"THE GHAN" The Territory Complete (Adelaide to Darwin) 14D13N

Departing from Adelaide, 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 rolling pastural lands make way for some of the oldest rock formations in the world: The Flinders Ranges.

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 at Marla, an outback outpost in the remote reaches of South Australia. 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. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Alice Springs - the capital of the outback having completed one of the world’s great travel experiences.

You’ll stay the next two nights at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters.

You have a whole day to do as you please in Alice Springs. Why not take a guided walk of Simpsons Gap, one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges, where flora, fauna and Indigenous culture come together in one magical location? Or, wander around The Alice to discover iconic sites including ANZAC Hill, the Telegraph Station and The School of the Air, established in 1951 to help with the education of students in remote areas who were unable to attend face-to-face lessons. Or else, get up close to over 200 desert animals and 400 plants at The Alice Springs Desert Park. 

If you want to really appreciate the scope and beauty of the area surround The Alice, we strongly recommend you book one of the Alice Springs day tours.

DAY 3 OPTIONAL ADD-ON EXPERIENCES

• 60 Minute Hot Balloon Flight
• Full Day The Best of Alice In A Day (Private Guided)
• Full Day Best of the West MacDonnell Ranges (Private Guided)
• Full Day 4WD Palm Valley Experience (Private Guided)
• 4WD West MacDonnell Ranges (Group Tour)

Feel the anticipation build as you travel towards Uluru (Ayers Rock), the beating red heart of Australia.

As you approach, you’ll see majestic Attila (Mount Conner), a flat topped and horseshoe shaped mountain that rises to a height of 300 metres (984ft). Don’t confuse this mighty mountain for Uluru – the best is yet to come!

Watch the sunset pink to deep red over the 36 mystical domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) before settling into Sails in the Desert, your home for the next two nights.

DAY 4 OPTIONAL ADD-ON EXPERIENCES

• Sounds of Silence Dinner
• Tali Wiru Dinner
• A Night at Field of Light

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, which simply translated means ‘heads many’. Tours take in either Walpa Gorge, a gentle but rocky track that leads you into a world of rare plant species and lush evergreen shrubs known as Spearwood, or the spectacular Valley of the Winds. 

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.

Before heading back to the resort, you’ll visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, where you can learn about Anangu culture and the park’s natural environment through exhibits and free presentations with Anangu and park rangers.

This unforgettable day concludes with a spectacular Uluru sunset complemented by an Aussie BBQ.

Use the morning to relax or take part in the free activities on offer at the resort. Take a guided walk through the native gardens of the Desert Gardens Hotel. Join a bush yarn at the Circle of Sand with a local Aboriginal storyteller. Or, browse incredible works by local artists at the resort’s art galleries or the Wintjiri Arts + Museum.

DAY 6 OPTIONAL ADD-ON EXPERIENCES

• Camel to Sunrise Tour
• Uluru and Kata Tjuta Heli Flight (30mins)
• Uluru Kata Tjuta & Lake Amadeus Heli Flight (1.5hrs)

Later in the day, travel to Watarrka National Park, home to the majestic Kings Canyon.

Feel on top of the world as you walk along the towering red rock cliffs of Kings Canyon and take in views of the forest of palms below. A six-kilometre round trip, the iconic Kings Canyon Rim Walk will take you down into the Garden of Eden, a beautiful rock hole surrounded by rare plants, before ascending to panoramic views over the red sand dunes. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

You’ll then visit Kings Creek Station, a real working cattle station where you’ll have the chance to try the famous Kings Creek camel burgers.

You’ll stay the next two nights at Crowne Plaze Alice Springs Lasseters.

Enjoy free day in Alice Springs to tick off any activities and sites you might have missed the first time around. 

DAY 8 OPTIONAL ADD-ON EXPERIENCES

• 60 Minute Hot Balloon Flight
• Full Day The Best of Alice In A Day (Private Guided)
• Full Day Best of the West MacDonnell Ranges (Private Guided)
• Full Day 4WD Palm Valley Experience (Private Guided)
• 4WD West MacDonnell Ranges (Group Tour)

It’s time to get back onboard The Ghan and get reacquainted with your cabin.

As the train heads north, mingle with your fellow travellers in the Outback Explorer Lounge or simply relax, look out your window and watch the world go by.

The landscape continues to transform as you head towards Katherine, where you’ll choose from Off Train Excursions you’ll never forget.

You’ll visit the spectacular sandstone country of Nitmiluk National Park and the majestic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, where mesmerising cliffs glow in the changing light. You’ll have the chance to explore the gorge from the water with guided cruise options to suit every fitness level. 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.  

If you’d prefer to take it easy, venture out to an authentic cattle station to witness real horse-starting and working dog demonstrations entwined with live music and humorous bush tales. You will have the opportunity to interact with some of the four-legged station characters including Tin Shaker the Brahman Steer and Bill the Buffalo, while learning about the Northern Territory’s rich pastoral history before enjoying a delicious morning tea.  

In the evening, arrive in Darwin, where you will transfer to your accommodation for the next two nights: Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront. 

The day is yours to explore Darwin at your leisure. Sleep in 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.  

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.   

Journey along the Arnhem Highway to the heart of Kakadu National Park, one of the world’s most spectacular natural environments. Learn about local Aboriginal culture and history at the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Keep an eye out for saltwater crocodiles on a cruise of Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water Billabong).  

Finally, marvel at World Heritage-listed rock art at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), home to a number of species found nowhere else on the planet including the chestnut-quilled rock pigeon and the barrk or black wallaroo.

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.

After, join the Guluyambi Cruise and, with special permission of the traditional landowners, enjoy the privilege of going ashore at Arnhem Land. Home to the Yolngu Aboriginal people, Arnhem Land is a wild and untamed landscape which has remained unchanged for centuries.

Cap off the day with a visit to the Bowali Visitor Centre, where you can watch a 25-minute video presentation to help you gain a greater understanding of Kakadu’s landscape and moods. You can also take a look at the Marrawuddi Gallery for Aboriginal arts, crafts, books and gifts.

In the evening, return to Darwin where you will stay the night at Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront.

Having completed your life-changing adventure, it is time to check out of your hotel to commence your onward journey.