The Outback Railway - The Ghan (*686)

Day 1: Welcome to Adelaide – The Ghan

On arrival in Adelaide make your own way to Adelaide Parklands Terminal to board The Ghan for your journey to Alice Springs (flights to arrive prior to 10.00am). Sit back, relax and enjoy the comfort of the train as the outback scenery passes you by.

Day 2: The Ghan – Alice Springs

Wake up to a magnificent outback sunrise. Arrive in Alice Springs and join a town tour including a visit to the Telegraph Station and Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Day 3: Alice Springs – Uluṟu (Ayers Rock)

Travelling south you’ll stop to visit a camel farm where there is time for a short camel ride (own expense). Later stop to view Atila (Mt. Conner) before arriving at Ayers Rock Resort.

This afternoon travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Continue to the base of Walpa Gorge. Late afternoon, travel to the Uluru sunset viewing area. Witness and photograph the striking colour changes of Uluru at sunset while enjoying nibbles and complimentary wine. After sunset, join us under the stars at our exclusive venue. Enjoy sparkling wine then dine on a menu of steak, lamb sausages, chicken skewers and garlic prawns, salads and a tasty dessert. All accompanied by a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks. There’s time for stargazing too (weather conditions permitting).

Day 4: Uluṟu (Ayers Rock) – Kings Canyon

Rise early to watch the first rays of the sun set the Red Centre and Uluru alight. After sunrise join your Driver Guide for a drive around the base of Uluru then travel to Mutitjulu Waterhole. Here view Aboriginal rock art and learn about the area as your Driver Guide indicated native flora and fauna and explains the history of Uluru. Visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. This afternoon travel to Kings Canyon Resort.

Day 5: Kings Canyon – Alice Springs

This morning join your Driver Guide for the rocky climb to the canyon rim for superb views of Watarrka National Park. Alternatively explore the creek bed (an easier, shady walk). This afternoon return to Alice Springs.

Note: During the hotter months of the year where temperatures can reach and exceed 36° C or 97° F, the Watarrka National Park Rangers strongly advise that visitors do not take part in the Kings Canyon Rim Climb.  In this drier desert climate heat exhaustion, over these hotter months, is a very high possibility and a danger in such remote regions.  To ensure the safety and enjoyment of our clients we offer a guided walk along the Kings Canyon creek-bed as an alternative.

Day 6: Alice Springs – The Ghan

Enjoy a free day to explore Alice Springs. In the early evening you will be transferred to the Alice Springs Railway Station to join The Ghan for the journey of a lifetime to Darwin.

Day 7: The Ghan – Katherine – Darwin

Savour your last day aboard The Ghan. Enjoy a stopover in Katherine before arriving at Darwin Railway Station and transferring to your hotel. The evening is free to explore Darwin.

Day 8: Darwin – Kakadu National Park

Travel across the Marrakai Plains and deep into Kakadu National Park. Visit the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Join the famous Yellow Water Billabong cruise to observe saltwater crocodiles and prolific birdlife. Take a guided walk to view Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie.

Day 9: Kakadu National Park – Darwin

Stop at Ubirr with a short walk to view rock art. Join the Guluyambi Cruise along the East Alligator River in search of saltwater crocodiles. We’ll have an Aboriginal guide with us and with the special permission of the local people, we will be able to go ashore in Arnhem Land. Later visit the Bowali Visitor Centre. Then there is the opportunity for a scenic flight (own expense) over the Arnhem Land Escarpment. Return to Darwin this afternoon.

Note: During the months November to May, access to Ubirr and East Alligator River is not always possible. Alternative touring will be arranged.

Day 10: Litchfield National Park

Enter magnificent Litchfield National Park. View the magnetic termite mounds. You’ll see the picturesque double waterfall that forms Florence Falls before viewing Tolmer Falls. Then continue to the rock pool at Wangi Falls for a swim (weather conditions permitting).

Day 11: Farewell from Darwin

Your rail break concludes this morning in Darwin. You’ll be transferred to Darwin Airport for your onward flights (flights