is criss-crossed by some of the world’s longest trans-continental rail journeys & this itinerary includes the legendary Ghan rail journey through the heart of Australia, travelling from Darwin to Adelaide, including a stopover to view the natural wonders of Uluru & the Northern Territory.

Day 1 - Darwin

Darwin is the Northern Territory’s tropical capital city on the shores of a harbour 7 times the area size of Sydney Harbour. Acclaimed for its relaxed, contemporary lifestyle and personality, Darwin is a vibrant city and is the gateway to explore the best natural and cultural attractions the Northern Territory and Australia has to offer.

Arrive into Darwin & transfer to the Value Inn, situated in the centre of Darwin for a 3 night stay. Spend the day at leisure perhaps visiting the city’s famous harbour side & parks. The Value Inn is located in Mitchell Street, which is fast becoming the tourist haven of Darwin, boasting a wide variety of multi-cultural cafe’s, night markets and speciality shopping.

Day 2 - Darwin

Today is a free day to relax & enjoy the city. Perhaps the best way to get acquainted with the city’s Aboriginal heritage, WWII history and colourful past is on a guided tour either on foot, riding a bike or small coach. At night the city bursts into life along Mitchell Street, the heart of Darwin’s restaurants, pubs and clubs. Harbour-side entertainment can be found on the stylish boardwalks of Cullen Bay Marina, Skycity Casino, the legendary Mindil Beach, and quirky Ski Club or Sailing Club which boast spectacular sunsets.

Local restaurants and markets offer a variety of cuisines and atmospheres, but make sure that you tuck into some authentic Territory fare like mud crabs, Barramundi, buffalo, kangaroo and crocodile.
Take time to indulge in the open air Asian-style markets at Parap, Nightcliff and Mindil Beach. Relish the flavour of five continents, have your palm read, browse locally made arts and crafts, and watch local entertainers perform.

Day 3 - Kakadu National Park Day Tour

World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is around three hours east of Darwin & is Australia’s biggest national park. Here you’ll find rugged escarpments, lush rainforest and rock art galleries up to 50,000 years old. Learn about Aboriginal culture from traditional owners the Bininj/Mungguy people. Witness millions of migratory birds amongst the wetlands. See delicate waterlilies and prehistoric crocodiles, thundering waterfalls and sparkling waterholes. Experience Kakadu’s magic in six dramatically different seasons. Kakadu is a tapestry of treasures waiting to be explored.

Leaving Darwin, today we travel on the Arnhem Highway across the Adelaide River and Marrakai Plains. Stopping at Nourlangie Rock, your Guide will lead a walk to view ancient Aboriginal rock art. After lunch we join our local guide for a cruise on the famous Yellow Water Billabong. Search for saltwater crocodiles and the colourful range of bird life this region is renowned for. Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre and view the informative displays depicting the traditions of the Aboriginal people in Kakadu, before returning to Darwin. An optional spectacular 50 minute scenic flight over Kakadu is available today.

Day 4 - Depart Darwin on the Ghan

Travelling on the Ghan between Darwin & Adelaide (via Alice Springs) you’ll experience one of the most fascinating great train journey’s of the world through the heartland of Australia The long planned track between Darwin & Alice Springs finally opened in 2004. We depart Darwin this morning travelling south to Katherine where we stop for approximately 4 hours, giving you enough time to look around the town or enjoy a spectacular whistle stop tour at Katherine Gorge in the Nitmiluk National Park.

Tonight we remain on board the Ghan in your Red Service seat. Red service is a quality travel option for those seeking the most ecomonical way to see Australia by train. Red Service Daynighter seats are recliner lounge style chairs with ample leg room & individual reading lights. Shower & toilet facilities are available, with affordable light meals, snacks & drinks being available to purchase from the Red Service Diner.

Upgrades are available to either the Gold or Platinum service on request, offering deluxe cabins for guests seeking to travel in more style & comfort.

Day 5 - Alice Springs

On arrival into Alice Springs check into the All Seasons Oasis just a few minute’s walk from the town centre.
Featuring two swimming pools set among lush tropical gardens, a spa, sauna, BBQ area, restaurant and bar, the
hotel is a perfect base to explore the attractions of Alice Springs, including Flynns Memorial, the Old Ghan Train, Desert Park and the Botanical Gardens. Alice Springs is the gateway to Ayers Rock, The Olgas and Kings Canyon.

Day 6 - Ayers Rock

Today we travel from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) aboard a luxury coach. Take in the rugged desert landscapes of the region, passing through the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges. Stop en route at the Outback Camel Farm. You have the opportunity to ride a camel (own expense). While travelling through this remote country, your friendly Driver/Guide will provide an informative and entertaining commentary. Learn of the natural and geological history of the region, as well as the unique Australian desert flora and fauna.

Tonight we stay at the Voyages Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge offering traditional Aussie hospitality. Taste Australia’s pioneering past, as you enjoy a beer at the do-it-yourself Outback BBQ. Swap stories of your day's adventures, or sing along with the nightly entertainment. Alternatively,opt for the peace and quiet of the Bough House Restaurant over a buffet dinner. Combined with all the luxuries of the Resort, the Outback Pioneer Hotel is ideal for families who want to enjoy all that Ayers Rock (Uluru) has to offer. With over 65 tours, local activities and attractions within the Resort and the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, your days will be action-packed. Ride a camel across the dunes, hop on a Harley, or embark on a base walk of Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Day 7 - Ayers Rock

Enjoy a free day in Ayers Rock. Known as Uluru, this gigantic natural icon is the largest and most famous monolith in the world. It’s size is even more incredible when you consider that an estimated two thirds of it lies beneath the surface.

Today we can include your choice of activities ranging from an awe inspiring sunrise over Uluru over a warming tea or coffee before travelling to the Mutijulu Waterhole, to learn about the landscape’s natural features, traditional Aboriginal history & rock paintings, to a stunning sunset at the Sounds of Silence Dinner as the sun slowly sets over the Olga’s & Ayer’s Rock, dining on a gourmet BBQ under a million stars.

Day 8 - Alice Springs

Travelling from Ayers Rock to Alice Springs we board a luxury coach early in the afternoon and travel from Yulara. See Atila (Mt Conner) in the distance. This fascinating flat-topped mountain juts out of the surrounding desert plain, bearing witness to a period of massive uplift followed by eons of erosion. Head to the town at the heart of the Red Centre, Alice Springs. Pass through the striking Outback landscapes including the extraordinary MacDonnell Ranges that reflect a spectacular array of sunburnt oranges, maroons and purples.

Your Driver/Guide will provide an informative and entertaining commentary. Learn about the natural and geological history of the region, unique Australian desert flora and fauna, and some of the traditional customs and beliefs of the Aboriginal people.
Overnight at the All Seasons Oasis in Alice Springs.

Day 9 - Depart Alice Springs on the Ghan

This morning is free to relax before rejoining The Ghan for an overnight service through to Adelaide.

Day 10 - Adelaide

This elegant city is known for its colonial stone architecture, expansive parklands, lively festivals and incredible sense of space. Explore the museums and libraries of North Terrace, dine on dedicated ‘eat streets’ or picnic in gardens that sprawl over almost half the city. Go bike riding in Botanic Park or row past rose gardens in Rymill Park. Swim with dolphins or learn to sail in Glenelg or fish from the jetty in Henley. Just beyond the city centre you’ll find the picturesque Adelaide Hills and the world-class wineries of the Barossa Valley.

Overnight at the Breakfree Directors Studios within short walking distance from Chinatown, Central Markets, Rundle Mall, the Convention Centre, Casino, Festival Theatre. Close to restaurants, cafes and bars, Breakfree Directors Studios is a small, comfortable hotel - perfect for leisure travellers with a budget.

Day 11 - Adelaide

Depart Adelaide for your onward arrangements.

ADD THIS EXCURSION TO YOUR TRIP...

6 Day Package including travel from Darwin to Adelaide aboard the Ghan, 2 nights in Adelaide & a full day tour to Kangaroo Island

Receive a FREE UPGRADE* from Red Sleeper Service to Gold Sleeper Service

Save up to £453 per person

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